Education

Field Trips Small Group Programs Summer Programs

We accept credit cards over the phone.  Payment for all workshops or classes can be sent to:
The Friends of Guadalupe River Park & Gardens
438 Coleman Ave.
San Jose, CA 95110

For more information please contact our Education Department at education@grpg.org or 408-298-7657.

Programs For Kids

Guadalupe Gardens BioTech Summer Camp
with Schmahl Science Workshops and the BioMobileLab

Two Sessions Only: Monday through Friday
July 20-25th
9:00-12:00pm, 2:00-5:00pm
8th - 12th graders
Fee: $350

Combining science with nature, this camp provides the older student hands-on molecular biology activities, set in the Guadalupe River Park & Gardens, a beautiful urban park just adjacent to downtown San Jose. During this week long biotech investigation, students will learn important molecular biology techniques including: chromatography, DNA & protein isolation and analysis and DNA amplification through PCR (polymerase chain reaction). These valuable techniques will then be applied to an investigation of the differences between roses in the Heritage Rose Garden, where many of the roses can not be identified without DNA data. Being taught these concepts by upper level undergraduates and grad students, also exposes these lucky students to different careers in science.

Pre-registration is required. Sessions must meet a minimum participation requirement. The deadline for registration is July 13th. Some scholarship money is available on a first come first serve basis. For more information on the BioMobileLab visit www.schmahlscience.org

This workshop will be held at the GRPG Visitor and Education Center, 438 Coleman Avenue. To register, call Friends of GRPG at 408 298-7657.

All events will be held at the new Guadalupe River Park & Gardens Visitor & Education Center, located at 438 Coleman Avenue. Space is limited, so reserve your spot early by contacting us at education@grpg.org or 408-298-7657 or by sending a check to: Friends of Guadalupe River Park & Gardens, 438 Coleman Avenue, San Jose, CA 95110. Visa and MasterCard are also accepted via phone or mail. For more information please call 408-298-7657.

Beginning Composting Workshop
Wednesdays, September 2nd
6:00 – 8:00pm
Free
Instructor:  Phil Cornish, Master Composter
Complete your garden or get started gardening by learning how to compost - one of the best ways to add nutrients to your soil and keep waste out of the landfill at the same time. We will cover items such as: what can be composted, the various composting methods available, and what to do with finished compost.  He will also discuss worm composting and help you choose which method works best for you.

The Santa Clara County Master Composters, in partnership with the City of San Jose offer similar workshops one Saturday per month. Click here to view that schedule!

Since this class is free, you can sign up on-line by clicking here!

Composting Workshop in the Guadalupe Community Garden
Saturday, July 18th
9:00 – 11:00am
Free
Instructor:  BrianDebasitis, Master Composter
Learn nature’s way of recycling in a free,  hands-on composting class at the new Guadalupe Community Garden near Taylor & Walnut. Join Friends of Guadalupe River Park & Gardens and Master Composter Brian Debasitis for a workshop covering items such as what can be composted, the various composting methods available, and what to do with the finished compost. He will also discuss worm composting and help you choose which method works best for you. This is also a great opportunity to see the latest City of San Jose Community Garden and scontribute to the setting up of the new bins. 

Summer Fruit Tree Pruning
Saturday, August 1st
9:00 to 11:00am
$10/members, $15/non-members
Summer is a great time to train young trees and encourage more fruit. This second workshop, led by Sean McGrail, Landscaper and Nancy Garrison, California Rare Fruit Grower will be held in the Guadalupe’s Historic Orchard, a 3.3 acre site planted in 1994 to showcase the varieties of fruit trees that once made the Santa Clara Valley the “Valley of Hearts Delight”. Using demonstrations and actual practice, you’ll learn why summer pruning helps you train the tree, reduce the amount of growth for easier harvest and diminish the trees vigor.  Pruning now also allows the pruning wounds to harden off before the rainy season potentially reducing the risk of infection. Bring pruning equipment, and dress ready to walk the orchard among 250 fruit trees, including cherries, apricots, prunes, apples and more. The Historic Orchard is maintained by dedicated volunteers.

Fool Proof Flower Arranging
Saturday, August 8th
1:30 - 3:30pm
$10.00/ members, $20/non-members
Summer is here! You’ve gathered a marvelous bundle of colorful summer flowers and foliage, now what? Join Master Gardeners, Milli Wright and Bette Lloyd and Friends of Guadalupe River Park & Gardens for a workshop on the basic principles of floral design. Bring vases, to take home your own creation with materials provided. You will also learn creative ways of combining colors, unique foliage fillers and tips and tricks for harvesting, preserving and sharing your flower arrangements. Surprise yourself with an easy workshop designed to bring out your inner Floral Designer.

More Twilight Yoga!
Twilight in the Guadalupe is a special time of day – our Twilight Yoga class on Thursdays from 6:15-7:15pm has started and is the perfect way to end a stressful day.  Popular instructor, Kristin Strellis will be continuing with an additional 8 week class – stay tuned for details.

Twilight Yoga in the Park
Thursdays, June 11^th – July 30th
6:15 – 7:15pm
$50/members, $65/ non-members 
Participants must be 18 years or older
With warmer weather and longer evenings on the horizon, it’s time once again for Yoga in the Park, this time at twilight. Join fitness instructor Kristin Strellis for a gentle yoga class designed to improve your flexibility, balance and relaxation. All necessary equipment is provided. All you need to bring is yourself, dressed in comfortable clothing, and any stress or worries that have accumulated throughout the week and to release outdoors in the beautiful Guadalupe Park. This class will be taught outside and enrollment is limited, so make sure you reserve your space in this very popular healthy living class.

Led by fitness instructor:

Kristin Strellis
Kristin is excited to bring health and fitness opportunities to the community where she is raising her family.  Kristin has a degree in Exercise Science and is certified by the American Council on Exercise as a Personal Trainer. She is trained as a Yoga Instructor, Moms In Motion Trainer, and Kids In Motion Trainer. She is CPR, AED and First Aid certified. Kristin enjoys bringing exercise to the outdoors. Join her as she incorporates fun and education into her classes which challenge both the mind and body.

All events will be held at the Guadalupe River Park & Gardens Visitor & Education Center, located at 438 Coleman Avenue, San Jose.  Reservations are required for all programs and space is limited so reserve your spot early by contacting us at education@grpg.org or 408-298-7657.