Ranch Tours

The Environmental Education Programs at Elkus Ranch provide hands-on opportunities to learn about the production of food and fiber, the inter-relationships of plants and animals in their natural habitats, and the importance of environmental stewardship.

While brushing a goat, meeting a chicken, or exploring our bone and fossil collections in our historic barn, students learn about adaptations, predator/prey relationships and food chains.

In the greenhouse, students learn about the functions of roots, stems, and leaves and plant their own seedling to take home with them. While visiting the garden, students are able to taste flowers or other seasonal produce, identify pollinators, and learn about seed dispersal and composting.

Students are able to meet our flock of sheep and learn how wool is spun into yarn. Explanations of natural dyeing, carding, and spinning wool encourages students to consider where their clothing comes from. 

In addition to our educational ranch tours, we also offer a nutrition program titled "Lunch at the Ranch" which leads children into the garden to harvest fresh produce and then to our commercial kitchen to prepare an entire meal. This program is ideal for returning school groups in second grade and above.

For more information or to make a reservation please contact our Ranch Coordinator | (650) 712-3151 or elkusranch@ucanr.edu