Tulare County Office of Education - Circle J-Norris Ranch

go to Tulare County Office of Education HomePage

History of the ranch and campus

In 1992, Eleanor Norris, then owner of Circle J Ranch, spoke to County Superintendent of Schools Jim Vidak at the Tulare County Fair booth, where she discussed a vision she had for her family's property. Eleanor Norris and Jim Vidak pictured the land as a place where students could learn to respect the environment and its resources. At the same time, the natural beauty of the land could be protected and preserved for future generations of both humans and wildlife.

Elli Norris and Rick Mitchell, SCICON Administrator

Elli Norris and Rick Mitchell, SCICON Administrator

The Circle J-Norris Ranch outdoor education programs came into being in 1996, when Eleanor Norris forged an agreement with TCOE to host educational programs on her beautiful ranch. Five schools visited Circle J-Norris Ranch in Spring of 1997, and the program has grown steadily since that time. In 2000, the ranch was expanded when TCOE purchased 7 acres adjacent to Heron Pond. Ownership of the property transferred to TCOE in 2004 in a transaction that placed a conservation easement on 600 acres and provided a life estate to Eleanor Norris. Helping start outdoor education programs runs in Elli's family, as her great aunt, Clemmie Gill, started the SCICON program with a gift of 35 acres.

Tulare County Office of Education
Circle J - Norris Ranch
P.O. Box 339
Springville, CA 93265

Nancy Bruce, Education Coordinator
Rick Mitchell, SCICON Administrator
(559) 539-2263
fax: (559) 539-2369

Please direct web site problems or comments to tcoeweb@tcoe.org.