Elkus Ranch reopens with new bridge

The New Year's Eve storm swept away the bridge crossing Purisima Creek to Elkus Ranch Environmental Education Center.

The New Year's Eve storm ushered in 2023 and took out the bridge crossing Purisima Creek to Elkus Ranch Environmental Education Center. On June 1, Elkus Ranch reopened to the public with a new bridge.

Igor Lacan, interim director of UC Cooperative Extension in San Mateo and San Francisco counties and UCCE Bay Area environmental horticulture and urban forestry advisor, is grateful to everyone involved in getting Elkus Ranch's bridge replaced.

Until the bridge was replaced, Elkus Ranch staff had to be lifted over creek to get to the ranch.

“Our construction office folks – Jeff Couture, Luzanne Martin and Alexander Cain – were hands-on from the first day to the bridge opening,” Lacan said. “I think they are now familiar with every square inch of our bridge, every pipe connection in our water system, and every idiosyncratic little detail of Elkus!” 

For the five months until the bridge was completed, Elkus Ranch staff had to ride a bucket lift daily to get into the ranch to feed Sassy the donkey, the goats, sheep, rabbits, cats and other animals that live at Elkus Ranch, as well as do their other work. 

Auggie Aguiiar wades through Purisma Creek. He and Bruno Acosta fed the Elkus Ranch animals and prepared the area for reconstruction.

“Our two ranch maintenance staffers, Augustine Aguilar and Bruno Acosta, waded the stream, cleared debris, carried water and hay bales for the animals, and in general did everything that needed to be done in order to both keep our animals alive AND to get everything ready for construction,” Lacan said.  

Dotty the goat and Snickers the cat were among the animals depending on their staff to bring them water and food.

“Our educators Beth Loof, Terri Pacheco, Holly Bono and Doug Meyer, and ranch manager Leslie Jensen ensured that both the animals were cared for and that our school clients were up-to-date on our repair progress.” 

While the bridge was out, the local schoolchildren couldn't visit Elkus Ranch. Led by ranch educator Beth Loof with support from 4-H youth development advisor Sally Neas, the educators took their show on the road directly to the schools.

Bridge construction.

“Our office manager, Kathleen Stewart, kept everyone apprised of the situation, day-to-day, and ensured everyone's safety,” Lacan said.

In addition, Brian Oatman and David Alamillo in Environmental Health and Safety were instrumental in liaising with the Federal Emergency Management Agency and other agencies to secure support for repairs. 

Tu Tran, associate vice president for business operations, stepped in several times not only to facilitate high-level discussion and ensure funding, but also to help resolve some unexpected issues on the ground, Lacan said.

On June 10, the team welcomed visitors to the annual Sheep to Shawl at Elkus Ranch to see sheep being sheared, watch wool spinning and try dying wool. 

Coastside Magazine interviewed Jensen and other Elkus Ranch employees about the reopening: https://www.hmbreview.com/coastside_magazine/page-m-001/page_6437e17a-0a55-59d6-b468-1b27bb09ade5.html.

The new bridge to Elkus Ranch allowed it to reopen for visitors June 1.

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