Nature Care
What is a learning landscape? It’s a place where kids and families can explore and learn about nature close to school and home. At LATO’s first public school base at Santa Margarita Elementary School, we have worked with the Atascadero Unified School District to create and maintain two learning landscapes. These sites, featured below, provide both educational and stewardship opportunities. A living outdoor classroom needs ongoing care! See the Volunteer page if you’d like to join the stewardship team.
Dedicated June 5, 2016 in honor of Marguerite Costigan. Marguerite is a naturalist, bug-lover, artist and poet who has been a supporter of nature education for the Santa Margarita School LATO program since its start in 2005.
Marguerite's Native Oak Community Landscape
Location: End of the Santa Margarita Elementary School parking lot, near the entrance to the Santa Margarita Ranch LATO Trail. This landscape is accessible whenever the school parking lot is open.
What you’ll see: Some of the native plants associated with the local native oak plant community. There is a short trail from the parking lot. There is a small curb from the parking lot to the trail. We hope to make this fully accessible (for people using wheelchairs or strollers) in the future.
Gateway to Nature and Monarch Butterfly Waystation
Location: Along the H St. entrance to Santa Margarita Elementary School.
What you’ll see: Some of the native plants associated with the local native oak plant community. There is a short trail from the parking lot; plant identification signs will be coming. There is a small curb from the parking lot to the trail. We hope to make this fully accessible (for people using wheelchairs or strollers) in the future.
Vineyard Elementary School Trail Restoration
Location: Vineyard Elementary School Nature Trail
What you’ll see:
Nesting Bird Boxes
Location: Vineyard Elementary School and Santa Margarita
What you’ll see:
