Juvenile Hall Garden Program Begins April 7th

There is a plot of land and water access within the compound of buildings that comprise the Santa Clara county's Juvenile Hall at Hedding and 87.

In 2004 they had a garden program started by Mark Stites, Senior Group Counselor at Juvenile Hall, but it was discontinued when Stites was transferred to another facility.

Catalyst for Youth director Joanne Hobbs learned about the land available last year when talking to B10 Group Supervisor Elizabeth Alameda and Hobbs started the program this April with the blessing and help of B7 Group Supervisor Elsa Henriquez. Nineteen young men signed up for the first session but we could only take 6 because of supervision issues. We hope to accommodate 20 young men in two separate sessions as the program develops.

Clearing the land of grass

ace

The young men worked hard to clear the clay soil but in the end we decided a rotatiller was necessary and plans are being made to bring one in.

inn

A variety of seeds donated by Orchard Supply was planted in peat pots donated
by Summerwind Nursery on Almaden Expressway.

Supervisor Elsa Henriquez waters the ground to help the young men dig up the grass

See more pictures