Celebrating 15 Years of Growth, Impact, and Community

Hello Claire,

Happy 2025! This monumental year marks the 15th anniversary of Olivewood Gardens and Learning Center, a testament to our growth and impact. What started with a generous gift has blossomed into a thriving placed-based nonprofit with robust programs and a committed community. Our mission is more crucial than ever, as we champion healthy food initiatives, advocate for environmental and food justice, and empower our community through education and engagement.

We are starting the new year with our 31st generation of Cooking for Salud, our new after-school program at National School District focusing on healthy cooking, hydroponic growing and more, and our Sustainable Urban Agriculture leadership and jobs skills development program for high school students. Of course, our field trips, cooking classes, Kitchenista school presentations, garden adventures and open gardens tours will resume as well.

While this year will be full of reflection and gratitude for where we have been, it will also be future focused as we strategize for the next 15 years.

We invite you to join us in celebrating this milestone year - through sharing with us your personal experiences at Olivewood, visiting for a class or program, coming to an open garden, inviting friends or colleagues to learn more about our mission and programs,or attending our annual Seedling Soiree.

We hope to see you in the garden soon!

With gratitude,

Jen

Help continue our growth!

SAVE THE DATE!

For our Seedling Soireé: Saturday, May 31, 2025!

A highlight from our 2023-2024 Annual Impact Report

Interview with Chefcito & Garden Explorer Roberto

What programs have you participated in at Olivewood?

Chefcitos, Garden Explorers and Family Classes.

What’s your favorite thing about Olivewood?

I like to come to Olivewood and learn new things while I’m having fun and meet new kids.

What have you learned from Olivewood programs?

To make healthy food in Chefcitos and in Garden Explorers I have learned to be respectful with plants and nature and that we need to take care of them.

Do you do any new things at home because of what you learned at Olivewood?

I’m more adventuous trying new food and to plant my own veggies.

What’s your favorite vegetable?

Corn, carrots and cauliflower.

Olivewood recipe?

I love all the recipes! but my favorite are: Apple nachos, Sushi, Fruit Sushi and Popcorn Seasoning.

Click Here to Read More!

Help our gardens and kitchens flourish in 2025!

You can still make an impact and contribute to our year-end appeal!

Make a gift online
Join our Peer-to-Peer Fundraising Campaign : Rally your friends and family and start a team today by clicking here!
Text-to-Give: Simply text 'Olivewood' to 53-555 to make your gift.
Make a gift of stock or a qualified charitable distribution from an IRA: contact claire@olivewoodgardens.org
Send your gift to Olivewood Gardens & Learning Center, 2525 N Avenue, National City, CA 91950

Upcoming Events

Talls & Smalls

A Nature Adventure!

Friday, February 7th,

11:00 AM -12:00 PM

Join us for February's Talls and Smalls adventure in the garden! Spend time exploring with your little one (ages 2-5) by using your five senses together. See what vegetables look like while growing, taste the fruits, smell the herbs, listen to the sounds of wildlife, and of course, feel the dirt in your hands. We can’t wait to see you then! This class is funded in part by First 5 San Diego.

Join the Adventure!

Garden Explorers:

5 Senses in the Garden!

Saturday, January 11th,

9:30 - 11:30 AM

Join us for this month’s hands-on nature adventure, where we explore the colors, smells, sounds and more in the garden! We will create beautiful earth chimes, eat a yummy snack and explore nature throughout the garden! Garden Explorers is for kids grades K-6. Space is limited register below!

Join the Outdoors!

Family Gardening Workshop!

Saturday, January 11th, 10AM - 11AM

Join us and Mundo Gardens at Paradise Creek Community Garden for a FREE gardening workshop! Bring your friends and family, ask questions, learn about gardening and plant something!

All ages are welcome and no registration is required. See you there!

Hands on Cooking! Fresh Gnocchi Making Class!

Join us this January for an exciting adult cooking class where you'll learn to make delightful homemade gnocchi! Using seasonal butternut squash and potatoes, you'll discover how easy it is to create these fluffy pillows of goodness. We'll top them with a rich, plant-based cashew sage sauce and serve them alongside fresh garden veggies. Impress your friends with your newfound culinary skills!

Save your Spot Today!

Enjoy making our Chefcitos Sushi Recipe at home with your child!

More Recipes on our Website!

SANDAG Youth Opportunity Pass: Did you know that anyone 18 and under can ride public transit for FREE in San Diego? This is a great way for youth to get around town while reducing our local carbon footprint! Check out the SANDAG info page to learn more and help get the youth in your network enrolled.

SDG&E Programs and Services:

SDG&E’s Residential Energy Solutions (RES) Program can help you increase your energy

efficiency and lower your energy consumption at home by offering no-cost energy-efficiency

products and services. Eligible customers can benefit from complimentary upgrades, including

smart thermostats, low-flow showerheads, faucet aerators and more. Learn more at

sdge.com/RES or call Synergy Companies, SDG&E’s authorized contractor, at 1-888-272-8394.