Our Programs

LEJ trains youth from Bayview Hunters Point to become authorities and activists in environmental health research, education, and advocacy, and environmental conservation, restoration, and horticulture. Our programs combine education sessions with action-based projects, drawing concrete linkages between human health, the environment, and urban quality of life:

In partnership with the California State Parks Foundation, the Bay Youth for the Environment operate a native plants nursery that is the primary supplier of plantstock to two major restoration projects on San Francisco Bay

On behalf of, and with funding from, the Port of San Francisco, LEJ spearheads the restoration and stewardship at Heron’s Head Park (formerly Pier 98). Through the efforts of thousands of community volunteers, we've transformed a brownfield into one of the most vibrant wetlands on the southern bayfront shoreline. Each year we host some 1,200 school-age youth at the park for free site-based environmental education programs that link science curricula to real-life environmental health and justice issues.

Finally, this year we'll launch the EcoCenter at Heron's Head Park, a 1,500-square-foot environmental education facility that will model alternative energy and wastewater technologies and be San Francisco’s first 100% “off-grid” building. Situated at the foot of the former PG&E Hunters Point Power Plant –– closed in 2006 after years of community advocacy –– the EcoCenter is a success story that will empower youth to act for environmental health and justice.

Classroom/service learning programs are available in wetlands restoration, native plant propagation, healthy foods, green building, and/or environmental health and justice. If you are a teacher or youth program coordinator interested in hosting a program for your class or group, visit our For Educators page for more information.

LEJ PUBLICATIONS
Calling Nature Home Environmental Education Curriculum - all-new online edition available now - click to order

Good Neighbor Best Practices Guide (.pdf order form)