A decade of growing native habitat in Rosemead.

A 10,416-square-foot native garden where students and the community explore plant communities and pollinator habitats. Designed and built by students, staff, and community partners since 2015.

Garvey Intermediate School
2620 Jackson Ave, Rosemead, CA 91770

Site Designer: Catalyst San Gabriel Valley

Installed beginning in 2015, the Garvey Nature Garden transformed a 10,416-square-foot space between two academic wings from weeds and non-native grasses into a thriving native landscape. The garden is organized around plant communities and pollinator themes, featuring chaparral, understory, riparian, and grassland meadow sections, as well as hummingbird and Monarch habitats. Its most unique feature is a vernal pool that supports a steady population of vernal pool plants and fairy shrimp.

Initial funding and support came from the Garvey School District, Catalyst SGV, Rosemead Kiwanis, and other community partners. On May 2nd, Catalyst SGV is partnering with Aini California to offer free native plants, coloring pages, and materials for taking cuttings from the garden.