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Field Trips

The Environmental Education Field Trips 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.

Our Ranch Tours focus on experiential learning about animals and the environment.
Our Ranch Tours focus on experiential learning about animals and the environment.

Students can get up close with our friendly livestock animals.
Students can get up close with our friendly livestock animals.

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.

Students are able to taste fresh produce from our gardens.
Students are able to taste fresh produce from our gardens.

In the garden, students learn about the functions of roots, stems, and leaves and get to plant their own seedling to take home with them. 

While visiting the garden, students are able to taste different parts of seasonal plants, identify pollinators, and learn about seed dispersal and composting. 

Feeding our flock of sheep is always a highlight!
Feeding our flock of sheep is always a highlight!

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.

The Ranch field trip tours run from 10am to 1pm, unless otherwise arranged. It is recommended for classes to arrive by 9am. This timeline includes:

  • Time before the tour for a snack and a lunch break after the tour (Students should bring a hearty snack and lunch.)
  • Tour through our two historic barns, Goat Yard, Chicken Coop and gardens.

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

Cancellation Policy

At Elkus Ranch we believe that there is no such thing as bad weather, just inappropriate clothing. We do not cancel programs for weather related issues unless there is a safety concern.

If you decide to cancel a field trip scheduled with us, please do so as early as possible. We are usually fully booked during field trip season (September-November and February-June). If you cancel, please tell us at least two weeks in advance so we can schedule another class waiting for a spot. 

If you need to cancel, please call our office at (650) 712-3151 to leave a message or email us at elkusranch@ucanr.edu