Cuesta Students Make Botanical Gardens
Education Building a Reality

The San Luis Obispo Botanical Garden (SLOBG) is realizing the dream of having an Education Center thanks to the hard work of Cuesta faculty and students in the Construction Technology Department. Slated for completion in 2007, students in the Construction Technology Department have been involved in all phases of building the SLOBG’s Education Center, from concept to completion. This project is an opportunity for students in the program to gain hands-on knowledge, work with professionals in the field and learn about sustainable building techniques and materials.

Located across Highway One from Cuesta’s Main Campus, the San Luis Obispo Botanical Garden, currently a two-acre demonstration garden, will eventually grow to a 150 acre garden displaying the diverse plant life of the five Mediterranean climate zones. Since education is part of the Garden’s mission, the Education Building currently under construction will be the cornerstone of the garden, a place were people of all ages can gather for education programs, meetings, presentations and events. In addition, a second adjacent building will house the Garden’s offices, library, docent center and gift shop.

With a focus on the use of green and sustainable materials for construction as well as the natural elements for heating, cooling and lighting the completed building, the SLOBG Education Center will be one of the first in San Luis Obispo County to be LEED certified. According to the U.S. Green Building Council, “The Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Green Building Rating System, is a voluntary, consensus-based national standard for developing high-performance, sustainable buildings.” All LEED certified buildings undergo a both a lengthy application and review process.

Currently, the first building is nearing completion with straw bales tucked securely beneath several layers of stucco and underneath a steel roof. The second, adjacent building is in the process of being framed to prepare it for the insulating straw bale walls this spring.

For progress updates on the Center, visit the Botanical Garden’s website at www.slobg.org, or if you’re at the Main Campus, drive across Highway One to the Garden to see for yourself!