Home / Education / Family's 150-Year Ranch Becomes Living Classroom
Family's 150-Year Ranch Becomes Living Classroom
28 Sep
Summary
- A 390-acre historic ranch, farmed for 150 years, was donated.
- The land will serve as a living classroom for Cal Poly students.
- The donation preserves agricultural identity and a family legacy.
The Brughelli family has donated its historic 390-acre ranch in San Luis Obispo County to Cal Poly, marking the end of 150 years of family farming. This significant gift will transform the property into a vibrant living classroom for university students.
Students at Cal Poly will utilize Brughelli Ranch to study vital fields such as agriculture, conservation, water management, and natural-resource stewardship. The ranch features prime agricultural land, including 100 acres of irrigated Class I soil, alongside a seven-acre reservoir and four interconnected wells.
This donation not only provides an invaluable educational resource but also preserves a multi-generational family legacy that began in 1928. The land is already protected by an agricultural conservation easement and enrolled in the Williamson Act, ensuring its agricultural purpose continues.
Cal Poly, known for its 'Learn by Doing' philosophy, will integrate the ranch into its programs. The property offers a unique, real-world environment for students to apply theoretical knowledge and conduct research. This ensures the land's active role in educating future generations about working landscapes.
