About UC Elkus Ranch

The mission of University of California Cooperative Extension (UCCE) San Mateo/San Francisco and Elkus Ranch is to serve the diverse needs of residents through the creation, development, and extension of knowledge in agriculture, natural resources, and human resources. 

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UC Elkus Ranch Environmental Education Center was a generous gift to the University of California from Mr. and Mrs. Richard J. Elkus in 1975.

The Elkus family envisioned the Ranch as an environmental education destination for San Francisco Bay Area students.  The University of California has supported this vision for almost fifty years, primarily by offering school field trips focused on environmental science including: the natural history of wild and domestic animals; plant biology; and the interrelatedness of plants, animals and humans.

Today, Elkus Ranch offers a variety of educational programs for more than 7,000 visitors each year.  Our hands-on environmental education programs and activities are for visitors of all ages: school field trips, seasonal day camps, small group tours, overnights, Preschool Days, volunteer opportunities, and our famous open house on the second Saturday each June called Sheep to Shawl.  Sign up on our email list below to receive email updates on Elkus Ranch activities.

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Elkus Ranch rebuilds after winter storms. Read more