Fort Ord National Monument Outdoor Classroom

The BLM Fort Ord National Monument provides an excellent outdoor classroom for environmental education and scientific research. Each year hundreds of school students from around the Monterey Peninsula visit BLM lands for science projects or for special field trips focusing on soil erosion, wetland ecology, or habitat restoration. The Fort Ord Junior Explorer program helps introduce young explorers learn about the Native American heritage, Military history, and the native plants and animals of the Fort Ord National Monument.

A rich history, diverse habitat and bountiful recreation opportunities await you at the Fort Ord National Monument. Another coastal gem with more than 86 miles of trails provides opportunities to hike, bike or ride your horse through rolling hills, pockets of chaparral and oak woodlands. You will see a huge diversity of plant life and animals in habitats that include streamside corridors, grasslands, maritime chaparral, oak woodlands and seasonal pools.

Fort Ord is also cherished for its link to the heroism and dedication of men and women who served our nation and fought in the major conflicts of the 20thcentury. This area remains undeveloped thanks to its role as a U.S. Army facility from 1917-1994. During the Vietnam War, it served as a leading training center and deployment staging ground. As many as 1.5 million American troops trained at Fort Ord. 

It’s all in the heart of the Monterey area, with its many attractions, abundant natural resources and beautiful access to the California Coast and Salinas Valley.