Mission Statement
The Richard J. Elkus Ranch is an environmental education center providing unique hands-on learning experiences for Greater San Francisco Bay Area youth.
Located on the central California coast, in Half Moon Bay, the ranch offers diverse programs including those specifically designed for students with special needs, allowing participants to learn about the inter-relationship of the environment and themselves in a rural setting.
Vision and History
Elkus Ranch is the property of the University of California and was a generous gift from Mr and Mrs. Richard J. Elkus in 1975. The Elkus family envisioned that the Ranch would provide the University with an opportunity to conduct educational outdoor programs for urban, disabled and inner-city youth. By offering environmental science, California history, animal care and agricultural programs that are scheduled year round, that goal has been achieved.
In addition, the Elkus family felt that the Ranch would make it possible for youth with disabilities or financial hardships to work, play and learn together with youth from different backgrounds, so that both would benefit by a new understanding of other people as well as by the learning experiences gained at the Ranch.
Each year, Elkus Ranch serves an increasing number of young people with the goal of continuing to provide meaningful learning experiences that will enrich their lives and provide opportunities for growth and development.
Elkus Ranch hosts more than 6,000 youth and adults each year. The Ranch offers a myriad of educational programs and activities for children of all ages and ethnicities. Individuals and groups participate in day and overnight field trips, community service projects, internships and volunteer opportunities.
Elkus Ranch hosts visitors from all over the San Francisco Bay area including: Alameda, Contra Costa, Marin, Napa, San Francisco, and San Mateo Counties. Elkus Ranch invites all children to explore the wonders of this outdoor classroom.
Environmental Youth Programs and Special Events
- K-12 classes from San Mateo County schools benefit from daily and overnight camp programs.
- Students experience an appreciation of the role they play as stewards in the environment through "hands-on" activities.
- Opportunities abound at Elkus Ranch to better understand our food, fiber and county natural resources.
- In a cooperative learning atmosphere, students develop self-esteem and leadership abilities.
- Discovery Day Camp, day camps offer youth ages 6-11 an opportunity to share in the every day activities at the Elkus Ranch.
- Teachers and college students benefit from in-service workshops and curriculum support.
- Several Master Gardeners are assisting with horticultural projects.
- A Therapeutic Horticultural Program for disabled youth provides career support and/or recreational opportunities.
Elkus Ranch Conference Center
The Elkus Ranch Conference Center is a 4,400 square foot educational and day conference facility. The facility is available for day conferences, off-site meetings, workshops and trainings. Local overnight facilities are available.
The Elkus Ranch Conference Center features;
- Conference Room - accommodates 80 -120 guests
- Board Room - Accommodates up to 10 guests
- Ranch house - accommodates up to 20 guests
- Commercial Kitchen
If you would like to be notified of future happenings at the Ranch or to be included in the Ranch Talk newsletter e-mailing, please click on this link to sign up:
Staff
Marilyn J. Johns, County Director,
San Mateo/San Francisco County Director/Elkus Ranch Director
Half Moon Bay office, (650) 726-9059 ext 102, mjjohns@ucdavis.edu
Leslie Jensen, Program Coordinator, Elkus Ranch, (650) 712-3151 elkusranch@ucdavis.edu, lkjensen@ucdavis.edu
Kathi Baxter, Environmental Science Educator, kdbaxter@ucdavis.edu
Augustine Aguilar, Ranch Manager
All photographs of courtesy of Katherine Jones (copyright 2005 All rights reserved)