Where Nature and Nurture Meet.
About...
About the Wild Loon Ranch
About
Here at Wild Loon Ranch, we are committed to the practice of sustainability and recognize the importance of conserving our states' natural resources.
We are a targeted grazing organization, using sheep and goats for meticulously managed, eco-friendly solution for vegetation control, elimination of unwanted weed growth and the reduction of fire fuel loads. Unlike harsh chemicals or noisy machinery, our herds leave behind just cleared land and enriched soil.
Do you hate yard work? Don't want to waste another weekend in the weeds? Maybe the natural overgrown look used to be endearing. But now is out of control... Ugh!
Let us help you reclaim your free time and your sanity! After all, weekends are for family time and making wonderful memories, not for mowing and pulling dandelions!
Wild Loon Ranch to the Rescue!!!!!
Meet the Herd
The Founder- El Scipione
El’s unique blend of humor, warmth and personality, combined with her attention to detail, has helped her grow into a seasoned farmer and homesteader. Because of her personality, she has an uncanny way of connecting with all animals and people from all walks of life.
El has been working with domestic animals for over 30 years but found her passion for farm animals about 13 years ago, working as a farm manager for a large private farm owner in Kansas. Some of her experience includes several farm management positions, city petting zoo manager, rescue coordinator for a large animal shelter, and has been working with rescue groups since 2006, later opening her own 501c3 nonprofit animal rescue organization in 2015.
In July 2002, El graduated with honors from the U.S. Army School of Nursing and continued to serve for 8 years as a combat nurse. El then went on to acquire an education in veterinary technology, while continuing her career in nursing.
At Wild Loon Ranch, inspired by her father's love for the beauty of nature, we take tremendous pride as created to provide a unique balance of serenity, recycling and farm environment for all critters that live there.
So come visit us and sit awhile.
Friends & Partners
- Chapter 12 173rd Airborne Brigade Association
- Rosehip Farm
- PVA Paralyzed Veterans of America, Mountain States Chapter
Featured Creatures
Punky & Brewster the lambs
Curly the Goat
Eyebrows the Sheep
Bella the Mule
Pepito the horse
and more!
In Memorium
Goofy
Storm
Puff Daddy
Cher
Zero
Honey Bear
Why Sheep and Goats?
Herbicides can run off, are dangerous to handle, and can lead to genetically resistant weeds. Power equipment burns fossil fuel and produces CO2. Goats and sheep can go where people can't, eat what most animals won't, and leave behind nothing but fertilizer.
- Our goats can get in those tough to reach spots. Like Mr. Peanut who is plucking bittersweet leaves from in between a down tree or the steep slope above where machines cannot go.
- They can eat the things that give us trouble- thorny, itchy, thick and viny, or shrubby, woody things.
- Goats are a natural solution, no chemicals or herbicides, just powerful teeth, a huge appetite and potent digestive abilities. They even grind up the seeds that most animals excrete or spit out. This helps diminish the seed bank.
- They fertilize the soil with their manure and their urine helps to degrade the seeds lying dormant in the ground. This decreases their ability to germinate while giving the native plants a nutrient boost.
How it Works:
Brush clearing approved by Mother Nature herself!
Here at Wild Loon Ranch, we are committed to the practice of sustainability and recognize the importance of conserving our states' natural resources.
We are a targeted grazing organization, using sheep and goats for meticulously managed, eco-friendly solution for vegetation control, elimination of unwanted weed growth and the reduction of fire fuel loads. Unlike harsh chemicals or noisy machinery, our herds leave behind just cleared land and enriched soil.
Do you hate yard work? Don't want to waste another weekend in the weeds? Maybe the natural overgrown look used to be endearing. But now is out of control... Ugh!
Let us help you reclaim your free time and your sanity! After all, weekends are for family time and making wonderful memories, not for mowing and pulling dandelions!
Wild Loon Ranch to the Rescue!!!!!
Rates
As an outdoor classroom, we are a great resource for teachers, camp counselors and students. We host over 100 animals on the farm including horses, cows, goats, llamas, donkeys, sheep and various poultry species. Our tours and educational programs dive into the subjects of homesteading practices, animal husbandry, horticulture and so much more! On our real working farm, Field Trips at Wild Loon Ranch and Sanctuary offer hands-on learning and participatory activities for children of all ages.
Students will discover all about the animals that live on our farm, how we take care of them and how they help to take care of us. Students will also have the opportunity to meet, feed and pet some of our resident critters too!
We are excited to include “Compost your lunch leftovers” as part of our Greenhouse Creation Station. Students will not only learn about compost, but will be able to add their fruit and veggie scraps to our composting bins.
Other activities that can be incorporated into the Field Trip experience include arts and crafts, painting and woodworking projects.
Bring students into the "field" to explore the great outdoors, fuel agricultural learning, and apply classroom knowledge in a fun farm setting.
With each of our field trips, Teachers and parent chaperones are always free with every 15 students. We are here rain or shine, and there are several covered areas during the tour to accommodate your group.
Each of our educational field trips is $10 per student.
We schedule Field Trips and Educational Groups on Fridays. First available start time is 11am.
Field Trip Timeline:
- Please arrive10-15 minutes before your scheduled tour time.
- Your tour will be approx. 60 minutes long. You will get the opportunity to meet the animals, enter pens, and pet animals. Feed for our animals will be provided by staff.
- Field trips may stay for up to 30 minutes for lunch.
- If you are needing an extended time period please note this in your request. Additional 30 - 45 minute activities (such as a crafts, photos, etc) can be facilitated upon request.
~Teachers, you may bring water for your group. We recommend a large cooler with paper cups. We also have several well spigots in various locations throughout the property. You are welcome to bring in a picnic lunch to enjoy in the farm-fresh air before you head back to school.
FAQS
Wild Loon Ranch and Sanctuary is excited to be working with a Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts of America. We are able to help individual scouts earn badges with a variety of fun and exciting learning activities designed for their knowledge level.