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May 2025Archived

 

Field picture submitted by Elizabeth Fichtner

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Elkus Ranch Environmental Education Center: Page

Program Fees

Elkus Ranch is an ideal outdoor classroom for your school, group or party. Our friendly ranch animals, gardens, historic barns, picnic area and acres of open space provide the perfect setting for students to connect with nature and learn about environmental stewardship.
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Elkus Ranch Environmental Education Center: Page

Lunch at the Ranch (LatR)

During Lunch at the Ranch, our focus is on nutrition as students are led through the ranch to collect fresh ingredients for a healthy lunch that students cook for themselves in our commercial kitchen.
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Elkus Ranch Environmental Education Center: Page

Frequently Asked Questions

Who owns and oversees the operation of the ranch? Elkus Ranch is operated by the University of California Cooperative Extension Service. Mr and Mrs Richard J. Elkus donated the ranch to the University in 1975.
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Elkus Ranch Environmental Education Center: Page

Waivers and Forms

All children and adults visiting Elkus Ranch to participate in an educational program, provide community service, or attend a group event must provide a signed waiver.
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Elkus Ranch Environmental Education Center: Page

Directions

Please Note: Though we love to share the ranch with visitors, Elkus Ranch is open to guests by reservation only. Please check our Event Calendar for the next opportunity to visit or check out our Programs drop down to schedule your own Private Tour or other activity.
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Elkus Ranch Environmental Education Center: Page

Dying Raw Wool with Kool Aid

Materials/Supplies: Small handful of light colored wool from Elkus Ranch for each student Liquid dish soap Warm water Bowls or buckets for washing wool Unsweetened Kool-Aid in a variety of flavors (one packet for 10 students) Sandwich size zip close plastic bags (one per student) Directions: Fill on...
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Elkus Ranch Environmental Education Center: Page

Birthday Parties

Elkus Ranch is a wonderful venue for outdoor birthday parties. The party area has plenty of parking, open space to play games, picnic tables, a play area, restrooms, and a barbecue with serving counter.
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UC Master Gardeners of Merced County: Page

Merced Farmers' Markets & Master Gardeners

Look for our friendly UC Master Gardeners of Merced County and their info booth at the Merced Farmers' Market on the first and third Saturdays of each month. Info booth located at the 16th Street parking lot between M & K Streets Please stop by with your questions, Take home a vegetable seedling and garden…
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UC Master Gardeners of Merced County: Page

Community Workshops

UC Master Gardeners of Merced County offer workshops and talks to the public throughout the year on a variety of topics. If you would like a Master Gardener to give a talk to your group or if you would like to suggest a workshop topic: phone: 209 385-7403 Email: anrmgmerced@ucanr.
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UC Master Gardeners of Merced County: Page

Ask Our Helpline

Something in your garden or home bugging you? Do your roses have strange spots? Is something eating your tomatoes? The Merced Master Gardeners are here to help! Contact our Helpline to get answers to your garden challenges and pest problems. Send an email to anrmgmerced@ucanr.edu.
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