KING CITY — Wonder Wood Ranch, a Monterey County nonprofit known for its life-changing equine therapy, has received a $150,000 state grant to expand its programs to South Monterey County.
The funding comes through the Youth Community Access Grant Program, which supports outdoor learning and recreation opportunities for young people across California. The program, administered by the state’s Natural Resources Agency and championed by State Assembly Speaker Robert Rivas, awarded more than $900,000 to five Central Coast organizations this year.
“The Central Coast is home to awe-inspiring outdoor spaces, and every kid deserves a chance to visit our parks and explore, learn and grow,” Rivas said. “The organizations receiving state grants inspire curiosity and foster an important connection to the outdoors, and I’m proud California can support their essential work.”
For Wonder Wood Ranch, the grant will help create therapeutic outdoor experiences for youth — including interactions with rescued animals and field trips — in King City, Greenfield, Soledad and Salinas.
Earlier this year, the nonprofit announced its expansion to Valley View Ranch Equine Rescue, located near King City and Greenfield. The expansion will bring new opportunities for equine rescue, trauma-informed care and workforce development to local at-risk and justice-involved youth.
Through the new site, participants will receive hands-on training in animal care, ranch management and emergency rescue operations, earning certifications that prepare them for careers in high-demand fields. The project also includes safe housing for one to four youth in an advanced program, offering a structured environment focused on healing and personal growth.
“South County youth deserve hope, healing and opportunity,” said Marlo Schalesky, executive director of Wonder Wood Ranch, in a previous news release. “By expanding to Valley View, we’re not just rescuing horses — we’re rescuing futures.”
The ranch’s mission aligns closely with the goals of the Youth Community Access program, which uses Proposition 64 revenues to fund projects that connect young people to outdoor cultural and educational experiences. This year, the state awarded more than $38 million statewide, supporting 108 projects that promote environmental learning, leadership development and equitable access to public spaces.
Other organizations in Rivas’ district receiving grants include:
- Ventana Wildlife Society — $292,011 to provide 66 types of outdoor experiences throughout Monterey County, including kayaking, whale watching and park visits for about 880 youth.
- FoodWhat Incorporated — $270,518 to support outdoor access and gardening programs for about 75 young people annually, offering stipends, transportation and school credit.
- Save Our Shores — $123,599 to fund after-school field trips for middle school students to learn science, art and environmental data collection.
- Ventana Wilderness Alliance — $64,055 to host wilderness day hikes and backpacking trips in the Ventana and Silver Peak wilderness areas.
“This support from the Natural Resources Agency allows FoodWhat to continue to evolve our programs to be a space where youth are evermore centered as agents of their own future through environmental connectedness,” said Elana Lee Solon, director of resources and relationships at FoodWhat Incorporated.
Wonder Wood Ranch, which already partners with more than 70 agencies throughout Monterey County, aims to strengthen community ties with this expansion and provide a pathway to hope and healing for youth who need it most. The nonprofit also recently received a $5,000 contribution from the Walmart Supercenter in Salinas following its store renovation, further supporting the ranch’s mission and programming.
To learn more or support Wonder Wood Ranch’s expansion, visit wonderwoodranch.com.
