About Us
Hillside Gardeners of Montclair is a non-profit organization founded in 1947 to stimulate interest in amateur gardening, assist in projects for the protection of native trees, plants, and birds, and to encourage conservation and civic beautification.
Hillside Gardeners of Montclair is a
501 (c)(3) non-profit organization.
Who we are
With over 100 current members, Hillside Gardeners of Montclair is a community of gardeners and garden lovers with a dedicated interest in plants, horticulture, wildlife, the environment, and community service. We enjoy getting together, meeting new friends, and sharing our ideas and our passions.
We strive to promote interest in, and the protection of, plants and trees, wildlife habitats, water resources, and our soil. We are enthusiastic about creating and maintaining healthy gardens. We discourage the use of harmful chemicals which have a detrimental effect on wildlife and the environment.
At our monthly meetings, we enjoy light refreshments and then learning from speakers on topics such as California’s native plants, creating and protecting habitats for pollinators (bees, butterflies) and other beneficial insects, gardening techniques such as pruning shrubs and trees, information about community garden cultivation and management projects, etc.
How we are involved
Hllside Gardeners members volunteer to help maintain East Bay community gardens including:
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Sensory Garden at Lake Merritt
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Mediterranean Garden at Lake Merritt
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Marj Saunders Park
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Montclair Public Library Garden
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Montclair Short Line Pocket Park
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Moraga Avenue and Masonic Neighborhood Garden
Our philanthropy
The Club provides significant financial support to conservation groups and to students pursuing careers in horticulture in the form of annual donations and scholarships. 2024 RECIPIENTS
Organizations which have received support from Hillside Gardeners include the East Bay Regional Parks Botanic Garden, Friends of Sausal Creek, Children’s Fairyland Gardens, Oakland Trails, and the U.S. Forest Service Penny Pines Program to re-plant forested areas devastated by wildfires.
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The Club holds a biennial GARDEN TOUR to raise funds for conservation programs and grants.