College of Science

Return of the Natives (RON) is a community and school based environmental education program dedicated to involving K-college students and the community in native habitat restoration in Monterey County, California. Their mission is to bring nature closer to people, and people closer to nature through hands-on experiences in community based habitat restoration and environmental education.

As part of their restoration efforts, RON has been working on restoring the open space directly north of Chapman Science Academic Center - often referred to as 'Chapman Hollow' - since 1995. Since then they have planted Monterey Pines, numerous shrubs, and coast live oaks.

At a recent planting event on February 1st, Representative Jimmy Panetta joined forces with RON volunteers, College of Science faculty, alumni, high school students, and local Eagle Scouts to restore this basin. The Watershedders (a local band formed by faculty, alumni, and friends) serenaded volunteers while they worked throughout the early afternoon.

This year, alone, RON is aiming to plant fifty-four coast live oaks and fifty-four smaller plants within Chapman Hollow. The restoration work taking place here is part of mitigation funding from oak trees that were removed on East Campus last year.

Interested in volunteering with Return of the Natives? You can assist with their efforts at one of their upcoming events! For more information, check out their events calendar for more information.