Community Education

Rancho Santa Ana Botanic Garden Education Department

The Garden offers quality programming for the community with the goal of bringing knowledge and new skills to a public dedicated to appreciation, enjoyment, conservation, understanding and thoughtful utilization of our natural heritage.

The variety of interpretive programs, classes, tours, field trips, special events and activities offered through Rancho Santa Ana Botanic Garden’s Education Department all serve to advance the mission of the Garden by fostering an appreciation for California’s native plants and encouraging their conservation.

Community Education

Over 80 fee-based classes, lectures and field trips to botanical and birding hotspots are offered annually. There is always something fun for families to find at the Garden as well. Annual family festivals include the Winter Bird Fest, the Annual Wildflower Show and Festival, Things That Go Bump in the Night, and the Acorn Festival. Quarterly catalogs describing family festivals, education opportunities in horticulture, botany, California natural history, and art are available by clicking on the schedule of classes or current catalog links under Community Education. For more information or to register for a class call (909) 625-8767, extension 224 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Tours for Visitors of All Ages

The touring program provides docent-led interpretive tours to preK-12 school children, college classes, scout and youth groups, and adult community groups such as garden clubs. Tram tours for persons with mobility limitations are also available. Trail and Exhibit guides are available in the gift shop for visitors who prefer self-led explorations. Click on the Tours and School Programs link to learn more about scheduling a docent-led tour or call (909) 625-8767, extension 224, or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Garden Discovery Carts

Interpretive stations are set out in the garden for a few hours each weekend (October through May) and are designed to engage visitors in a short learning activity. Topics change monthly and include gardening with natives, insects in the Garden, California trees, birds and wildflowers. There are hands-on activities and take home projects for children.

K-12 and Teacher Education

The Garden provides a variety of resources for teachers and guided tour programs for K-12 students. Learn about current teacher workshops, and professional development by clicking on the Teacher Features link. In addition, teachers are provided with content rich lesson plans and materials to enhance their classroom teaching that articulate with our school tour offerings. Portable education kits are also available for teachers on loan from the Garden. Go to the "Tours and School Programs" link to learn more or call (909) 625-8767, extension 224, or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it .