Elkus Ranch Environmental Education Programs
Elkus Ranch Environmental Education Center, 1500 Purisima Creek Rd, Half Moon Bay, CA 94019
About
Elkus Ranch Environmental Education Programs include educational school field trips, Lunch at the Ranch (LatR), private tours, birthday parties, seasonal day camps, and Overnight at the Ranch. During these programs, children take part in hands-on activities such as learning to care for the animals and exploring plants and pollinators in the garden. The programs offer week-long sessions as part of the seasonal day camp options.
• Ages: 3–18 years old
• Schedule: Week-long session options
Elkus Ranch Environmental Education Programs are part of the University of California’s Agriculture and Natural Resources (UCANR) Department, and staff are employees of the University of California’s Cooperative Extension (UCCE), which is UCANR’s outreach arm. The mission of University of California Cooperative Extension 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. The ranch features livestock, gardens, and acres of open space that are used in programs such as day and overnight ranch tours, nutrition programs, community service days, and special events, with staff facilitating hands-on programs for children from preschool through high school focused on the processes of producing food and fiber, wild and domestic animal relationships, and climate impacts through a Compost Bunker and Water Catchment system. All learning spaces and facilities are fully accessible, and the ranch is specifically dedicated to providing opportunities for children with special needs.
This educational mission is supported through partnerships with the County of San Mateo, San Mateo Resource Conservation District, the Half Moon Bay Chamber of Commerce and Visitor's Bureau, and schools throughout the region. Elkus Ranch also serves as a hub for San Mateo and San Francisco Counties’ University of California Cooperative Extension, housing programs such as 4-H, Master Food Preservers, and Master Gardeners, and it offers family activities on weekends throughout the year.
Last updated June 19, 2026.
• Ages: 3–18 years old
• Schedule: Week-long session options
Elkus Ranch Environmental Education Programs are part of the University of California’s Agriculture and Natural Resources (UCANR) Department, and staff are employees of the University of California’s Cooperative Extension (UCCE), which is UCANR’s outreach arm. The mission of University of California Cooperative Extension 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. The ranch features livestock, gardens, and acres of open space that are used in programs such as day and overnight ranch tours, nutrition programs, community service days, and special events, with staff facilitating hands-on programs for children from preschool through high school focused on the processes of producing food and fiber, wild and domestic animal relationships, and climate impacts through a Compost Bunker and Water Catchment system. All learning spaces and facilities are fully accessible, and the ranch is specifically dedicated to providing opportunities for children with special needs.
This educational mission is supported through partnerships with the County of San Mateo, San Mateo Resource Conservation District, the Half Moon Bay Chamber of Commerce and Visitor's Bureau, and schools throughout the region. Elkus Ranch also serves as a hub for San Mateo and San Francisco Counties’ University of California Cooperative Extension, housing programs such as 4-H, Master Food Preservers, and Master Gardeners, and it offers family activities on weekends throughout the year.
Last updated June 19, 2026.
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