Chico’s Patrick Ranch Museum Gets New Addition from Construction Management Students

Chico State's Associated General Contractors (AGC) of America student chapter recently completed a community service project at Patrick Ranch Museum

Butte County Master Gardeners use the outdoor space at the museum for public classes and workshops. AGC students worked side-by-side with professionals from Chico-based Slater & Son to build two large trellises to create an outdoor classroom and work space for the Master Gardeners.

The project was split up into several phases with more than 10 students getting involved.

"I wanted to do something above and beyond the regular curriculum and continue the cycle of giving back," said Jake Brown-Garcia, a senior construction management student.

Several years ago, AGC helped to rebuild the barn at Patrick Ranch Museum.

Brown-Garcia credits his coursework in Construction Management with giving him the knowledge to manage the project, citing that professors expect students to work well in teams and rely on their partners.

After graduation in May, Brown-Garcia started as a project engineer position with Webcor Builders in Los Angeles. He left his hometown feeling as if he was able to make an impact.

"In a small way, I wanted to feel like I was leaving a legacy on the program. We're like a family and I want the next generation of students to think of the program that way," Brown-Garcia said.

The University of California Master Gardener Program has shared information about home horticulture and pest management to the public through participating UC Cooperative Extension county offices statewide.