Field Trips FAQ
Things to Know Before Signing Up
What days and times are youth programs offered?
Field trips are generally 3 hours long, available Tuesdays and Wednesdays, 9:30am to 12:30pm. Saturday field trips are available for part of the year from 10am to noon. Youth programs for Pre-K through Kindergarten are 2.5 hours long. Check the Field Trip Availability calendar to see what dates and times are available.
Where do field trips and other programs take place?
All of our field trips, tours, and programs occur at the American River Ranch in Rancho Cordova, CA.
Where is the American River Ranch?
The American River Ranch address is 2140 Chase Drive, Rancho Cordova, CA 95670. Please be sure you understand your field trip location prior to your visit. Directions >>
What is an acceptable group size for a field trip to Soil Born Farms?
We are able to accommodate groups of 15-35 (25 maximum for pre-K groups) participants plus chaperones. We keep staff to youth ratios low to maintain quality of experience and safety.
What do the students do on field trips?
Trips follow a general agenda but are flexible depending on the season, length of stay and group leader requests. In short, field trips are designed to connect all participants with food, health, and the environment.
How much does it cost?
The cost for each type of excursion is provided on the field trip information page >>
When is payment for the program due?
Payment for the program is due 30 days prior to the scheduled field trip. Once registration is confirmed, Soil Born Farms will send an invoice via email. Payment must be received prior to program delivery. If we do not receive payment 30 days prior to your field trip, your spot will be considered forfeit.
What forms of payment are acceptable?
We are able to accept cash, checks (made out to Soil Born Farms) or Visa/MasterCard credit cards.
Do you offer financial assistance?
We are able to offer financial assistance to a limited number of groups or individuals thanks to generous sponsors. Preference will be given to low-income schools and groups. Please apply for financial assistance when you sign up online.
What if it is raining the day of our field trip?
We host field trips rain or shine. Even if it is raining we will spend the majority of the time outdoors and some time inside or under cover. Please prepare your students for being in the elements – warm layers, hats, boots, jackets, etc. Our education team has created rain plans for field trips that are educational, engaging and fun. Due to the high demand for field trips, we cannot always reschedule if your group decides to cancel a field trip.
Do you have restroom facilities at the American River Ranch?
Yes, we have a handicap-accessible porta-potty at the America River Ranch.
Is the farm site wheelchair-accessible?
At this time, wheelchair access is extremely limited at our farm. We are making site improvements to provide more wheelchair access in the future.
What animals live at the American River Ranch?
The American River Ranch is home to chickens and a friendly resident farm dog. Due to the fact that the American River Parkway borders the ranch, it is also home to wild creatures like egrets, lizards, snakes, squirrels and the occasional deer and coyote. The staff at Soil Born Farms does everything possible to keep all visitors safe throughout their visit by educating and preparing them for all the wonderful life that resides at the farm.
Is there a space for kids to have lunch after a field trip?
Groups may stay and enjoy lunch at the farm. Please let the Soil Born staff know in advance if your group will be having lunch at the farm so that they may set up the lunch area in advance.
Can we bring our own snacks for participants to eat during their visit?
Visiting groups or individuals should bring their own food and drink. We will provide a dedicated time and space for this. Please notify SBF of any allergies we should be aware of.
What does Soil Born Farms offer kids to eat during the program?
We seek to incorporate food and nutrition elements into our youth programs by using produce fresh from the field or fruit grown by one of our partner farms/orchards. Tastings may be as simple as trying and comparing different greens like kale and chard, harvesting and slicing open a watermelon or dipping carrot sticks into humus. It all depends on the season and availability of food available at the farm.
How should visitors prepare for the field trip?
Please download and read the field trip preparation document for Teachers and Youth Group Leaders (PDF) for some helpful specifics about how to be prepared for youth programs.
How many chaperones may we bring?
We allow up to 8 adult chaperones for free to accompany the participants. Additional adults are $5 per adult. For more parent chaperone information, please review our Info for Parent Chaperones (PDF) document.
Cancellation Policy:
If you cancel your field trip with less than 30 days notice you will forfeit 50% of your payment.* If you cancel your field trip with more than 30 days notice, you will receive a refund, minus a $25 administrative fee.
