Rivers & Lands Conservancy Receives Greenspace Enhancement Grant from The Toro Company

RIVERSIDE, Calif. — Dedicated to revitalizing the outdoor spaces where employees live and work, The Toro Company is proud to announce that Rivers & Lands Conservancy is receiving a $36,400 grant as part of the company’s Greenspace Enhancement Grant Program. The grant will go towards the California Native Plant Gardens Program and aligns with The Toro Company's ongoing commitment to help cultivate sustainable outdoor environments and enhance public green spaces.

The California Native Plant Gardens Program revitalizes community parks and public spaces by reintroducing native plant habitats. This grant will allow Rivers & Lands Conservancy to expand the program, creating a new student-planted garden at Ramona High School, as well as a new community garden. Additionally, the grant will support the continued care and maintenance of existing native plant gardens, ensuring these spaces remain vibrant and accessible to the community.

“We’re thrilled to support Rivers & Lands Conservancy as they work to enhance green spaces in Riverside,” said Marnie Wells, president of The Toro Company Foundation. “Their efforts to restore native plant habitats not only beautify the community but also provide valuable education opportunities, inspiring future generations to appreciate and care for our natural environment.”

Rivers & Lands Conservancy has been an important partner in land conservation and community engagement throughout Southern California since 1989, conserving over 14,000 acres of open space. With this grant, the Conservancy will further its mission to restore native plant habitats while also fostering a sense of community pride and connection to nature. 

Nicole Padron, Co-Executive Director of Rivers & Lands Conservancy, expressed her gratitude, stating, "This grant from The Toro Company allows us to continue our work in creating beautiful, ecologically sustainable gardens that bring nature back into our urban spaces. We look forward to involving local students and community volunteers in these efforts and continuing our mission of land stewardship and education."

The Toro Company Foundation’s Greenspace Enhancement Grant Program supports nonprofits dedicated to revitalizing community spaces, fostering environmental education, and enhancing the sustainability of outdoor environments. Through this initiative, The Toro Company aims to make a lasting impact on the health and beauty of the land, while supporting the communities where employees live and work.