Learning Among the Oaks
Connecting kids, nature, and land
Help us build a community of kids who care about nature and each other
See how we’re changing young lives
“I have learned that being an Oak Ambassador means more than just knowing about animals, oaks, rocks and other parts of nature. It means being responsible, respectful, and helpful to nature and teaching others to do the same.”
—- Boone, 5th grade Oak Ambassador
About Learning Among the Oaks (LATO)
What LATO has been up to
I have learned to love nature, to be one with nature, and to value nature.
Subscribe to LATO Nature Notes, our bi-monthly e-news
Our Partners & Supporters
San Luis Obispo County Fish and Game Fines Committee
Rod Hoadley ~ Peak Racks
Marguerite Costigan and Terry Sanville
Ann Robinson
Brisco Foundation
Joan Collier
Barlow Family Foundation
Justin Community Grants
Pacific Gas and Electric Company
Randy and Sally Knight
Christine Harvey
Mankins Foundation
Marney and Roger Briggs
James F. Maino and Lisa Kilburn
Maxwell-Hanrahan Foundation
Warren and Carol Sinsheimer
DeVos Family Foundation
Cal Poly Biological Sciences Department (Professors John Perrine and Emily Taylor)
Partial listing; Supporter page under construction.
New Santa Margarita Ranch wildlife images thanks to LATO Wildlife Camera Project volunteers Pat and Eric. California oak woodlands provide homes for a great diversity of wildlife. Like your favorites and share with friends. Appreciate, learn and care for nature on the Central Coast (and everywhere). #localwildlife #environmentaleducation ... See MoreSee Less
Comment on Facebook
I so look forward to all of your trail cam pictures. They are so awesome!!!!! Thank you for sharing 🤗!
Cool photos!
I love how curious the bears are about the cameras
As an aside, two mountain lions that were "relocated" have recently starved to death. They do need good habitat (we have it here)
More LATO Nature Care volunteers needed to help make Santa Margarita the best place for kids and families to enjoy, learn about and care for nature. Please share with friends who might be interested in occasionally pitching in to help. Thanks! #volunteerslo ... See MoreSee Less
Comment on Facebook
Parents of 4th graders! Did you know your 4th grader can see America’s natural wonders and historic sites for free!
For more info, visit: everykidoutdoors.gov/ ... See MoreSee Less
Comment on Facebook
Look who lives in the Vineyard Elementary School (VES) Nature Trail area! Enjoy new images from the LATO Wildlife Camera Project. Like and share your favorites! #localwildlife #environmentaleducation #SanLuisObispoCounty #outdoors ... See MoreSee Less
Comment on Facebook
Gorgeous pictures!!!! Thanks for sharing!
Always fun to see your trail camera project photos!
One of the early photos from the LATO Wildlife Camera Project, this one from August 23,2010 shows a mountain lion out in the early morning hours at Santa Margarita Ranch. Take a look at learningamongtheoaks.smugmug.com/Wildlife-Cameras/Critterpack-Wildlife/LATO-Mountain-Lion/ to see more mountain lion photos from over the years since then. We're grateful to Santa Margarita Ranch for our 19 year LATO partnership and to Cal Poly Biology Professor John Perrine/then CP Senior Project student Christina McAdams for working with us to start the LATO Wildlife Camera Project 13 years ago. #localwildlife #centralcoastcalifornia #SanLuisObispoCounty ... See MoreSee Less
Comment on Facebook
Glad that I could help out with such a great program! Thanks for inviting me! 😁
Such a handsome Animal
stay safe big cat, hope you're still around
This is a great example of a fun way to engage curious kids (or to spark curiosity) in exploring nature. Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History is a wonderful place for a family day trip if you have the chance to go!to Caedon on earning a _Megalodon_ tooth! Caedon has been an avid nature collector for many years. This summer he dedicated himself to trading natural objects and nature journaling, earning points in Nature Exchange™ (developed by Science North) in the Museum’s Nature Club House. Through his finds and observations, he accumulated 35,000 points, enough to exchange for this startling tooth from the mighty ancient shark. He is now on the lookout for a new, hefty goal to work towards. To learn more about Nature Exchange™ at the Museum, visit the Nature Club House in the Museum Backyard. Photo by Camila Leon ... See MoreSee Less
Comment on Facebook
Well done. What a great story.