Elkus Ranch Environmental Education Center

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United States
Half Moon Bay, CA
Elkus Ranch Environmental Education Center

Ultimate outdoor classroom, offering environmental science, history, and agricultural programs that a Mr. and Mrs. Richard J.

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 proce

sses 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. 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.

08/22/2026

Bring your class to Elkus Ranch! 🐐

Teachers—book a field trip for your class, or parents, share this with your child’s teacher!

📅 Book your field trip today!

08/20/2026

🐱🌿 Greenhouse Cat Naps! 🌿🐱

Looks like these two found the perfect spot for a wet foggy morning nap! Our Ranch cats know how to find the coziest places—and the greenhouse is one of their favorites. 😴🌫️

Just another day of hard work at Elkus Ranch! 🐾💚

08/11/2026

🌞 Six weeks of summer camp fun have come to an end, but the memories are here to stay! 🌞

We had so much fun with all of our amazing campers this summer. From caring for our animals and exploring the Ranch to creating crafts, playing games, learning, and enjoying the outdoors, it was a summer full of laughter, learning, and new experiences.

Our animals certainly enjoyed having so many caring and loving friends around, too! 🐐🐰🐑💚

A huge thank you to all of our campers and families for making this summer so special. We hope you had as much fun as we did and made memories that will last long after summer ends!

🍂 Your next camp adventure is just around the corner!

Join us for our 2-Day Fall Camp on November 23 & 24 for more animal care, crafts, outdoor exploration, learning, and plenty of Ranch fun!

We can’t wait to see you again! 🌿🐴🍁

08/05/2026

Sometimes nature chooses you. 🦋

While I was in the goat yard the other day, a beautiful Variable Checkerspot butterfly landed right on my finger and stayed for a few moments before fluttering away. It was such a special reminder to slow down and appreciate the little wonders all around us.

At the Ranch, magical moments like this happen when we take the time to look closely. Whether it's meeting our friendly animals, watching wildlife, or discovering native plants and insects, there's always something amazing waiting to be found.

Have you ever had a butterfly land on you? We'd love to hear your story! 💚

08/03/2026

A special wildlife sighting at the Ranch! 🦊

We were lucky enough to spot a mother gray fox and one of her kits near our bridge the other morning. Mom was calmly searching for breakfast while her curious—but much more cautious—kit stayed close by. We also spotted a second kit being extra cautious in the nearby shrubs, keeping a watchful eye on the world.

Gray foxes are one of the many native wildlife species that call Elkus Ranch home. Watching them from a respectful distance is a wonderful reminder that we're sharing this special place with nature every day. 💚

Have you ever been lucky enough to spot a gray fox in the wild?

08/01/2026

A perfect summer camp afternoon at the Ranch. ☀️🐱🐴

As our campers learn to card wool, Elkie has found the best sunny spot to supervise the lesson—and collect plenty of pets and cuddles along the way. Meanwhile, our horses are contentedly relaxing just outside the barn.

Moments like these are what summer at Elkus Ranch is all about: hands-on learning, caring for animals, and making memories that last long after camp ends. 💚

07/25/2026

Surrounded by cuteness! 🐐💚

Some days at the Ranch are just the Greatest Of All Time! Dylan found himself in the best kind of crowd—our curious, playful baby goats. From tiny hoof taps to eager snuggles, these little ones are always ready to make new friends.

If you've ever needed a reason to smile, this is it. 🥰

07/22/2026

Someone is soaking up all the camp love! 🐑💚 Jack, our Babydoll sheep, is loving the extra attention from our campers—and we think the feeling is mutual.

07/11/2026

🎉🫏 Happy 25th Birthday, Sassy! 🥕🎂

Today our sweet Sassy officially turned 25 years old! What an incredible milestone for one very special donkey.

Thank you to everyone who came out to help us celebrate her big day. It was wonderful to see so many smiling faces enjoying crafts, visiting the animals, and helping make Sassy feel extra loved.

Of course, the birthday girl celebrated the best way she knows how—eating her birthday carrots! 🥕💛

Thank you for making Sassy's 25th birthday one to remember. We know she felt all the love!

🫏🥕🎉

06/27/2026

🎉🫏 Sassy is turning 25... and you're invited to the party! 🫏🎉

Can you believe our favorite donkey is celebrating 25 years of bringing smiles, personality, and plenty of sass to the Ranch?

Come help us celebrate this special milestone with Sassy's Birthday Party! Enjoy a fun-filled day at the ranch, meet our amazing animals, make a birthday-themed craft, play games, and, of course, help us wish Sassy a very happy 25th birthday!

🎂 It's going to be a celebration worthy of one very special donkey, and we'd love to have you join us!

📅 Saturday, July 11
⏰ 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM

Bring the whole family and celebrate 25 years of fun with one of the Ranch's most beloved residents! 🫏💚

Register today—we can't wait to celebrate with you!
https://ucanr.edu/site/elkus-ranch-environmental-education-center/event/sassys-25th-birthday-party

Address

1500 Purisima Creek Road
Half Moon Bay, CA
94019

Telephone

(650) 712-3151

Website

http://elkusranch.ucanr.edu/

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