Volunteer Search: Equipment Maintenance & Minor Repair
North Star House is seeking a volunteer with equipment maintenance or repair experience to help with minor rep…
Heritage Garden
The Heritage Garden at North Star House
Explore the Heritage Garden at North Star House, a volunteer-tended landscape that reflects the history and character of the estate. Discover seasonal plantings, historic garden features, and the ongoing work to restore and care for this special part of the property.
Explore the Grounds
A Few Favorite Spots
The Perennial Beds & Fountain
Seasonal perennials line the gravel paths near the old fountain — the section of the garden most actively tended by our volunteer crews.
The Roses
A rose garden tended by volunteers along the estate's gravel paths, in bloom for much of the year.
The Hedgerow
A long, shaded hedgerow bordering the grounds — one of the estate's quieter corners for a walk.
Environmental Stewardship
Caring for the Historic Landscape
Environmental stewardship at North Star House means caring for the land with the same thoughtfulness that guides the restoration of the house. Across the historic Grass Valley property, volunteers and community partners are working to protect mature trees, introduce water-wise native plants, create pollinator habitat, and support the long-term health of the landscape.
This work is strengthened by local businesses and conservation partners who share their knowledge, materials, and hands-on support. New Wave Green has helped guide ecological landscape projects, including the native hedgerow, while Acton Arboriculture supports the safety and long-term health of the estate's trees. The Xerces Society and the California Native Plant Society's Redbud Chapter have also contributed to native planting and pollinator habitat efforts.
Together, these volunteers, sponsors, and community organizations are helping North Star House preserve its historic setting while building a healthier, more sustainable landscape for the future.
From the Journal
Sustainable Landscape Progress at North Star House
We recently hosted a free community workshop with horticultural designer Molly Breen of New Wave Green, focusi…
Pop-Up Planting Event at North Star House
The North Star House is calling on the community to help us plant the next phase of our native hedgerow, an in…