Science Faculty "Roots" for Porterville: Revitalizing the Tule River Parkway

While many of us were away for spring break, members of the Porterville College Science Department were busy rolling up their sleeves to beautify the local landscape. This past week, faculty members Chris “Buzz” Piersol , Chris Vanni, Joel Weins, and Charles Carter spent one their Saturday at the Tule River Parkway Demonstration Gardens, working diligently to ensure our community stays green and vibrant.

The team focused their efforts on Garden 29, which has been officially adopted by the Porterville College Science Department. During their workday, the group weeded the area, installed a brand-new irrigation system, and added 21 new plants to the site.

This effort was part of a larger community initiative that saw a total of 54 California native plants added to the parkway gardens. These new additions include a diverse variety of species such as White Sage, Santa Cruz Island Buckwheat, Silver Carpet California Aster, and Blue Eyed Grass, all of which were grown in the Tule River Parkway Association native plant nursery.

Located at the south end of the Jaye Street bridge, these gardens serve as a living laboratory and a beautiful public space for residents to explore the potential of native California flora. The hard work of our faculty helps the Tule River Parkway Association in its mission to restore the river corridor and provide safe access to nature right here in Porterville.

For those who want to see the results of this labor firsthand, the association is hosting its annual Flower Treasure Hunt this Saturday, April 4, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., offering a free opportunity for the public to enjoy the blooming gardens and participate in nature activities.