02/13/2026
In Session 4 our Explorer and Sage classes unpack the different ways plants and animals survive in this changing ecosystem. Through a variety of activities students develop a better understanding of the many unique adaptations among us. Flap to the future and invent your own bird with features that currently don't exist or put your STEM skills to the test to engineer a seed that floats in the wind across the land. Groups partake in annual traditions such as bird language skits and soap root exploration. New this session, students step into the role of a museum curator and design interactive exhibits that teach fellow participants about regional species and their adaptations.
This seasons’ fan favorite adaptation at the ranch goes to… the Western Fence Lizards, for their amazing ability to fight off Lyme disease with their blood! When ticks carrying Lyme disease attach to these lizards, a protein in the lizard body kills the bacterium in the tick that causes Lyme disease. The infection inside the ticks' gut is therefore cleared and the tick no longer carries Lyme disease.
Speaking of ticks, the Junior Ranchers take on a new question in Session 4: What is a bug? To truly understand the critters that crawl, fly, wiggle, and squirm their way into our hearts, we must take a closer look. Students learn to mindfully catch insects with insect nets, craft beetle puppets and sculpt a butterfly feeder!
Not sure which class is the right fit for your student? Give us a call! (925) 283-6311.
