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Our Mission

Fight the Extinction & Climate Crisis

Scientists confirm that we are currently experiencing the 6th mass extinction. Unlike previous extinction events driven by natural phenomena, this mass extinction is driven by modern human activity. According to World Wildlife Fund’s 2024 Living Planet Report, we have seen a catastrophic 73% decline in the average size of monitored wildlife populations* in just 50 years (1970-2020) with the primary cause being habitat destruction.

Honor Native Land

The Cerritos College Native Plant Sanctuary acknowledges that Cerritos College occupies the shared unceded territory of the Juaneño/Acjachemen (southern Los Angeles basin, Orange County, and So. Channel Islands- Cham exal) and the Gabrielino/Tongva (Los Angeles basin and So. Channel Islands- Tovaangar) peoples who are the traditional caretakers the land.

As a public institution, we pay our respects to the Yamaaxochom/Honuukvetam (Ancestors), 'Awolvam/‘Ahiihirom (Elders) and Miikataxam /‘Eyoohiinkem/(our relatives/relations) past, present and emerging as they continue their stewardship of these lands and waters. We acknowledge that settler colonization resulted in land seizure, disease, subjugation, slavery, relocation, broken promises, genocide, and multi-generational trauma. This acknowledgement demonstrates our responsibility and commitment to truth, healing, and reconciliation and to elevating the stories, culture, and community of the original inhabitants of this land.

We are dedicated to growing and sustaining relationships with Native peoples and local tribal governments and are grateful to have the opportunity to live and work on these ancestral lands. We encourage reflection among faculty, staff, students and visitors about the meaning of Cerritos College’s presence here and we invite everyone to join us in caring for this land.

Build Empowered Community

At the Native Plant Sanctuary, we believe that ecological restoration goes hand in hand with community restoration. By cultivating California native plants, we create spaces where students, faculty, staff, and neighbors can connect with the land - and with each other. Our sanctuary is not just a garden, but a gathering place for learning, reflection, and collaboration across cultures and generations.

Through workshops, volunteer opportunities, and partnerships with local community organizations, we strive to empower individuals with knowledge and skills to care for the environment. Together, we are building a resilient community rooted in respect for the land, equity, and collective stewardship.