Media Room Strategic Initiative Environmental Stewardship

Nature NOW! Bill’s Backyard Opens Oct. 29

Red Tricycle
October 22, 2017

Go outside and play. This sentiment is often at odds with the valley's tech-heavy culture, especially in the Bay Area. To encourage kids to put down their devices and engage with the outdoors, Children’s Discovery Museum of San Jose recently doubled its exhibit space to add a new outdoor exhibit, Bill’s Backyard: Bridge to Nature, and it’s the tree house and dig pit of childhood dreams. Every detail was meticulously planned from the living roof on the junior ranger station to the life-sized bronze animals hidden throughout the exhibit. Learn More

Early Childhood Development, Environmental Stewardship, Exhibition Development, General Museum, Partnerships & Resource Development, Science Learning

Seventy-five Charming Third Graders Help Dedicate Bill’s Backyard

The Mercury News
October 20, 2017

The same kids who tossed seeds into a patch of dirt last November burst through a commemorative ribbon and helped dedicate the museum's new outdoor space, Bill's Backyard: Bridge to Nature, on Thursday. Mayor Sam Liccardo, Santa Clara County Supervisor Ken Yeager, and representatives from the visionary donors including Open Space Authority Santa Clara County, the California Coastal Conservancy, FIRST 5 Santa Clara County, and Agilent Technologies were among many who were on-hand to mark the occasion and speak about the importance of this new outdoor learning environment to children and the entire region. Learn More

Early Childhood Development, Environmental Stewardship, Exhibition Development, General Museum, Partnerships & Resource Development, Science Learning

Low Tech High Thrills at the Purple Museum

South Bay Accent
October 15, 2017

Executive Director Marilee Jennings talks with South Bay Accent about everything from the early days of the museum to the latest and largest capital project since opening in 1990 - Bill's Backyard. San Jose's newest outdoor learning environment is primed for hours of exploration, discovery, and creativity for all ages, especially inquisitive youngsters. Learn More

Early Childhood Development, Environmental Stewardship, Exhibition Development, General Museum, Partnerships & Resource Development, Science Learning

Executive Director Marilee Jennings Talks with Bay Area Focus

KBCW Bay Area Focus
October 8, 2017

Marilee Jennings joined Michelle Griego, host of KBCW's "Bay Area Focus," to talk about Bill's Backyard and why the museum is venturing outdoors with a half-acre outdoor learning environment focused on environmental and science learning - and, of course, lots of discovery and exploration for children and families. Learn More

Early Childhood Development, Environmental Stewardship, Exhibition Development, General Museum, Science Learning

Nature Inspired Space Opens at Purple Museum

Bay Nature Magazine
September 25, 2017

Come play outside. That's what the museum hopes families will want to do in Bill’s Backyard: Bridge to Nature, the new outdoor exhibit space. It's intentionally designed as a hybrid between a playground and a nature park, where children can choose their own adventures, and parents can feel comfortable letting them. The half-acre exhibit includes large tree-shaped structures connected by sky bridges, a grassy hill and slide, a dig pit, and a fort-building area suitable for forts or fairy gardens. Learn More

Early Childhood Development, Environmental Stewardship, Exhibition Development, Science Learning

Bestselling Author and Nature Advocate Richard Louv to Help Dedicate Bill’s Backyard

September 19, 2017

Bill’s Backyard: Bridge to Nature, San Jose's newest outdoor learning environment, will double the museum’s current exhibit space and provide endless opportunities for fun and learning with a focus on environmental and science education. Bestselling author and chairman emeritus of Children & Nature Network Richard Louv will give the keynote address at the dedication on Thursday, October 19 at 11 a.m. San Jose Mayor Sam Liccardo will speak about the museum’s leading role in making San Jose a nature-rich city for all children. Learn More

Early Childhood Development, Environmental Stewardship, Exhibition Development, General Museum, Science Learning

Registration Begins for Summer of Service Day Camp

February 14, 2018

Looking for options for your teen this summer? Summer of Service day camp may be just the answer. Registration is open for this nationally-recognized program that connects teens in grades 7 - 10 with volunteer opportunities. New this year is six, separate one-week sessions starting June 25 through August 3 for $300 each. Teens can sign up for one, two or all six weeks. With an emphasis on service and responsibility, participants have the option of selecting from five focus areas including community outreach activities, early childhood education, the environment, activities for museum visitors and media studio experience, and leadership development. Learn More

Community Service Learning, Creativity through the Arts, Early Childhood Development, Environmental Stewardship

Teens Give Summer of Service High Marks

Los Gatos Weekly Times
July 20, 2017

Developing leadership skills, building empathy for others, and understanding community needs are just a few benefits of the award-winning service camp for teens grade 7 - 10th. In Summer of Service, teens connect to local nonprofits to volunteer their time, make a difference, and have fun. Learn More

Community Service Learning, Early Childhood Development, Environmental Stewardship

Tree of 40 Fruit Only Public Sculpture on West Coast

Gardening Know How
July 19, 2017

Imagine picking 40 different types of stone fruit from one tree. The Tree of 40 Fruit is a delicious intersection of art and agriculture that will deliver the goods. Bursting with a kaleidoscope of pink, crimson, red and white blossoms, this living sculpture was created by environmental artist Sam Van Aken and will be the centerpiece of Bill's Backyard, producing 40 different heirloom and antique varieties mostly from Santa Clara Valley. Learn More

Creativity through the Arts, Environmental Stewardship, Science Learning

Marilee Jennings Shares Vision for Outdoor Expansion

Content Magazine
July 1, 2017

Executive Director Marilee Jennings shares her vision for Bill's Backyard: Bridge to Nature - the museum's new outdoor learning environment opening in October. After 26 years, the museum is bursting through its purple walls and connecting kids to nature with outdoor play and environmental and science education. Learn More

Early Childhood Development, Environmental Stewardship, Exhibition Development, Science Learning