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

Learning Among the Oaks (LATO) is The Land Conservancy of San Luis Obispo County‘s (LCSLO) nature education and youth conservation leadership program delivered through three public school bases, each with its own associated oak nature trail for educational hikes, field studies and stewardship experiences.

These services reach more than 2,000 people each year, mostly children and families, many from underserved communities. LATO’s place-based learning and integration with public school programs means that experiences are relevant to kids’ everyday lives and that kids from a variety of backgrounds have the chance to participate.

Together, we’re building a community of kids who care about nature and each other.

What LATO has been up to

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Mom's ready for a break! This fawn with doe at the Pismo Preserve is big enough to graze but mom's milk is hard to resist.
Fawns can generally survive on their own, nibbling on grasses, after 2-3 months. Some will continue nursing until they are 3-4 months old or as long as mom allows it. Photos from the LATO Wildlife Camera Project, thanks to recent volunteers Riley, Elaine, Pat and Eric. #localwildlife
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Moms ready for a break! This fawn with doe at the Pismo Preserve is big enough to graze but moms milk is hard to resist.
Fawns can generally survive on their own, nibbling on grasses, after 2-3 months. Some will continue nursing until they are 3-4 months old or as long as mom allows it. Photos from the LATO Wildlife Camera Project, thanks to recent volunteers Riley, Elaine, Pat and Eric. #localwildlifeImage attachmentImage attachment

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

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 #environmentaleducationImage attachmentImage attachment+8Image attachment

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

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

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/
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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

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 #outdoorsImage attachmentImage attachment+Image attachment

Comment on Facebook

Gorgeous pictures!!!! Thanks for sharing!

Always fun to see your trail camera project photos!

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I have learned to love nature, to be one with nature, and to value nature.

- Rosie, Oak Ambassador, 4th grade

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Nature Notes e-Newsletter

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)