With spring in the air and Earth Month in full swing, we’ll be focusing on ecology, sustainability and a variety of events, workshops and menu updates that we're thrilled to share with you. 
There’s also an important update to the Google Visitor Experience parking — Shoreline Amphitheatre Parking Lot C is temporarily closed, making Alta Garage the main parking location. Learn more details below. Ecology and sustainability at the Google Visitor Experience Community, sustainability and innovation are the core tenets of the Google Visitor Experience. Discover how the building and its surrounding landscape work together to support a healthy, diverse ecosystem. 
Pollination station When you visit, you might notice bees, butterflies and birds around the area. Gradient Canopy, the building where the Google Visitor Experience is located, features more than 4 acres of native habitat, two demonstration beds, and three honey bee boxes. The area is planted with pollinator-friendly native plants, such as milkweed, yarrow and coastal sagebrush. Learn how diverse landscapes can support biodiversity and resilience. 
Bird-friendly design Did you know that Gradient Canopy has a variety of bird-friendly designs? We’ve sourced glass that has a lower reflectivity index and includes markings on the glass– referred to as “frit”-- which helps birds perceive the glass so that they don’t try to fly through it. Look closely and you may find a word puzzle in the bird frit, where the names of 30 different local bird species in 30 languages are printed together on the glass! Read more about our bird friendly design. 
Dragonscale solar roof Have you noticed the shimmering rooftop at the Google Visitor Experience? That’s its ‘dragonscale’ solar skin! It’s built with overlapping solar shingles (which help keep wind and rain from slipping through the cracks) and its canopy shape allows it to capture sun at different angles throughout the day. Discover more details about Gradient Canopy and its sister campus Bay View. Our new menu is blooming with spring flavors Cafe @ Mountain View is launching a new menu this month to spotlight spring’s bounty! Savor dishes like roasted asparagus salad — crafted with snow peas, chicory greens, pea shoots and watermelon radish — and topped with a perfectly poached egg. Simmered with aromatics, cream and basil, our creamy tomato soup uses simple ingredients to whip up rich flavors. 
We source from suppliers who share our commitment to sustainability. Our tomato puree comes from women-owned Matriark Foods, which upcycles farm surplus that would otherwise go to landfills into delicious, climate-friendly products. Within our kitchen, we also track food waste to adjust future purchasing. Parking update There’s a change to the Google Visitor Experience parking! Shoreline Amphitheatre Lot C is temporarily closed starting April 6 for approximately two months. Please park at Alta Garage, at 1001 Alta Ave, where there’s a connector shuttle to the Google Visitor Experience running every 15 minutes during our operating hours. Plan your visit. Upcoming events Earth Month Story Time Saturday, April 13, 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. at Google Store Mountain View It's story hour at the Google Store Mountain View! In celebration of Earth Month, Mychal the Librarian (@mychal3ts) reads children’s books that highlight our connections to nature, while speaking about the importance of digital literacy. RSVP here. Upcycled Succulent Workshop Sunday, April 21, 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. at the Huddle Join us with Pixie Pop-Ups (@pixiepopups) for a succulent workshop where you'll transform ordinary containers into vibrant and sustainable succulent gardens. Limited spots. RSVP here. Wellness Wednesdays Each Wednesday from 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m., the Huddle hosts a variety of events that cater to your well-being. From rejuvenating yoga sessions to calming sound bath meditations and mindfulness exercises, we have something for everyone. Pixel Photo Walk Every Thursday in April from 4 - 5 p.m., join us at Google Store Mountain View for our Pixel photography workshop series. Learn how to capture stunning photos with your Google Pixel, whether you’re shooting nature scenes or food. Bring your own Pixel or borrow one of ours!
Greg