On Friday, April 27, seven Santa Margarita Elementary School 4th graders became certified junior oak nature guides, aka “Oak Ambassadors,” through The Land Conservancy’s Learning Among the Oaks (LATO) program.
LATO is an outdoor science education and youth environmental leadership program that has been based at Santa Margarita School since 2005. Last year, with increased interest and support from the public and Land Conservancy members, LATO expanded to include Ocean View Elementary School in Arroyo Grande as a South County partner.
Santa Margarita’s newly vested Oak Ambassadors began their journey with applications and interviews held in January, followed by weekly lessons exploring all aspects of the Santa Margarita Ranch oak ecosystem and nature guide skills.
The Oak Ambassadors are now ready to lead hikes (supervised by adult docents and staff) on local trails and teach other children and families about the wonders of nature within San Luis Obispo County’s oak ecosystems.
LATO provides opportunities for students to learn about native plants and animals, as well as the importance of conservation and stewardship of these lands.
LATO is supported by grants, donations, volunteers, and partnerships. Special thanks to the Atascadero Unified School District, the Santa Margarita PTA, SLO County Fish and Game Fines Committee, the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship, Arroyo Grande Sportsmen’s Club, and BHE Renewables for their special support of the OA program at Santa Margarita School.
To learn how you can support this program, or to make a donation, please visit learningamongtheoaks.org.
The Land Conservancy of San Luis Obispo County is a community-supported local nonprofit land trust working to protect and restore local landscapes for the benefit of people and wildlife. The land trust helps to protect drinking water sources, prevent poorly planned development, restore wildlife habitat and promote family farmlands and ranches in our region. The Land Conservancy leads collaborative efforts which has resulted in the permanent protection over 18,400 acres of land in San Luis Obispo County.