Gardens on the Roof?

Explore the "greenest" feature of the building as you stroll through the Rooftop Gardens.

The 15,000 square foot "living roof" was designed to be an environmentally conscious addition to the facility as well as an educational tool and public resource.

The gardens provide additional insulation for the building (reducing internal temperature fluctuations), reduce rain water runoff (helping prevent local flooding), and help reduce the local "heat island effect" by absorbing sunlight (reducing the amount of sunlight reflected back into the atmosphere).  Our 50 kw photovoltaic solar panel system occupies approximately one-third of the roof of the facility. Solar tubes can be seen dotting the gardens and  allow natural light to enter the building through the ceiling without allowing excess heat to enter.

Ten raised bed planters each showcase a different classification of plants or specific habitat.                                       

Cactus Garden                                     Succulent Garden                              Permaculture (Edible Plants)              Herb Garden                                   Backyard Plants and Flowers             California Natives                              Children's Garden                                Native Grasses                                  Pumpkin's Patch (Tortoise Habitat)   Serenity Pond

 When visiting the gardens, please remember:

• Stay on the concrete path, please do not climb into the gardens.
  
• Keep your eyes and ears open for wildlife, especially birds and insects, but do not touch.        
  
• Children (under 18) should be accompanied by an adult at all times.      
  
• Food and drinks are not permiited in the gardens.   
  
• Please deposit trash and recyclables in appropriate bins.    
  
• Do not eat/taste any plants from the gardens (including produce). 
  
• Questions? ELC staff and volunteers are always available to help!

Garden Hours: Saturday 9:00am - 10:30am*  

                               *Garden tours are available

For more information call the Highland Sam J. Racadio Library and Environmental Learning Center at 909-425-4700.         

Enjoy the view of our local San Bernardino Mountains from the Rooftop Gardens.

 Pond Makeover

For those of you who may not be familiar with the library, there is a 15,000 sq ft "living garden" that includes a tortoise habitat and serenity pond on the roof.

Several weeks ago that serenity pond got a much needed makeover to include 3 new filters, a waterfall and bubbling spring. The existing rocks and plants were cleaned up and re-arranged  to save money and show our reuse skills.

There are a number of water tutles that inhabit the pond and this makeover made them very happy. They are more active them ever before.

So the next time you are on a garden tour be sure to stop by and enjoy  the serenity pond.



Gardening Helpline

Are you a gardener or considering starting a garden and have a ton of questions but just aren't sure who to ask? Well the University of California Master Gardeners can help! Here is some valuable information on their helpline...