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.
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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
Warren and Carol Sinsheimer
DeVos Family Foundation
Cal Poly Biological Sciences Department (Professors John Perrine and Emily Taylor)
Partial listing; Supporter page under construction.
Yoo-hoo! Summer baby season is just around the corner, and we are in desperate need of bath towels! We use towels to line enclosures, handle animals, and clean the clinic. If you have a few to spare, please consider donating them to us! The bigger the towel, the better. You can bring them to us directly at 1387 Main St. in Morro Bay, or call our hotline to see if a transport volunteer can pick them up from you. Thank you all for your support, no matter the form! ... See MoreSee Less
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Cheers for the dedicated LATO Wildlife Camera Project (WCP) volunteers and new volunteers who came out for our annual meeting and training this week. More cool wildlife images coming soon. This project has been running for 10+ years. It takes a lot of teamwork and keeps getting better. Thanks to WCP teams, partners and all who support LATO! ... See MoreSee Less
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THANK YOU!!!
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When this happens, it's usually because the owner only shared it with a small group of people, changed who can see it or it's been deleted.Comment on Facebook
Native peonies at the Pismo Preserve are favorites for many hikers!
36 4th graders, representing three LATO public school partners (Vineyard Elementary School, Santa Margarita Elementary School and Ocean View Elementary School) started training this week to become full-fledged Oak Ambassadors (OA), ready to guide school nature hikes this spring.
OA training begins with team-building and "oakology," getting to know the local oaks and associated native plant community.
We're excited and look forward to sharing our adventures with you. ... See MoreSee Less
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GREAT program
UPDATE see comment re Irish Hills location for second part of training. Reminder - iNaturalist Outdoor Training this Saturday, January 28 from 9am to noon. Meet at Devaul Park Playground in San Luis Obispo and then we move to adjacent entrance to Irish Hills Natural Reserve to practice. See our website for details and important tips on how to prepare beforehand for this training. cnpsslo.org/event/cnps-inaturalist-outdoor-training-workshop-1/ ... See MoreSee Less
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Such an amazing program