About Us
Connecting children and families to nature
Connolly Ranch Education Center’s mission is to connect children and families to nature through inspiring the next generation of environmental stewards. Our beautiful, historic property in the heart of Napa is the perfect place for children of all ages to discover the joys and wonders of nature in our outdoor classrooms. We incorporate sustainable land management and farming practices to preserve the historical context and natural beauty of the property and promote environmental stewardship through discovery-based education. Whether it's visiting with our animals, working in our edible garden, or exploring our WildSpaces, Connolly Ranch offers everyone an opportunity to make a mindful connection with the natural world.
The Animals
At Connolly Ranch our animals are considered to be one of our most valuable resources. The Ranch is home to chickens, goats, sheep, pigs, ducks, geese, miniature horses and donkeys. We implement humane animal husbandry practices and partner with top-notch local animal care professionals to ensure that they live long, happy and productive lives teaching children about stewardship and natural science. Connolly Ranch celebrates heritage breeds of livestock as means of preserving agricultural heritage and showcasing animals that look significantly different than those we see in popular media. We harvest eggs from our chickens and fiber from our goats and sheep to utilize in Farm to Table cooking projects and crafts.
The Garden
Our educational garden at Connolly Ranch serves as an outdoor classroom and play space in which children can learn and explore core concepts of biodynamic farming, nutrition and the natural sciences. We continuously cultivate a diversified produce garden year round and utilize the harvest in Farm to Table cooking and craft projects. We care for numerous fruit trees, perennials and California native flora to foster a pollinator friendly environment. Compost generated on site is used to amend planting beds and ensure optimal soil health. Exploration of garden leads to the discovery of worms, roly polys, blue belly lizards and other tiny creatures inspiring a connection to nature that can’t obtained in a classroom.
Our Wild Spaces
Connolly Ranch fosters numerous wild spaces in which visitors can facilitate mindful connections with the natural world. Come meditate with Grandmother Oak, or explore our hiking trails through preserved upland coastal live oak habitat. Embrace your naturalistic curiosity by studying the diverse micro ecosystems across the property. Learn more about migratory waterfowl and wetland environments at the Duck Pond. Release the joy of your inner child or share a picnic with your family in the Grove, our natural play space. Learn woodcraft skills while building forts at the Village. Or just simply enjoy the glorious sights, sounds, smells and feelings derived from existing in, for, and with nature.
Our History
In 1915 the Connolly Family moved to Napa County and acquired the property in which present day Connolly Ranch Education Center operates. They cultivated a small homestead on the land, which stayed in their family until the early 1990’s when Peggy Connolly generously donated the property to the Land Trust of Napa County.
Through this noble philanthropic act, Connolly Ranch was established as a protected place in which children of all ages could expand their knowledge of nature and farming. The Ranch hosted its first field trip in 1993 and steadily developed the infrastructure of the property and its dynamic farm-based environmental education curriculum to host a myriad of programming.
In 2009, Connolly Ranch Education Center formerly became a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization. Today Connolly Ranch hosts over 11,000 visitors and through our programs serves over 5,000 community members each year.
