The multi-year interpretive gardens and native plant nursery project just off the shores of Folsom’s Lake Natoma reached an important milestone this week with the completion of a new gazebo, at Black Miners Bar State Park, a key addition that will enhance the site’s educational and community engagement efforts. The latest phase of the project was made possible through the efforts of three local Rotary Clubs—Rotary Club of Folsom, Rotary Club of Historic Folsom, and Rotary Club of Folsom Lake—who contributed both funding and volunteer labor to bring the structure to life.
The gazebo, now fully installed, will serve as a gathering space for Friends of Lakes Folsom and Natoma (FOLFAN) to host interpretive sessions and environmental education programs. The project is part of an ongoing partnership between FOLFAN, California State Parks, and Rotary, aimed at creating a space where the public can learn about native plants and their role in restoring and preserving the local ecosystem.
A growing vision for Black Miners Bar
The interpretive gardens and nursery project broke ground in May 2023 with a goal to transform an underutilized section of the Black Miners Bar area into a thriving hub for environmental restoration and education. The project is centered around a native plant nursery that will supply plants for restoration projects throughout Folsom Lake State Recreation Area while also serving as an educational resource for visitors of all ages.
The nursery and gardens are located in a secluded area of the park near a longstanding ranger’s residence, which is being repurposed into a headquarters for the project. This renovated space will serve multiple functions, including office space, a meeting area for project partners, and storage for tools and materials.
Spanning approximately 5,000 square feet, the nursery includes space for plant propagation, an upcoming greenhouse installation, and designated areas for interpretive gardens that will be developed in phases over the next several years. The gardens will showcase native plants and demonstrate their benefits for local wildlife, water conservation, and environmental sustainability.
The Black Miners Bar project encompasses multiple components designed to support environmental restoration and education. At the heart of the initiative is a dedicated native plant nursery, where plants will be propagated and grown to aid in restoration projects throughout Folsom Lake State Recreation Area. Complementing this effort is the development of interpretive gardens, a multi-phase initiative that will create engaging educational spaces showcasing native plant species and their ecological benefits. To ensure year-round plant propagation, plans are in place to install a commercial-quality greenhouse, providing a controlled environment for seedlings and young plants.
Water sustainability is also a key focus, with a rainwater collection system set to be implemented to support irrigation needs in an eco-friendly manner. In addition to habitat restoration, education remains a central mission of the project, with the site hosting guided tours, workshops, and student programs to teach visitors about native plants and ecological restoration. Supporting these efforts is the renovation of the ranger’s residence, which is being transformed into a functional workspace for project operations, community engagement, and storage of essential tools and materials.
One of the latest components to be completed is the gazebo, which will provide a shaded space for visitors, volunteers, and students to participate in interpretive sessions and hands-on learning experiences. This structure is an important step toward making the site more accessible and functional for educational use.
A Community-Driven Effort
The interpretive gardens and nursery project is an example of how collaboration between local organizations can lead to meaningful improvements in public spaces. The project has been supported by a combination of funding from FOLFAN donors, a grant from the California State Parks Foundation, and financial and volunteer contributions from Rotary.
As previously reported by Folsom Times, the Rotary Club of Folsom alone has committed $17,000 toward the effort, along with hands-on support from its members who have helped with site preparation, construction, and landscaping. Rotarians played a major role in the initial groundwork, which involved clearing and leveling the nursery footprint, installing pathways, and preparing the site for future development.
With the completion of the gazebo, the project is moving into its next phases, which will focus on expanding the nursery’s capabilities, constructing additional garden spaces, and increasing community outreach efforts.
As the interpretive gardens continue to take shape, the Black Miners Bar project is well on its way to becoming a valuable resource for environmental education and conservation in the Folsom region. Organizers hope that the site will attract more volunteers, educators, and environmental groups to help sustain its growth and impact. The combination of habitat restoration, hands-on learning, and community involvement makes this a unique and lasting initiative that will benefit both the local ecosystem and those who visit the park.
