Leslie Jensen, Elkus Ranch Coordinator Retires

Leslie Jensen, our much loved Elkus Ranch Coordinator, retired April 26th, after 24 years of devoted service. It is estimated that Leslie positively impacted close to one hundred thousand visitors during her time here in delivering environmental education programs to Bay Area youth and their accompanying adults. Leslie first began her career at Elkus in 2000 as a Community Educator taking on the roll of Ranch Coordinator in 2006. Her two decades of leadership defined Elkus Ranch: the educational programs as well as Ranch operations bear witness to Leslie’s dedication, professional attitude, and boundless patience.

Among Leslie’s many remarkable qualities, the most prominent is her unending commitment to "figuring it out," making sure that the Ranch continued delivering programs no matter what went wrong on any given day: a broken fence, a bus stuck in the mud, a sick animal or staff member, or even a collapsed bridge. For over twenty years, Leslie made sure that the animals were well, the Ranch remained open, and that our visitors got to experience the wonder of Elkus for themselves, no matter what.

It is notable that the entire educational framework of Elkus Ranch in large part reflects the approach that Leslie defined and refined over many years: focus on school groups with educator-guides, the Lunch at the Ranch project where children harvest vegetables and then prepare a meal, and the many well-attended day camps.

Leslie’s most enduring legacy is the amazing “return rate” for our visitors: our programs book up completely, and often the same teachers return year after year, bringing new generations of children to experience the Ranch. So often we will hear of a school group parent-chaperon comment: “I remember coming here when I was in school!”

Finally, a personal note: as County Director, I (Igor Lacan) remain truly grateful for all of Leslie’s help and guidance over the years. Leslie’s understanding of all aspects of the Ranch combined with her patient approach was invaluable as we engaged with the many challenges that we faced over the years.

We congratulate Leslie on her retirement and wish her the best as she moves on. She will be sorely missed!