Green Oaks Creek Farm

Site Overview

Nestled against the Santa Cruz mountains, Green Oaks is replete with riparian zones, rolling meadows, coastal live oaks, redwoods, hiking trails and ocean views. The site is a half hour drive south of Half Moon Bay, CA.

With the help of apprentices and volunteers, Green Oaks cultivate three acres of organic vegetables, strawberries, herbs, flowers and eggs. Their produce and eggs are sold at farmers markets across the greater Bay Area.

The retreat center consists of outdoor facilities for camping and base camp kitchen set-ups. You can be a part of the working farm. Come and stay on a historic, working farm! The camping facilities lie adjacent to the vegetable and flower fields and have beautiful views of the Santa Cruz mountains. Additionally, the newly built modern barn can be used as a meeting room for up to 75 guests. A shelter made of strawbales and earth plaster houses an outdoor kitchen that includes a fridge, stove, sink, cabinets, cookware, and service for 50 people. Next to the kitchen there are picnic tables, a campfire area, and an outdoor private shower with hot water.

Educational Overview

Tours of the farm are available to all age groups. Discussions can include such topics as organic agriculture, pasture management, the links between soil-plant-animal-human health, medicinal herbs, etc. Activities can include exploring the farm, feeding the animals, sowing seeds in the greenhouse or the fields, studying the compost piles, harvesting, studying the soil, learning about medicinal herbs in the extensive herb and flower garden, etc. We would be happy to work with any subject or lesson plans the instructor presents. At night we offer a campfire area and evening programs that help students appreciate the night sky, learn about local nocturnal animals, and become comfortable in the dark.

Hiking trails meander through rolling open meadows, past ancient oaks and a majestic redwood grove, finding their way to an awe inspiring ocean view. An enchanting, extensive medicinal herb and flower garden can be enjoyed.

Options

• Ano Nuevo State Park
• Tidepooling at Bean Hollow State Beach
• High and Low Ropes Course Options at Skylark Ranch

Site Tour