MESA, Arizona – March 10, 2026 –Mesa Community College (MCC) has been selected as one of eight institutions nationwide to receive a Catalyst Grant from Second Nature, a national nonprofit dedicated to accelerating climate action across higher education. The unrestricted grant of up to $5,000 will support MCC’s Life Science Greenhouse, Wildflower + Pollinator Garden by providing hands-on STEM learning and community engagement focused on climate resilience.

The greenhouse and garden serve as a hands-on learning hub where students study drought-tolerant plants  and pollinator health. Through its seed-sharing programs and pollinator initiatives, the space has become a meaningful resource for both the college and the broader East Valley community.

With help from the Catalyst Grant, MCC will introduce upgrades including low-flow irrigation, a wheelchair accessible composting system and new learning stations. These improvements will expand research opportunities for students and strengthen the college’s ability to model sustainable practices.

Faculty involved in the project expressed excitement for what the enhancements will mean for teaching and research.

"Our mission is simple yet powerful: to nurture a healthy wildflower garden that supports native pollinators and monarch butterflies," said MCC Life Sciences Chair, Liz Csikar, Ph.D. "We aim to open doors for meaningful undergraduate research and create a welcoming community space where everyone can learn about, appreciate and help support the natural world."

Community members will have the opportunity to experience that mission firsthand during a series of open houses.

• March 12 - Petals and Palettes | 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
• April 3 - Bees, Beetles & Blooms | 4-6 p.m.
• April 15 - Metamorphosis Morning | 8:15 - 11:30 a.m.
• April 18 - Wings and Wonders | 8 - 11:50 a.m.

Visitors will discover what’s blooming in the Monarch Waystation and native wildflower habitat while participating in art and science activities. The March 12 open house is held in conjunction with the college’s 12th annual Festival of the Arts.

The Second Nature funding announcement is part of its sixth round of Catalyst Grants. These grants are intended to serve as a “spark” that launches or strengthens climate action initiatives that reduce emissions, support resilience and advance environmental justice on campuses across the nation.

“Through our annual Catalyst Grants initiative, we’re able to empower colleges and universities to launch or scale projects that create meaningful, lasting climate impact,” said Tim Carter, president of Second Nature. “This year’s recipients represent a diverse group of institutions tackling the urgent need to decarbonize, increase resilience and advance equity within their communities.”

For more information on MCC’s sustainability initiatives, visit mesacc.edu/about/sustainability.

# # #

Media contact: Dawn Zimmer, dawn.zimmer@mesacc.edu, 480-461-7892

Mesa Community College (MCC) is nationally recognized for its excellence in university transfer, career and technical programs, civic engagement, and innovative education. Serving more than 25,500 students annually, MCC offers a range of degree and certificate programs across its two campuses and additional locations. MCC students contribute more than 8,500 hours of community service annually. MCC serves as a key resource for education, workforce development, and lifelong learning. The college enhances student success through Guided Pathways with Integrated Support Services. A Hispanic Serving Institution, nearly 50% of MCC students are first-generation college attendees, and it boasts the largest Indigenous student population among Maricopa County Community College District (MCCCD) colleges, supporting students from 22 Arizona tribes and additional out-of-state tribes. Our award-winning faculty are committed to helping students achieve their goals through high-quality education, training and undergraduate research opportunities. Located in the East Valley of Phoenix, Arizona, MCC is one of 10 MCCCD colleges. Learn more at mesacc.edu/newsroom.

MCC is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), hlcommission.org.

The Maricopa County Community College District (MCCCD) is an EEO institution and an equal opportunity employer of protected veterans and individuals with disabilities. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, or national origin. A lack of English language skills will not be a barrier to admission and participation in the career and technical education programs of the District. MCCCD does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability or age in its programs or activities. For Title IX/504 concerns, call the following number to reach the appointed coordinator: (480) 731-8499. For additional information, as well as a listing of all coordinators within the Maricopa College system, visit www.maricopa.edu/non-discrimination.