Elkus Ranch Environmental Education Center

Nestled in the rolling hills and canyons five miles south of Half Moon Bay, CA, the ranch offers diverse programs, allowing participants to learn about the inter-relationship of the environment and themselves in a rural setting.

Staff from the University of California Cooperative Extension (UCCE) facilitate hands-on opportunities for children from preschool through high school to explore the processes of producing food and fiber in day and overnight ranch tours, nutrition programs, community service days and special events. Livestock, gardens, and acres of open space create unique learning experiences for children and their adult chaperones. The ranch is specifically dedicated to providing these opportunities for children with special needs and all facilities are fully accessible.

Mr. and Mrs. Richard J. Elkus donated the ranch to the University of California in 1975. Staff of UCCE are responsible for the day to day operations, programming and maintenance of the ranch. Elkus Ranch is home to sheep, goats, chickens, rabbits, miniature donkeys, cows, and horses, along with an abundance of native plants and animals. Miles of hiking trails, two sleeping tents on platforms, two restored barns, gardens, a greenhouse and lathhouse surround the farm house.