Learning Among The Oaks (LATO) projects and activities are designed to
engage children and families in exploring, learning about and caring
for nature close to home. San Luis Obispo County’s oak woodlands provide a rich environment for
experiencing the joy of making discoveries and becoming lifelong nature stewards.

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Featured Projects

Kids Teaching Kids

Oak Ambassodors

Each year, we provide junior nature guide aka Oak Ambassodors(OA) training for a new class of 4th graders at each partner school. OAs guide hikes and teach other kids. It’s a powerful experience with lasting impacts. Kids continue service as they grow, taking on more responsibility.

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Wildlife Cameras

Images captured are of wildlife active in the Learning Among the Oaks trail environment adjacent to Santa Margarita school. These images are used to stimulate student interest in local wildlife biology and habitat conservation studies.

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Schools And Trails

We are learning in nature and in the classroom. Curriculum units aligned with Next Generation Science Standards explore all aspects of the oak ecosystem from habitats, life cycles, and adaptations to soil, watershed science, geology and more.

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Special Hikes

Periodically, we offer special hikes to the San Luis Obispo public community that further explore nature, wildlife, and habitats.

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School Hikes

We partner with 3 elementary schools in San Luis Obispo County and offers Oak Ambassador lead hikes to children eager to learn about nature and wildlife.

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Puppet Shows, Skits & More!

We are learning in nature and in the classroom. Curriculum units aligned with Next Generation Science Standards explore all aspects of the oak ecosystem from habitats, life cycles, and adaptations to soil and watershed science, geology, and more.

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All About Oaks

Did you know…
Oaks trees can live hundreds of years?

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Oak Nature Trails

We are stewards of the land, which means we take measures to care for and preserve the natural habitat.

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Gateways to Nature

Gateways to Nature are special places where people – especially children and families – can connect with nature in their everyday lives. The walk to school, through the Santa Margarita School Gateway to Nature, becomes a daily nature experience.

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