Presentation on Map Reviews Nearby

The Ecology Center in San Juan Capistrano

4.7 (133) 32701 Alipaz St, San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675, United States

Categories

Farm shop
Environmental organization

Location on the map

San Juan Capistrano, Orange County, California, US

Phone: +1 949-443-4223
Site: http://theecologycenter.org/

Opening hours

Monday:9 AM–5 PM
Tuesday:9 AM–5 PM
Wednesday:9 AM–5 PM
Thursday:9 AM–5 PM
Friday:9 AM–5 PM
Saturday:9 AM–5 PM
Sunday:9 AM–5 PM

Edit info

Total reviews rating 4.7

133 Reviews for The Ecology Center 2024:

Review №1

2023-10-11 15:03:08

Absolutely LOVE the Ecology center, and especially their Eco Tots program. We had so much fun that we went twice in one week. My daughters and my nephew had so much fun they didnt want to leave. Jill made everything so interactive and fun. She walked around to all of the kids and engaged with them, taught them how to plant vegetables and flowers, made fairy wands with them, read them stories, and let their little minds wander. They got to pick and eat fruit straight from the vines, feed chickens, and learn about chicken eggs and farming. They were fully immersed in their surroundings, learning, playing, and having so much fun. We cant wait to go back!

Review №2

2023-09-22 18:51:43

Great organic grocery shopping, the restaurant provides top food and is very educational

Review №3

2023-11-27 00:05:00

The place with the least education. They never say good morning. No thanks and when you go to pay they treat you with great indifference, as if they were superior. Its good to have quality products but if the energy of the place and the employees is bad... you dont want to return.I been several times and always the same.

Review №4

2023-05-09 16:31:24

Awesome Organic Health Food 🌱Strawberries 🍓 are amazing 😍I had no idea how important ph enriched soil is until I tasted the fruit and vegetables from this locally grown farm. Healthy soil makes the fruit sweeter, juicier and even gives them a deeper color than the mass produced supermarket produce that you’re used to.There really is a significant difference between your everyday fruits and vegetables when it comes to produce grown in healthy ph enriched soil.Come here and taste the difference, you’ll never buy mass produced supermarket produce covered in wax that’s sprayed with pesticides and chemicals.They have awesome fresh baked breads as well. Everything’s super delicious 😋There’s even fresh baked organic Pizza 🍕 every Tuesday & Thursday. First come, first served. It’s best to order online in advance.They’re website is easy to navigate so you can order in advance. They even have an awesome clay / brick style pizza oven outside.Super awesome 👏 place, they’re setting the new standard for organically grown produce.They take Apple Pay as well 🤙🍏🍎🍐🍊🍋🍌🍉🍇🍓🫐🍈🍒🍑🥭🍍🥥🥝🍅🍆🥑🥦🥬🥒🌶🫑🌽🥕🫒🧄🧅🥔🍠🥐🥯🍞🥔🍠🍞🥖🥚

Review №5

2023-10-22 22:46:45

This place is a HIDDEN TREASURE!!!!🥳Warm & helpful employees. BIG selection of beautiful, fresh organic produce at reasonable prices. They not only take EBT cards but also give the users a 50% discount to top it off. I absolutely LOVE this place🥳🥳🥳

Review №6

2023-07-19 20:11:53

A friend of mine brought me here yesterday, and i got a chance to visit the farm for the first time. What a cool place with awesome history! The workers were all kind. They had a setup selling carnitas tacos. My buddy also mentioned they occasionally sell pizzas, too. They had an awesome stone oven. Ill be back with my significant other to update post with pictures 📸

Review №7

2023-09-07 20:08:01

The Ecology Center is amazing! I love their sour dough bread and veggies. So fresh. I am grateful for this place and all they provide for healthy living on many levels. Must check this out!

Review №8

2023-01-21 22:27:17

Just a wholesome amazing place. They make it so you want to buy everything. The chickens look happy and the produce looks fresh.

Review №9

2023-06-19 21:43:09

Been getting out produce here for years. We absolutely loved going once a week and everyone is so nice. In that time they more than doubled their prices. It is now too expensive and we cant afford it. $6 bulb of garlic, $16lb of potatoes, $7 heads of lettuce. Really disappointed that they have alienated their lower income customers. It is the best produce around but I guess its only for the rich now. Really a shame, because we loved supporting this place.

Review №10

2022-08-21 03:22:53

Great place for fresh local produce! They have a huge selection of fruits, vegetables, and herbs as well as plenty of local pre-made treats like jams or ice cream. You can explore the farm and look around at their informational environment focused displays or shop at the farm store and get some great local ingredients!

Review №11

2023-09-25 13:00:07

Love it here! Fresh fruits and vegetables. Farmers market, little cafe! Super cute, kid and dog friendly

Review №12

2022-06-05 01:57:36

Fabulous, diverse offering of delicious produce. All organic, local. The weekly dinners with guest chefs are a fun and engaging idea.

Review №13

2023-02-14 03:14:20

Organic produce, fresh bread, tortillas special healthy finds. 50% discount for EBT. Gardening classes. Flowers & blooming branches.

Review №14

2023-08-06 20:15:28

Wonderful local produce and people. Great education opportunities about food and health for the whole family.

Review №15

2023-12-06 17:37:20

Such an interesting place. Great workshops for kids and adults. Gardens are well thought out with education opportunities everywhere.

Review №16

2018-07-19 19:01:55

Very good produce!! Come pick your fruits and veggies they are homegrown and organic. Good prices too.

Review №17

2022-09-21 01:02:13

Pretty and awesome place. You can go here with your children and have fun.

Review №18

2022-07-20 18:35:44

This place is a dream! come here on Thursdays and Sundays good amazing pizza, then stay for the farmers market stand

Review №19

2023-01-28 16:27:48

Firstly, the produce is great. Apples, kale, salad, carrots. But the Eco Tots section needs more work and there was no program when we went on a Saturday. The potential for this place is huge. Maybe more is in the works.

Review №20

2023-03-09 05:06:37

This place is amazing as is their executive director. A 28 acre Regenerative Organic Certified farm, education center, and event venue. If you live in the area, I highly recommend you sorry this amazing organic organization.

Review №21

2023-12-05 04:54:42

Nice please, good product amazing experience.

Review №22

2021-03-07 00:58:05

My nutritionist recommended the fermented sour dough bread at Ecology Farm. I was pleasantly surprised to see how much produce and product they offer. The bread is delicious. I got the refillable lavender dish soap. Its deceiving, because it doesnt lather much, but it does a good job. I used the soap on a greasy pan and it worked well. I also purchased the reusable cotton bag to keep produce fresh in the fridge. Its working great for the chard. The prices are on the high end.Worth checking out this local gem!!

Review №23

2022-07-19 04:09:33

Ive been shopping here, volunteering and worked there since before it became a farm and rhe first day the stand opened. Ive gotten people from far away to come to this farm bexiaee of my reviews and love for it. There were 3 dogs at the farm stand area, one of which was the biggest dog I think Ive ever seen. But my small, polite dog doing no wrong got kicked out. I pointed out how rude and actually against the law it is and.they still insisted I left. I will not be spending my money there nor telling all my friends and clients to. I never leave reviews of this sort. Id rather be positive. But not cool..

Review №24

2019-03-31 13:34:09

Always the best strawberries Ive ever eaten. Really love the albian and sea scape variety they have grown there and have been going back every other day to buy more. They also have so many fresh veggies and other fruits that are grown right there on the farm or on other local farms. Go give it a try you wont regret how good the food makes you feel.

Review №25

2021-08-29 04:34:40

They are very plastic conscious! There’s almost no single use plastic in the farm stand which is amazing. Great selection of organic and/or pesticide free produce and bulk products. Also love the clear labels for the produce and the friendly service.

Review №26

2017-09-29 20:00:41

My girlfriend told me about this place. Went today! I got apples, persimmons, bell peppers, tomatoes - all organic, locally grown, gorgeous and very good prices. The young woman at the register told me how to select passion fruit, so nice! Love this place and it will be my go-to for fruits and vegetables from now on!

Review №27

2023-10-03 16:10:01

Super cute - great stop for breakfast.

Review №28

2023-05-07 18:35:10

So disappointed in my $9 raspberries and blackberries. Mold within one day of bringing home. Had to toss half of them. And the blackberries were mush.

Review №29

2023-06-03 18:22:42

I can’t believe that they only have one bathroom! This place is crowded for this Saturday event. It’s ridiculous to be waiting for one bathroom!!! Who runs this place?

Review №30

2018-09-10 18:46:09

Small farm type stand with some organic local produce and organic produce that is as local as they can get that type of items! Some frozen grass fed/finished beef. Also eggs. I always find enough goodies here and love my visits! You can also pick the strawberries when in season. There is a small garden and chicken coop to wonder through kids love to visit!

Review №31

2023-06-10 21:15:34

Very educational, but also depressing to learn all the ways we are abusing mother earth 🌎.

Review №32

2014-03-24 18:53:44

A wonderful, educational center for sustainability! I love all their hands-on classes and workshops. This is also a fun place to visit on weekends. The grounds is well kept and its super cute and their store has a lot of great eco-friendly products and gifts. Bring the kids to feed the chickens!

Review №33

2018-03-13 05:05:24

Strawberry season is my favorite. You won’t find berries like this in any store.For locally grown and really fresh food, this is the place. They offer a CSA and an outdoor market. The Ecology Center next door is worth a visit while you’re here.

Review №34

2022-07-18 05:01:00

We get the majority of our produce from here for our restaurant in San Clemente, called Brick. We are so lucky to have a local farm!

Review №35

2021-08-22 02:12:26

Locally grown amazing food run by down to earth people that are passionate about the earth, its soil, and the things that are grown in it that nurture the lives of so many in the community. love the ecology center. organic, local, regenerative farm... yes pls.

Review №36

2020-04-08 16:25:56

Informed and helpful staff, full of energy and dedication. The produce is such high quality,whenever I am cooking with your fruits and vegetables I feel more healthy.Thank YouConnie

Review №37

2020-01-21 23:01:34

What an amazing find In San Juan Capistrano.....If you want freshly grown produce that is community supported this is the place for you. Bring the whole Family. This local farm is a highly educational place for the children where they can learn about the ecology and farming. Check them out. You will be glad you did

Review №38

2021-04-08 20:47:39

Love the little farm in San Juan Capistrano. I stopped in the farm stand & got passion fruit, limequats, cinnamon topped mushrooms, mixed broccoli microgreens, golden cauliflower such a treat!

Review №39

2018-12-07 01:31:12

A real working organic farm in the heart of Capistrano, halfway between Mission SJC and Dana Point. Its the only place I know of in OC that offers local honey and local olive oil (and refills!). The u-pick strawberries are another great offering. Most of the produce is from the farm, and they also sell lots of cool handmade goods. Check their website to learn about the big plans underway for u-pick tree fruit. Every town should be so lucky.

Review №40

2022-12-12 20:54:23

Very cool place, go check it out! Had an awesome experience, friendly staff, interesting things to eat and shop for.

Review №41

2017-06-13 18:31:51

They have a very good variety of local organic veggies, sometimes local fruit and nuts to (their strawberry are the best) and also non-local fruit and veggies, a little to expansive but always top quality.

Review №42

2021-05-18 05:21:32

If you love strawberries, the strawberries here are, in my opinion, the best in Orange County. They also sell other organic fruits and vegetables. You might find it pricy compared to the grocery store, so be prepared to pay a little more. The Ecology Center hosts special events, you can check for them. Sometimes they have a pick your own strawberries day, we watch for that day. Not so expensive and fun for the kids. A great place to get big, sweet strawberries for a special occasion.This is further info on the Ecology Center.I am deeply disappointed in their move to to put buildings on the farm. Most of the locals are, since we voted on and paid for open space and the City has been eroding that for years.The Ecology Center, and how ironic is their name, wants to put 169 housing unit on 35 acres of land. Many of us have been increasingly unhappy with the Center, and now we know why. This is in direct conflict with what citizens want. There are three schools right there, the traffic is terrible, and this impacts the community in so many negative ways.We are bombarded by global climate change warnings, yet the cities continue to destroy open space in favor of expensive homes and strip malls. Since government has to approve this kind of unchecked building, why are we responsible for their poor choices? Many of us attended to ask that question. If we dont stand up, if we remain the Silent Majority, if we stand still they will put a building on top of us. Please be heard. We need what open space we have left to remain open space. Those of you familiar with the building going out the Ortega Highway know what Im talking about. Its the last of our true open space. Its home to our deer, mountain lions and a variety of other species. The various levels of government holding out global warming in one hand and hiding a hammer in the other has to end. They have an obligation to be environmentally responsible, not just to raise taxes and tell us what we have to do to protect the planet. If they wont stop destroying what open space we have left, and if its not done globally, we are just whistling past the graveyard.Im sorry if anyone sees this as a political rant, and I guess in a way it is. I want our grandchildren to have something left to see and enjoy. The so called Ecology Center is a wolf in sheeps clothing, and I thought you should know.If you are concerned, please comment to the San Juan Capistrano City Hall, 32400 Paseo Adelanto, San Juan Capistrano, CA, 92675Thank you for taking the time to read this.

Review №43

2021-01-16 21:52:04

Amazing produce, dry goods, fresh pasta, the best kombucha, market baskets, cook books, fresh bread.... I could go on! All of this and the friendliest staff ever!

Review №44

2020-07-29 16:57:56

A lady with several children with no masks came into store while I was shopping. They were running around and touching everything. I heard the staff say there are more than nine people in here. It is very small space. The staff did not control the situation. Very upsetting.

Review №45

2020-12-21 19:26:16

Love it here. It is a bit pricey but I will support local business always. I love that they offer some baskets with free fruits and veggies 😋

Review №46

2021-08-20 20:55:22

Love this place. Better than a farmers market, fresh, organic fruits and vegetables, most of them grown right there on the farm.

Review №47

2021-06-26 03:39:47

We had the most amazing dinner experience at The Ecology center.The farm ambiance was the perfect match to the delicious and perfectly baked pizza.

Review №48

2019-04-20 23:29:01

We drive down here from Irvine for the best organic vegetables. I guess they changed their name from South Coast Farms, but it’s still the same stand. Make sure to visit the Ecology Center next door. Parking is free but can get crowded at times.

Review №49

2021-04-06 15:30:24

Great place and a great space! Lots of delicious veggies and some unique odds and ends. Really a cool spot for a little exploring.

Review №50

2019-02-25 05:24:11

Brought our 4H club here for an inspiring field trip and eco-activity. Our 4H kids and parents all enjoyed the beautiful surroundings and opportunity to pick fresh vegetables and learn about sustainability in our local environment. Camille and Katie were gracious hosts for the day and Chelsea was wonderful to work with in seting up and arranging our event. Looking forward to returning here soon.

Review №51

2022-04-06 16:33:29

Cool place to get some organic, locally grown produce. neat place to take the family and see a working farm

Review №52

2021-02-14 03:12:16

Great experience!! Family fun & great tangerines!!

Review №53

2017-06-19 20:21:43

The strawberries are amazing this time of year, pick up a box or three! Also selling grass feed organic beef, your one stop shop for our year round grilling season.

Review №54

2022-03-11 15:56:40

An absolutely beautiful place, however, the prices are simply too high, ...like $9 bucks for a half pint of blackberries, ... 😲

Review №55

2020-09-29 21:31:14

In love with the place, you can get the most fresh seasonal, organic veggies, that they taste like real veggies, not like that junk you get at the supermarket!

Review №56

2023-03-03 00:18:23

Lovely staff. Helpful and friendly. Only disappointed due to cancelation of a class due to illness.

Review №57

2023-03-02 04:25:18

Real food right off the ground. Think nutrition. Love shopping there.

Review №58

2021-04-10 22:39:51

Beautiful location with so much potential. However, it seemed like there could have been a lot more to do, see, learn. This was my first visit so maybe things have slowed down due to covid.

Review №59

2023-10-26 21:17:54

Excellent lunch and tour

Review №60

2022-09-22 02:42:39

My kids do a program there called Rad Traditions and theyre obsessed. What a cool place!

Review №61

2016-12-12 22:47:55

Great to drop by if youre ever in the area! One of the staff members ( David ) was super helpful describing the history of the land. Overall, the Ecology Center has their values in the right place.

Review №62

2021-04-20 22:48:49

Every vegetable or fruit taste absolutely delicious so fresh and it lasts longer than when you buy it at the store

Review №63

2019-12-01 06:00:43

Farm stand with some local produce, honey, and environmentally friendly products. Check out the chickens and rooster. Signs through out the location with explanations of what is going on.

Review №64

2022-06-30 20:47:49

Nice open space for all to enjoy 😉

Review №65

2021-01-10 21:07:37

Pretty cool placeThe owner/ director acted much more friendly than the staff at the farm stand. Too bad its vlos s due to COVID

Review №66

2020-08-15 00:29:14

Large selection of organic fruits and veggies, plus so much more...super friendly staff!

Review №67

2022-06-25 19:39:06

Good pizza, cute little store, pretty center. A nice way to spend a couple of hours.

Review №68

2023-01-31 21:05:53

Love this place! Such a fun spot to bring the kids!

Review №69

2021-05-26 23:05:03

Lovely farmers market and the strawberries are to die for. Love this little gem in San Juan Capistrano :)

Review №70

2017-02-24 14:01:16

Love the produce here. We went here one to two times a week when we lived in the area.

Review №71

2020-12-23 05:26:16

Amazing place, you feel like you are living in the countryside. I am coming here for more than 7 years to see chickens and roosters.

Review №72

2022-04-09 22:03:54

Beautiful produce, gorgeous snap peas, and fabulous berries!

Review №73

2017-03-21 17:09:10

Been there last year, and can not wait for this year You Pick Strawberry Event. ..love it and thank you so much for your organic strawberry

Review №74

2015-07-31 05:07:34

Love this place! Wonderful organic produce.. locally grown.

Review №75

2021-08-20 02:07:13

Always fun to pick fresh strawberries at The Ecology Center and learn about growing food!

Review №76

2016-05-08 05:55:52

Friendly folks. I never had organic berries before. These were so very good.

Review №77

2021-05-29 21:07:20

The best strawberries ever....so sweet. Very friendly staffs...

Review №78

2017-05-01 18:01:34

Cool daily farmers market - high prices but good produce.

Review №79

2020-10-31 21:21:13

Such a cool place. Farmers market meets education center.

Review №80

2017-06-10 23:12:41

Great farm fresh organic produce. Check out the ecology center next door.

Review №81

2021-07-26 18:40:47

Locally sourced, organic,in-season produce and other interesting foods!

Review №82

2016-07-17 01:12:38

The Ecology Center is a tremendous community resource that helps one learnmore how easy sustainable living can be.

Review №83

2011-07-25 15:25:14

Best fresh organic produce in the area! Love this farm!

Review №84

2020-11-07 18:14:36

Beautiful place for lunch and a wonderful eco friendly place to bring your kids.

Review №85

2017-07-02 18:35:04

Farm-fresh organic produce, rural oasis, and today, pick your own strawberries!

Review №86

2021-05-22 01:36:53

So glad to have a regenerative farm in San Juan Capistrano! Feeling so fortunate.

Review №87

2020-08-03 17:06:55

Always a wonderful place to shop for quality produce.

Review №88

2020-10-21 01:18:40

What a great place ! Everything is so fresh and the staff was very kind !

Review №89

2021-03-20 19:10:56

Great produce and new garden center!

Review №90

2016-07-20 15:01:41

Local, fresh, organic, awesome!

Review №91

2023-01-24 18:50:17

Love this farm. Produce is phenomenal!!!

Review №92

2022-10-11 05:20:12

Great place and excellent value for the community.

Review №93

2022-08-30 13:20:37

Wonderful fresh produce.

Review №94

2019-07-02 20:22:48

Great produce and products. Support local businesses

Review №95

2020-09-20 18:47:29

Great produce and wonderful people.

Review №96

2021-11-24 17:48:02

Best produce in Orange county!

Review №97

2017-07-01 22:14:18

Beautiful farm with great fruits and veggies

Review №98

2021-11-01 23:09:08

Local farm produce: tomatoes, lettuce, radishes, onion

Review №99

2020-10-04 21:02:49

Great place! Best farm around!!

Review №100

2017-10-19 03:03:13

Very nice place with a lot food to pick from.

Review №101

2018-08-20 18:12:33

South Coast Farms delicious local tomatoes.

Review №102

2021-04-22 04:15:07

Great locally grown food.

Review №103

2018-09-29 21:25:58

BEST place in area for Organic Produce

Review №104

2016-07-17 07:53:03

Great veggies. Organic and fresh.

Review №105

2014-06-07 00:34:23

Great produce and nice people!

Review №106

2023-04-27 05:31:40

Bougie but nice

Review №107

2018-05-26 21:48:56

Scrumptious, sugary, sweet strawberries- U-Pick!

Review №108

2018-05-16 04:06:06

Beautiful people and a gorgeous place, eden!

Review №109

2016-09-26 02:07:27

Best people - best produce. Thank you !

Review №110

2019-12-03 22:53:09

Excellent! Not cheap but superb

Review №111

2018-05-25 11:41:34

A tad expensive but great veggies

Review №112

2019-09-29 17:20:29

Loved the old farm stand better

Review №113

2021-06-16 11:24:12

Great place . Very educational

Review №114

2017-04-27 16:08:47

Loved their CSA baskets

Review №115

2021-03-25 08:23:05

Love the place & produce

Review №116

2017-11-11 22:57:26

Perfect entertainment and learning for the whole family

Review №117

2020-08-06 22:02:35

No activities due to the pandemic.

Review №118

2020-06-08 14:57:35

Best local produce!

Review №119

2016-11-01 04:12:15

Have at it. Not a big fan

Review №120

2018-08-12 06:18:47

Great place to volunteer

Review №121

2019-10-24 01:42:08

Very awesome place ☺️

Review №122

2021-07-18 06:44:45

What a great experience!

Review №123

2021-06-20 20:40:59

The staff is kind and nowledgeable

Review №124

2020-07-04 00:07:07

Amazing!

Review №125

2014-01-05 07:33:43

This place is a Dream coming true!

Review №126

2017-07-13 21:57:21

Organic farm hidden away.

Review №127

2023-05-01 23:35:21

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Review №128

2021-10-22 02:25:19

Over priced

Review №129

2020-03-16 22:18:47

Support local!!

Review №130

2023-09-12 03:03:43

Ecological farm, with products for sale and on Fridays there is a dinner with products produced on site.

Review №131

2020-02-06 05:26:44

I love this place! It is both a store of fresh products from local producers and zero waste accessories, and at the same time a place of life with entertainment, activities, chickens, a huge garden... Etc... J I recently volunteered there.

Review №132

2020-07-01 15:22:38

It is an excellent place to buy organic food, fruits and vegetables.

Review №133

2021-12-19 00:25:22

Magnificent