What we do
In order to make our mission a reality, the Santa Fe Ranch has pioneered a wide array of projects over the past 15 years, and continues to do so today
We Are Artists
This program, which began in 2018, delivers high quality art workshops to individuals with special needs. We are Artists is a partnership with SCTP and the Patagonia Creative Arts Association. Some of the program’s features include highly individualized, motivating, multi-sensory, fun that engages and brings together the community in a positive way. Giving individuals with language barriers a way to express themselves artistically.
Project WET
The Santa Fe Ranch has been a partner with the Nogales High School Science Club, the University of Arizona, Santa Cruz County School Superintendents Office and the Santa Cruz Natural Resources Conservation District to implement water conservation education to all 4th graders in the county. What makes this program unique is the fact that the high school students are trained in the curriculum and deliver it to the students.
Animals and Nature Based special education
This is our year round program for individuals from the Santa Cruz Training Programs, inc. that has been continuously operating since 2007. Three mornings a week, the members of SCTP visit the ranch to experience the natural beauty of our location, work on individual goals, engage in meaningful activities in the community, practice social and communication skills, exercise, and practice healthy habits while receiving the numerous benefits of time with animals, and the outdoors.
Stockmanship and Stewardship
Low stress cattle handling has long been recognized as a key component of a successful livestock operation. Stockmanship and stewardship incorporates this practice as part of an overall stewardship program that ensures cattle are handled in a low stress environment and that their welfare is first and foremost. Dr. Dean Fish, Santa Fe Ranch manager, is recognized as a resource for the ranching community in implementing these practices.
Environmental Stewardship
The Santa Fe Ranch is continually looking to improve the natural resource base as well as look at ways to demonstrate sustainability. We work with the Natural Resources Conservation Service to update and implement a conservation plan that includes range monitoring, pasture management and even dung beetle management to improve soil health.
Borderlands Earth Cares Youth
For several years the Santa Fe Ranch has hosted a group of young people that are part of an environmental conservation program based in Patagonia. Students come to the ranch and implement a conservation practice. There have been many rock dams and other erosion control practices that have positively impacted the ranch because of their work.
Sustainable Agriculture Production
The Santa Fe Ranch has been recognized as a leader in implementing and demonstrating sustainable ranching practices in the arid Southwest. From looking at genetics that are more efficient, to erosion control, the Santa Fe Ranch has applied many different practices that have improved efficiency and profitability. In fact, the ranch was recognized by the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association as a leader in this arena.
Las Lagunas Summer Program
Our summer youth lead workshop engages students with fun outdoor learning. The Anza youth facilitate and coordinate the whole workshop. Students learn about art, positive mindset, music, science, nature, and engineering. The workshop is 4 days long and ends with the local fire department coming out to hose the kids and youth in a water war.
Las Lagunas Haunted Tail
Our Anza youth build, decorate, and then participate as the cast and crew of our very own haunted trail. The event takes place on October 26th through the 28th at the Las Lagunas Wet Lands. Proceeds go to helping families here in Santa Cruz County.
Santa Fe Ranch Foundation 