Are you hoping to attract more pollinators to your garden? Would you like to see California native plants in your local park? Start planning now so you are ready to plant this fall. Come be inspired by the thriving plants at Kirk Park in San Jose and the volunteers behind this local habitat gem. We will share photos and stories of the garden as we take you behind the scenes to explain the garden’s origins and how it has evolved into the monarch butterfly and pollinator hub it is today, with plants supporting pollinators through all seasons of the year. Learn also how this neighborhood park continues to expand and how local volunteers plant, prune and maintain the garden.

Kathy Kleinsteiber founded the Kirk Park Native Plant Pollinator Garden with the goal of improving biodiversity in her neighborhood and beyond. Her passion for nature and deep respect for the environmental sciences led her to her role creating, and assisting others to create, pollinator gardens in public parks.

Michelle Deandrea is a regular volunteer at the Kirk Park Native Plant Pollinator Garden. She is passionate about the incorporation and artistic pruning of native plants in landscaped gardens to both beautify and boost community ecosystems.

Stephanie Morris is a landscape architect who designs creative, functional and ecological pollinator gardens with California Native Plants. She enjoys giving presentations about special native plant gardens in our area, such as this one at Kirk Park.

Continue the Fun at Our Social Hour

After the presentation, join fellow CNPS members for an informal social gathering at Los Gatos Music in the Park. Miko Marks will perform on the Civic Center Lawn, directly in front of the library, from 5:00–7:00 pm. Bring an appetizer or beverage to share (alcoholic beverages are permitted in the park), and we will walk over together after the talk. It’s a great opportunity to enjoy live music and connect with fellow native plant enthusiasts!