With its historic barns, demonstration native plant garden and trail to a nearby salmon-bearing creek, the Lost Coast Education Center is a place for students and the community to engage in the natural world while learning about sustainable gardening practices, water conservation, and the benefits of mimicking nature in their own landscapes. The center is managed under an agreement with BLM King Range and serves as FOLC’s home base. We are located near the King Range National Conservation Area visitor center – 768 Shelter Cove Road in Whitethorn.

The garden features an outdoor classroom for workshops and school field trips, a trail to a nearby salmon bearing creek and a nursery where people can acquire plants for their home gardens. New interpretive signage is a work in progress. The 100+ year-old hay barn serves as an indoor classroom, theater, and event space, with plans to expand its displays and activities for a Field Station atmosphere. 

Visiting & Volunteer Work Days

Volunteers are the driving force in the development and upkeep of our native plant garden. We host regularly scheduled volunteer work parties every 1st & 3rd Sunday, from 10AM-1PM year round. It is best to RSVP in advance to make sure staff will be there. Tasks include flipping compost, maintaining and creating pathways, weeding, potting up seedlings, deadheading spent flowers, and more. For more information, email [email protected].

Native Plant Nursery

Our nursery offers over 100 species of native plants, available to the public for a donation. Garden Celebrations & Plant Sales are held each spring and fall to bring the public out to take inspiration from our garden, and to shop for native plants so they can create native habitats in their own yards. Our own professional landscape designer is on site to answer any questions you may have. Garden celebrations often include short nature themed activities or art projects for youth, live music, garden tours, refreshments, and FOLC merchandise. Check out the event calendar on our website to find the next plant sale date. The nursery is also open by appointment. Email [email protected]