MCP Native Plants and Pollinator Day 2026 - San Jose
About the Event
Come visit Martial Cottle Park and the Master Gardener Parcel to celebrate and learn about native plants and their pollinators! Bring the family to tour the gardens, participate in a fun scavenger hunt for prizes, and paint river rocks.
Watercolor lessons will begin at 9:00 am and 10:30 am (open to ages 8 through adult; all skill levels welcome). You can also attend talks and demonstrations on sustaining a healthy pollinator garden, purchase native plants and succulents, or ask a garden docent your gardening questions.
Please note:
- Closed-toed shoes, layered clothing and a hat are recommended, as all activities are held outdoors.
- The park charges $6.00 for parking; or park closer to our area on Chynoweth Avenue near Vauxhall Circle for free (parcel location in Google Maps).
Operated in partnership with the Santa Clara County Parks and Recreation Department.
Agenda
By Martial Cottle Team
Ongoing Activities
Location: Martial Cottle Park Master Gardener Parcel
Join anytime! Scavenger hunt bingo, rock painting, Ask-a-Docent, California native plant and succulent sale
By Sue Neufeld, Alyce Maclise, and Pam White
Art in the Park Session 1
Location: South Fence Pavilion
Watercolor lessons will begin at 9:00 am and 10:30 am (open to ages 8 through adult; all skill levels welcome. Each session will last approximately 1½ hours.
By Paula Stapleton
Important Features of the Pollinator Garden
Location: Starting near Pollinator Hill
A walk and talk tour of native gardens highlighting features that help pollinators.
By Carol Peck
California Natives: Birth to Thriving in Your Yard
Location: Shade House 2
Presentation and demonstration
By Sue Neufeld, Alyce Maclise, and Pam White
Art in the Park Session 2
Location: South Fence Pavilion
Watercolor lessons will begin at 9:00 am and 10:30 am (open to ages 8 through adult; all skill levels welcome. Each session will last approximately 1½ hours.
By Aparna Bugwadia
Biodiversity in Urban Gardens (BUG) Study Talk
Location: Teaching Pavilion
Presentation
