We enjoyed a wonderful summer at Elkus Ranch, despite the mask wearing and other COVID-19 limitations. It was joy to be able to resume some activity after last year's cancellations and quietude. Seven, week-long sessions of Summer Camp were enjoyed by all, campers and staff alike. We were thrilled to have kids (the human ones, not goats 😊) back at the ranch. All of our animals and staff were thankful for the sounds of laughter and engagement in learning. Each session began with the making of tie dye shirts, crafting bird masks (super cute), lots of exploration in the garden with nature, tending our friendly animals, and making new friendships. A few more pics...

It's time to clean up the summer garden with the Master Food Preservers! In this overview of food preservation techniques, we will ponder ways to save those few onions, your green tomatoes, the odds and ends of your summer herbs, and the overflowing bushels of squash! No matter what you have, there is a preservation method that can work. Should you dehydrate? Pickle? Freeze? Come watch and find out!

Registration may be made via the San Mateo Public Library Systems link here: https://smcl.bibliocommons.com/events/613919d9860f473a005dd265

The Gardening Education Center, (GEC) has come a long way since its ribbon cutting on May 2, 2018. Pictured here are MGs spreading compost and seeding cover crops from plywood walkways protecting the planting area. See a recent video of Master Gardener Norine Cepernich touring the GEC garden (and it's evolution), filmed with a GoPro camera the program acquired thanks to a generous grant from the Hillsborough Garden Club. Read More...

Video Tour Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2x0GnLi0Soo

On July 1, 2021, three Pescadero Middle School students, working with the Healthy Living Ambassador (HLA) Program and supported by a 4-H staff member, enjoyed distributing 250 Farmers’ Market coupons to Pescadero residents through the monthly food distribution at Puente, the region’s community resource center. As they distributed the coupons, the bilingual youth explained in either English or Spanish how the $3 coupons could be used by anyone holding them and were redeemable at their local farmers’ market, which were located nearby. Designed to encourage CalFresh recipients to use their benefits on the purchase of fresh fruits and vegetables at local farmers’ markets, the coupons could be combined with an additional $10 available through the Market Match program. The youth left the distribution event excited by their success and eager to promote the consumption of fruits and vegetables and support their community again.

Our 2021-2022 San Mateo 4-H County Ambassadors were selected in July. Congratulations to our three new ambassadors, Hayley, Alexander, Thomas, and returning ambassador, Isabelle. The County Ambassador Program is sponsored by the San Mateo County 4-H Council and offers leadership development opportunity for our senior 4-H members (ages 14-19). The ambassadors are liaisons between the county 4-H office, 4-H members, 4-H volunteers, and the public.

Come meet our ambassadors at our upcoming Open House Events, September 18 at Twin Pines Park Meadow Picnic Area from 1:00 – 3: 00 PM or September 19 at UC Elkus Ranch Environmental Education Center from 10 AM – NOON.

Upcoming Events & Registration

Always wanted to visit Elkus Ranch but never had the chance? Check out our special tour offerings, for families, small groups, and learning pods. These programs are tailored to fit your needs and guided by one of our knowledgeable educators! We will continue to offer these very popular Small Group Tours (1 1/2 hrs.) and our extended Adventure Day Program for youth (4 hrs.) throughout the fall and winter. Learn more ...

Need a reason to get out in nature? Book the Elkus Ranch Conference Center for your work or family event!* Located in the beautiful rolling hills and pasture land of rural Half Moon Bay, it’s perfect for off-site meetings, retreats, for commercial kitchen use, and more. Call the ranch to book: (650) 712-3151

*Current UC ANR COVID-19 guidelines mandate