HORTUS CALIFORNICA
… celebrating the diversity of her people, plants and cultures.
OUR VISION FOR THE FUTURE
To build a world class, sustainable organization and botanical garden that shares rare collections of flora and fauna for all to enjoy supports an International Sustainability and Research Center displays unique ecosystems, habitats, and panoramas of California provides opportunities for artistic, educational, and cultural enrichment influences the future through innovative design and environmental conservation conserves historical accounts, and then disseminates that knowledge to future generations invites the world to experience California's unique and diverse cultural and ecological mosaic.
OUR STORY
People for centuries have made this land their home. From the arrival of the first human to the latest immigrant, all have contributed to the shaping of California. From the dawn of time, this immense and ecologically diverse landform called California has been the new home to people from all over the world. California's many people, plants and cultures share an interdependence with her environment… complex and unlike any found in the world. These relationships, and the fascinating stories that embody the history of this precious land, are important for us to share and preserve.
Plants touch virtually every aspect of our lives. With more ecological diversity than any other state, California's native plant palette is extensive, and vital to thousands of indigenous animal species. Imported plant species and exotics are just as diverse and have had a profound impact on the growth and advancement of the state's inhabitants and industry. From their inception, human civilizations have depended upon plants for their progress and prosperity. Our continued study of these natural wonders is vital to our survival, as well as the future health of the planet.
Distinct cultures from six continents have left their footprints on this land. They brought their knowledge, customs, plants, medicine, and personal determination. After settling here, people integrated their foods, languages and traditions throughout every region of the state. Much of these customs were influenced by the plants they brought, or by plants they found once here. Entire civilizations have been built on plants and agriculture, and so it is with the many rich traditions established here that are in need of being shared, chronicled and documented.
HORTUS CALIFORNICA… an organization dedicated to presenting and preserving the rich history of California's diverse people, plants, and cultures. Their history brought to life through research, storytelling, and representational gardens of their native countries… a place where California's spectacular horticultural heritage can be celebrated!
We are an organization dedicated to presenting and preserving the rich history of California's diverse people, plants and cultures…and the complex interdependence they have within her fragile ecosystems.
Our Land Acquisition committee is actively seeking two properties in the greater Sacramento region. The first is our Cultural Outreach Center, designed to be centrally located and accessible to our diverse and growing community. The second is our botanical garden and related facilities.
CULTURAL OUTREACH CENTER:
Land Acquisition Committee is actively seeking two properties in the greater Sacramento region. The first is for our Cultural Outreach Center, designed to be centrally located and accessible to our diverse and growing urban community. We must bring Nature and our lessons about people, plants and culture into the city and the surrounding communities. An old building that we can renovate could possibly be a home to our Offices, Meeting Rooms and Educational Center. Some land for plantings and parking would be a wonderful addition.
This facility would provide a physical base of operations and a place to preserve our records and important historical archives. Providing workspace for our staff, this space will also host in person and virtual speaker events, educational seminars and workshops.
It would also be the Home Base for our School and Community Outreach Programs that would serve our youth, underprivileged and elderly.
WORLD-CLASS BOTANICAL GARDEN & HORTICULTURAL RESEARCH FACILITY:
Our Land Acquisition Committee is actively seeking the second property to be designated for our Botanical Garden, Sustainability Center and related facilities. This needs to be 200 to 1200 acres outside of the city limits but accessible to public roads and a freeway. The larger the piece of land, the greater services we will be able to provide.
An even larger section of land with a natural habitat on it would allow us to incorporate a Nature Preserve, Habitat Observation Areas and a Research Center.
Our long-term vision includes the construction of a world-class destination on an 800-to-1200-acre parcel. These facilities and gardens will showcase the people, plants, and cultural heritage of California, while using the latest sustainable and environmentally responsible technology and practices.
The property will house extraordinary indoor displays and events, as well as outdoor hands-on classrooms and display gardens. The facility will also provide an opportunity to host community groups representing the ethnic and cultural diversity of our region, to share first-hand accounts and family histories that form the very foundation of our purpose.
EDUCATIONAL FINANCIAL SUPPORT:
- Lectures
- Seminars As our programs and facilities expand in the coming year, we are looking to add a large van to our operations. It would be used to transport supplies and people to special events and pop-up demonstrations used to educate, inspire and deliver our message throughout the community.
Specifically, we are looking for a high ceiling "Transit" or "Sprinter" type van with seating for 6+ and a dedicated cargo area to carry table display materials and A/V presentation and PA equipment.
- Horticultural Classroom Training
- Educational Programs
- Cultural Outreach
- Grant Writing & Procurement
EVENT & MEDIA
SPONSORSHIP AND SUPPORT:
We are looking to partner with forward-thinking, innovative individuals and organizations with allied interests to support and produce compelling events and media that inspire and educate.
LONG TERM FUNDING AND MAJOR DONATIONS:
Please contact us with opportunities to assist us in any specific area that is important to you. We have begun to implement our strategic plan and are moving forward with many projects and opportunities to serve the local, state, and global communities.
Hortus Californica holds Equity as one of its foundational values. Equity to us means that all people regardless of their race, ethnicity, age, gender, sexual orientation, religion, living conditions, health and capability status will have equal dignity, self-worth, and opportunities to participate impartially, equitably, and completely in all dimensions of our organization, its volunteer and leadership positions. They can participate legitimately and fully in all dimensions of our lives, work and creative endeavors. They will be encouraged to grow and to prosper here. And most importantly, they will always be supported to reach their fullest potential.
As an organization and as a world, we must strive to make our workplace and our communities places where acceptance and diversity thrives, where inclusion of everyone is celebrated, and where equity of all people is our way of life.
That commitment must begin with us. It must be nurtured inside our own homes. Inside of our organizations. We must welcome the work, the difficult conversations, and the commitment to continuous learning and understanding about how to do everything better. And through a continuous review of our values, unintentional biases, the principles and practices that drive both our own internal culture and all of our external engagements, we strive to fashion a shared vision that propels, rather than impedes, progress for the communities we aim to serve.
We are steadfast in our commitment to equity - all of us as individuals and as an organization. We invite everyone to join us in it. To show us when we can something better. And with all of our shared effort, help us to deepen our commitment and actions to preserve it.
Organization name
Hortus Californica
other names
The California Garden Project
1994
Tax id (EIN)
94-3298431
Mission Category
Environment
Operating Budget
$0-$50,000
Organization Need
Space: Office or Other, In-Kind Donations, Funding: Program, Other, Funding: Other
Demographics Served
General population
Local Counties Served
Placer
Equity Statement
Equity Statement
Address
1550 Vista Creek DriveSacramento, CA, US
Placer, CA, US
Yolo, CA, US