McClellan Ranch Preserve

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McClellan Ranch Preserve

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McClellan Ranch Preserve is an 18-acre natural preserve, nestled in the foothills of Cupertino. This 23-acre nature preserve is located in Cupertino, CA.

This historic site is now home to the Environmental Education Center (EEC), Baer Blacksmith Shop, community gardens, and walking trails. Originally established as a horse ranch in the 1930's, the ranch is now home to the Environmental Education Center, Santa Clara Valley Bird Alliance, 4-H Rolling Hills Club and a community garden. Still on-site are the original ranch house, milk barn, livestock barn, the old water tower from Parish Ranch and a replica of Baer's Blacksmith Shop. The park is open and free to the public from dawn - dusk. The Environmental Education Center is open Saturdays 11:00am-3:00pm. Family and youth programs are offered year round. For more information about the programs and how to register visit www.cupertino.gov/recreation or call (408) 777-3120

10/14/2026

Today, fall Creek Tours kicked off at McClellan Ranch Preserve.
Over the next six weeks, more than 500 third-grade students from Cupertino Union School District will visit the preserve to explore the nature trail, learn about Stevens Creek and the aquatic bugs that live in it, as well as learn how to protect our watershed.

10/09/2026

Join a naturalist to explore Stevens Creek through the eyes of steelhead trout. Learn about their life cycle, creekside habitat, and the challenges they face while discovering the creek’s history and ecosystem.

Register at cupertino.gov/watershedclass.

09/14/2026

Slow down, look a little closer, and see McClellan Ranch Preserve in a new way.

Join a family-friendly nature journaling experience where you’ll explore the preserve, practice sketching and writing about what you see, and learn simple techniques for becoming a better observer of the natural world.

No matter your artistic experience, nature journaling is a great way to get creative, spend time outdoors, and notice the little details you might normally walk right past.

Sign up at cupertino.gov/naturejournaling.

09/11/2026

The Environmental Education Center has two new displays for September that invite visitors to slow down and tune into their senses.

The Sounds of Nature and Science display explores familiar sounds found in nature through interactive activities and scientific explanations. Looking for something a little quieter? The Magnetic Nature Journaling display offers a relaxing way to get creative through poetry, storytelling, and shared expression.

Stop by the Environmental Education Center (22221 McClellan Road, Cupertino) on Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. to check out the new displays, which will be up through the end of September.

09/09/2026

Rosie, the Environmental Education Center's Rose Hair Tarantula, recently got a new look... though it looks a lot like her old one, just a size bigger.

Molting is how tarantulas grow and can even repair parts of their bodies. During a molt, they flip onto their backs and slowly wriggle out of their old exoskeleton. The whole process can take anywhere from about 15 minutes to several hours.

Afterward, their new exoskeleton is soft and delicate, including their fangs. That means Rosie needs some quiet time to harden up before she's handled or fed again.

Talk about outgrowing your clothes! Nature can be pretty wild.

09/08/2026

Check out this fall’s Join-a-Ranger programs at McClellan Ranch Preserve! Learn how to identify local trees and birds, explore the preserve after dark, and discover more about the plants and wildlife that call McClellan Ranch home.

Register at cupertino.gov/joinaranger.

09/04/2026

Happy ! September 4 is a good excuse to slow down, look around, and see what wildlife you can spot at McClellan Ranch Preserve or one of Cupertino’s parks.

Taking a moment to notice the animals around us is also a good reminder of why it’s important to protect them and their habitats. So, enjoy being in nature, keep your eyes open, and remember to give wildlife a little space—they’re usually not looking for new friends.

📸 Photos by Ranger Austin.

07/16/2026

A closer look at one of the hands-on learning experiences we’re proud to offer at McClellan Ranch Preserve.

07/07/2026

Ranger Austin recently observed monarch butterflies active in the restoration area, including monarchs laying eggs on milkweed. While milkweed may not sound like much, it plays an important role in the monarch life cycle as the only food source for monarch caterpillars.

As you enjoy the Preserve, please stay on established trails to help protect the plants, pollinators, and wildlife that depend on these restored habitats.

06/29/2026

Still looking for a summer camp for your 6–8-year-old? Summer Science Fun at McClellan Ranch Preserve still has open spaces. Campers will explore nature, try hands-on experiments, create art, play games, and see science in action with the Stevens Creek Corridor as their backdrop!

Register at cupertino.gov/summerscience.

Address

22221 McClellan Road
Cupertino, CA
95014

Telephone

+14087773149

Website

http://www.cupertino.org/mcclellanranch

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