danr.ucop.edu/_elkus_ranch
Organization Type:
Non-Profit
Mission:
A quarter of a century of environmental education has been provided to the children and youth of the San Francisco Bay Area with appreciation to the Richard J. Elkus Family. In 1975 they gave a 600 acre cattle and horse ranch in a California central coast canyon to the University of California with the Mission to bring young people together in a rural atmosphere to learn about Food, Fiber and the wonder of our Natural Resources.
Currently thousands of youth and their caregivers travel to the converted sheep Ranch as school classes, scout troops, recreation groups, and religious organizations for a visit from a few hours to several days. Accompanying the fun and recreation is a curriculum that teaches gardening through planting seeds in the green house, harvesting corn in the row crops, and tending to the vegetables in the outdoor garden. The fleece of the sheep is an education in fiber and its adaptation to clothes. The Ranch trails, the Purissima Creek and the watershed that encompasses the property illustrates all the aspects of good stewardship of the delicate earth.
Contact:
Leslie Jensen
Elkus Youth Ranch
1500 Purisima Creek Road
Half Moon Bay, CA 94019
Phone: (650) 712-3151
elkusranch@ucdavis.edu
Mailing Address:
625 Miramontes Street, Suite 200
Half Moon Bay, CA 94019
Geographical Focus:
Regional
Counties Served:
Alameda, Contra Costa, Marin, Monterey, San Francisco, San Mateo, Santa Clara
Activities:
Education, Recycling, Water Monitoring
Topic:
Wildlife, Watershed Hydrology, Water Quality/Storm Water Runoff
Educational Resources:
Curriculum, Activity/Learning Kit, On-Site Program, Guided Walks, Field Trip
Education Programs:
COASTAL RANCH EXPERIENCE
Designed for third through seventh grade children. Each program is tailored to meet the specific needs of your curriculum and will vary by season.
2½ HOUR PROGRAM - $7/CHILD
This in-depth program introduces Elkus Ranch and its role in the web of life. Our hands-on experience illustrates our interdependence on animals and plants for food and fiber. The students spend a great morning exploring our unique coastal habitats and caring for the ranch gardens and livestock. After lunch, there's time for reflection and discussion about our biological and physical word. The Ranch ties a youngster's life to the sustenance of the earth.
Gardens: Our award-winning organic garden, row crops and greenhouse give children a place to dig for worms, plant seeds, transplant and water flowers and vegetables, sift compost, and prepare soil.
Livestock: Spend time in our fields and historic barns learning about our sheep, goats, burro, horse Chantilly, and colorful chickens. We will identify the animals' unique characteristics and their role on the Ranch and in the broader community.
EXTENDED COASTAL RANCH EXPERIENCE
Same as above, with the addition of a one-hour hike to view the coastal range, learn plant identification and the surrounding natural environment.
3½ HOUR PROGRAM - $10/CHILD
RANCH TOUR
Designed for preschool through second grade children. This is the coastal ranch experience as described above, tailored to meet the specific needs and interests of the younger student.
1½ HOUR PROGRAM - $5/CHILD
OVERNIGHT PROGRAM
Program designed by Elkus staff to include the Extended Coastal Ranch Experience, livestock and garden, chores, meal preparation and campfire activity.
24 HOUR PROGRAM - $20/CHILD
Programs are available to meet special needs. Please contact the Ranch for more details.
The goal of Elkus Youth Ranch is to provide an opportunity for children to become sustaining partners in their environment. Our professional staff and volunteers are dedicated to an enjoyable hands-on learning adventure for all young people.
Target Audiences:
K-9th Grades, Teacher, Non-Formal Educator
Group Size Accommodated:
Up to 30
Other Languages:
Oral presentation
Spanish
Volunteer Opportunities
