Story by Sharon Tung
Additional reporting by Daniel Lin
McClellan ranch has remained a constant in the lives of Cupertino residents. Many of the features remain the same from when it started as a ranch in 1930s, but new additions have been added throughout the years. Modern improvements include an environmental education center, renovated blacksmith shop and volunteer developments at the 4-H club. With the current upgrades, the city hopes not to only educate its citizens about the advancements and discoveries in natural science, but also the history of the city. Click on the photos below to learn more about two different aspects of the ranch.
Alongside the other historical structures at the ranch, the Environmental Education Center stands out as a building of definite modernity. Barbara Banfield, who works for the Recreation and Community Services Department, said McClellan Ranch has had environmental education programs since 1976, originally held in a 20-feet by 20-feet garage. However, the small space couldn’t support all the kids on rainy days and the building size limited the number of kids the programs can accept.
In 2004, the department received a grant for a new building, but only enough for an un-insulated, prefabricated metal building. After waiting for the Cupertino City Council to provide more funds, McClellan Ranch now has a more modern building.
“It’s beautiful, it’s attractive,” Banfield said. “It’s better for the environment [than the original 2004 plan], because it’s a well-insulated building, which means it stays cool.”
The new V-shaped building can capture rainwater on both sides and features solar panels on the roof. Recycled fly ash is in the floor with radiant heating. Another energy-saving addition is the large windows on the north side; extra energy will not be necessary to light it during the day and the Sun does not overheat the building in the summer.
The building is also constructed with recycled lumber, which is torn down from an old barn in the water district. The department hopes to add in a rain-capture system soon.
“The environment center is so nice to have,” Cupertino resident Julie Feldman, a frequent visitor of McClellan Ranch, said. “That’s key, because my whole family comes and uses it, learns and is educated about the area.”
The park serves as a nature escape in a suburban town. At first glance the ranch can seem devoid of pedestrians but as time passes, volunteers can be seen trickling out of the farm area and walkers can be seen strolling along the path.
“I think if you were interacting with nature, you can come to appreciate it more and maybe be more respectful of it,” Feldman said. “I know my children have a greater appreciation for nature having [the ranch] so close to them and so [accessible].”
Photos taken by Neha Patchipala.
