Elkus Ranch Environmental Education Center

About Elkus Ranch

Located on the California coast, south of Half Moon Bay, UC Elkus Ranch provides experiential learning opportunities for Bay Area children.

Elkus Ranch is part of the University of California’s Agriculture and Natural Resources (UCANR) Department.  The University of California’s Cooperative Extension (UCCE) is UCANR’s outreach arm so Elkus staff are employees of UCCE. Other San Mateo County ANR departments housed on the Elkus Ranch site include 4-H, Master Food Preservers, Master Gardeners.

Elkus Ranch is an Environmental Education Center and its staff facilitate hands-on programs for children from preschool through high school to explore the processes 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 Ranch has a Conference Center for rent, with a full commercial kitchen and is available for daytime retreats, meetings, workshops, weddings and other special events.

 View the Elkus Ranch Brochure

Environmental Education Through Hands-On Learning

Elkus Ranch has been an Environmental Education destination since 1975. We are available by reservation only for a number of activities: 

• Educational School Field Trips
• Lunch at the Ranch (LatR)
• Small Group Tours
• Birthday Parties
• Seasonal Day Camps
• Overnight at the Ranch
• as an event venue for weddings or meetings. 

More information on all our educational programs may be found on our Programs page. Please contact us with any questions.

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