Elkus Ranch sees over 7,000 students from the greater San Francisco Bay Area each year as a field trip destination. 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. 

While brushing a goat, petting our donkeys, seeing our chickens, or exploring our bone and fossil collections in our historic barn; students learn about adaptations, predator/prey relationships, composting and food chains.

 

While visiting the garden, students learn about the functions of roots, stems, and leaves and get to plant their own seed or seedling to take home with them.  Students are able to taste different parts of seasonal plants, identify pollinators, and learn about seed dispersal.

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 10:00am to 12:30pm for kinder through 12th grade (K-12) and from 9:30am to 11:30am for preschoolers and Transitional Kindergarteners (PS/TK) unless otherwise arranged.

Up to three classes can participate in a field trip at the same time. Classes can arrive half an hour before the program starts for students to have bio-breaks and start their snack before their program begins.

Following the tour, students will have time for lunch before departing. Departure times are set for 12:00 PM (PS/TK) and 1:00 PM (K–12).

Pricing can be found on our Program fees page. 

To make a Field Trip reservation, click on the appropriate button below:

Kindergarten - Grade 12 (K-12) Standard Field Trip Registration 

Preschool/Transitional Kindergarten (PS/TK) Standard Field Trip Registration

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-May). 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