Teacher Center

Gilroy Gardens, Inc. is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit educational institution whose mission is to educate and inspire families, especially children, to appreciate horticulture and the importance of trees in our lives by providing fun and memories in a beautiful garden setting.

The Park was founded by Michael and Claudia Bonfante and was designed to educate guests and to foster a greater appreciation of horticulture. It features over forty rides, attractions, educational exhibits and majestic gardens.

Now, a Board of Directors guides the decision-making for the development, maintenance, and operation of this unique park. The Board of Directors aspires to make use of the extraordinary beauty of Gilroy Gardens to attract students to the science of horticulture and environmental studies. We aspire to demonstrate and measure our success in becoming the best center in California for attracting and educating students in the critical importance of becoming good stewards of the natural environment. We aspire to be the best promoters of careers in horticulture and environmental studies in the United States.

In this age of burgeoning awareness of environmental crisis, understanding our dependence on flora is necessary for our survival. Educating youth in science and environmental studies is now a national priority. Gilroy Gardens intends to be a leader in that mission!

The teaching of environmental stewardship will be done in affiliation with schools, colleges and universities, and will couple Gilroy Gardens' ability to provide a highly attractive, enjoyable learning environment with the standards for horticultural and environmental studies curricula of the state. Gilroy Gardens will be recognized as the premier horticultural living lab for schools, colleges, and the community in the United States.

Click the links to the left to explore how Gilroy Gardens can serve as a "living lab" for you and your students.

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