June 2023
Rentals
Summer Camp 2023
Certified TechnicalTraining
Summer camp has primed ahead for an exciting and safe summer by ensuring that our summer staff are equipped with lifeguard, first aid/ CPR, and ropes course certifications. With a strong emphasis on safety and well- being, we are dedicated to providing these comprehensive trainings to our team. Lifeguard certification will equip our summer staff with the necessary skills to ensure the safety of our campers during water based activities. In addition, staff will undergo first aid and CPR training, enabling them to better prevent and to navigate potential emergencies with confidence and swift action. Staff will also have the option to participate in ropes course certification where they will have the opportunity to practice the art of facilitating challenging and exhilarating activities while prioritizing camper safety. We are committed to providing top- notch training reflective of our unwavering dedication to creating a memorable and secure environment for our campers.
Socio- EmotionalLeadership Skills
In addition to technical certifications and training, camp is thrilled to be partnering with Palo Alto University, (PAU) and Justice Outside to facilitate trainings aimed at fostering the development of crucial socio- emotional soft skills among our dedicated staff. Through our collaboration with PAU, staff will gain a deeper understanding of empathy, compassion, and cultural sensitivity, enabling staff to effectively connect with and support campers from diverse backgrounds. Justice Outside’s expertise in promoting social justice and equity will empower staff to address and navigate sensitive topics, fostering a safe and inclusive camp environment. Additionally, Palo Alto University’s guidance will enhance the staff’s emotional intelligence, resilience, and conflict resolution skills, equipping them to handle interpersonal challenges with grace and empathy. We are committed to providing an enriching experience for campers, and through these collaborations we aim to train our summer staff to reflect our unwavering dedication to nurturing well- rounded individuals who will positively impact the lives of the campers in their care.
Acta Non- Verba
This is the summer of collaboration. Summer camp is also excited about our partnership with Acta Non Verba: Youth Urban Farm Project! This collaboration marks a significant step towards providing campers with an enriching and empowering experience. Acta Non Verba’s mission to empower youth through urban farming aligns perfectly with our summer camps values of environmental stewardship and education. From hands-on farming experiences to outdoor explorations, campers will actively participate in cultivating and nurturing the land, fostering a deep appreciation for sustainable practices and environmental stewardship. They will engage in community-building activities, forging connections with their fellow campers, and learning the importance of collaboration and empathy. Acta Non Verba’s dedication to empowering youth resonates deeply within our summer camp’s commitment to fostering personal growth and community engagement. Together we will inspire campers to develop a profound connection with nature, cultivate essential life skills, and contribute to their community in meaningful ways. Summer camp is excited to embark on this journey with Acta Non Verba and provide campers with an unforgettable summer experience.
Riekes at Hidden Villa
Around the Farm
The CSA is in full swing as we head into June. The weekly baskets and bouquets are getting more bountiful by the week as the days lengthen and warm. Besides harvesting, which we’re doing a lot of these days, the farm team is busy planting, weeding and setting up pest protection. As an organic farm we do not use pesticides of any kind, though there are many critters that would like to eat our crops. Instead, exclusion is one of the main ways we keep plants protected. This past week we built large mesh tents over the entire patch of strawberries and all of the cherry trees. It’s a lot of work but well worth the effort if it will help steer us towards a season of sweetness. We’ve also been excitedly awaiting the return of campers to the Villa and discussing with camp staff ways to get more kids down into the fields and connected to the farm. We’re excited for the summer ahead!
Around the Ranch
Cow:
Thanks to your generous donations, we met our Cow- Raiser goal of $5,000! We will now be able to purchase a milking cow which will greatly support our farm and education programs. Thank you for your generosity!
Sheep:
It’s breeding season! Our ewes are down at Stienmann’s ranch with our intact male. We are hoping for signs that are ewes are pregnant soon. Stay tuned…
Goats:
Soleil had her babies! She birthed three kids, two small bucklings and one large doeling. The runt of Soleil’s litter (the peewee guy with black/white/tan markings) was surviving but not really thriving. Very young animals can go downhill fast and runts are at a higher risk for health issues. Farmer Virgina took him to the vet and his health improved. Daisy’s got a little udder on her and she’s getting big. Her kidding window starts 5/20!
CSA
May 2023
Dear Friend,
“There is something here for all ages from pre-schoolers through college graduates, including the individual researcher, child or adult.” – Josephine Duveneck
Each year, we work towards achieving Josephine Duveneck’s vision for everyone to experience Hidden Villa through reflection, action, and ongoing collaboration. And I’m excited to share that there is something here for all at Hidden Villa! See below a set of fantastic updates and opportunities to expand your joy, friendships, and community. As we head into summer, I also want to share some recent achievements with you:
Thanks to Deer Creek Resources, our property team, and supporters like you, we completed phase one of our Land Resilience Project last month. We’re now one step closer to becoming an ecologically healthy and fire-safe temporary refuge area by creating a buffer around the property. This will not only support sensitive habitats and safeguard the community within Hidden Villa but is also supportive of our neighbors. (watch our mini-documentary here).
Now in our 30th year of Hidden Villa’s CSA, our farmers continue to lead the charge in regenerative and organic agriculture practices. We create an ideal environment for decomposers through soil-building practices like on-site composting and recycling wood chips as mulch back into the land. This creates enriched soil that is better able to retain nutrients and water. Our rich soil has enabled us to sustainably grow and donate thousands of pounds of healthy produce to the Community Services Agency of Mountain View each year since 2006.
We’re working hard internally to ensure that everyone who comes to Hidden Villa feels welcome, seen, and has a sense of belonging. With Board and Staff we’re collaborating with Justice Outside and OF/BY/FOR ALL to form working groups, create foundational trainings, and build a new culture that offers a just and sustainable future for all. We recognize that this work must start from within and ripple outwards.
Thank you for being part of the Hidden Villa Community. Please consider supporting our Heart of Hidden Villa Fund to keep these important operations and our mission moving forward.
Sincerely,
Elliott Wright, President, Vice Chair
In Gratitude to Our Interns
Our Interns are nearing the end of their time here at Hidden Villa and will surely be missed. We have been lucky to have such a bright cohort add to our initiatives here on the farm and out in the community. Despite their program coming to an end, our interns have still been quite busy. This week Claire and Nate went to Saratoga School Earth Day Event where they shared about caring for our bees and pollinators and facilitated some pollinator games with the students. Claire will be leading two classes in the month of May. They’ve also helped with our Earth Day Events, Sheep Shearing day, and Summer Camp open House.
Fire Resilience
A ten-person crew from Deer Creek Resources arrived on April 2, 2023. Over a period of 10 days, the crew dedicated their efforts to reducing fuels in the understory of the canopy throughout the most utilized parts of the property that posed the greatest wildfire risk. Their work was done by hand and with careful attention to protect and preserve vulnerable habitats while greatly improving the health and readiness of Hidden Villa. We prioritized mitigation efforts around areas that could be used as a temporary refuge area for the Los Altos Hills community (the main parking lot) as well as the Duveneck House, Hostel, and the White House due to their historical and operational significance. Mitigation work is intended to improve the defensibility of structures and assets at Hidden Villa and to increase the efficacy of the property as an area of temporary refuge. Watch our mini-documentary here to learn more.
Riekes at Hidden Villa
This August, the Riekes Center for Human Enhancement summer camp is coming to Hidden Villa. Riekes mission is to provide each student with the best possible opportunity to define and accomplish their individual goals, build character and learn transferable life skills through Creative Arts, Athletic Fitness and Nature Awareness, in an environment of non-judgment and mutual respect. Two of their Nature summer camp programs will be hosted at Hidden Villa this summer; Nature Ramblers for ages 5 – 8 and Nature Adventure Camp for ages 9 – 13.
Learn More
Excellence in Environmental Education
So far this season, we have served 6,256 students from 144 schools representing 66 zip codes and provided over $27,000 in scholarships to Title 1 schools. With the help of our volunteer guides and educational staff, we’ve been able to provide over two hundred programs since September! Later this month, we will be opening registrations for fall programs. The new process will allow teachers to view availability and book spots right on our website, so check back for more information soon. Our school year programs will wrap up at the end of May, and our team is looking forward to spending the summer reflecting on our programs and incorporating feedback to make our educational experiences even more impactful.
Hidden Villa Summer Camp
Partnering with Palo Alto University
Hidden Villa is partnering with Palo Alto University (PAU) to provide wrap-around mental health training and services for summer staff. Through education, research, and training in psychology and counseling, PAU prepares its students to address pressing and emerging issues that equitably meet the needs of our ever-changing human condition. Hidden Villa summer staff will train with PAU to strengthen the team’s collective tool kit and learn ways to build those tools into our program process. Summer staff will also learn how to respond to mental health emergencies, identify signs and symptoms, and learn some of the resources that are available to help. In addition to staff training before camp, PAU will offer support and hold reflections between each camp session.
Teen Leadership Camps
Our summer teen leadership camps take adventure to the next level! Our teen leaders participate in a variety of dynamic trainings and have the opportunity of testing their skills in real-time. Teen leaders build confidence, community, and their resume all while making memories and having some fun. We also have a few spaces open in our Day Camps and Residential Camps. Visit our program information page to learn more.
For the safety of our campers and in accordance with American Camping Association guidelines, every summer, we close Hidden Villa to the public while camp is in session. Please note the dates when we will be closed for the safety of our campers. When camp is not in session, we are open and look forward to seeing you and your families. Please know there are some areas that will be closed to secure our camping areas including the Bunny Loop.
Summer Camp Jobs
Our 2023 Summer Camp jobs are open and we are in search of dynamic young adults to fill these positions. Our Summer Camp staff have the option to live on-site and all meals are provided. The summer begins with a week of dynamic leadership training. All staff will complete first aid and have the option of earning lifeguard and high ropes certifications (these certificates result in a pay increase). Camp staff will meet new people and forge friendships that will last a lifetime. They will mentor the next generation of environmental and social justice stewards. Staff will have an opportunity to hone leadership and management skills, develop lesson plans, and bolster their resumes. Several positions include:
Senior Naturalist Garth Harwood
Garth Harwood was the Director of Education at Hidden Villa for many years, leading field experiences for over 20,000 elementary-school students annually. He holds graduate degrees in Experiential Education and Restoration Ecology from the University of Colorado-Boulder, where he was an instructor in Environmental Studies and Human Physiology. An accomplished naturalist, birder, and wildlife tracker, Garth participates in numerous community-science projects such as iNaturalist and eBird. Garth was recognized in 2011 as Northern California’s “Environmental Educator of the Year” by the Association of Environmental and Outdoor Educators.
“Seasonal Cycles Series”
Insects: Friends w/ Benefits
May 13
Insects are our friends and are essential to human life. Benefits to humanity include ecosystem services such as pollination, decomposition & more.
The Ways of Wildflowers
May 20
Join us to investigate the evolutionary origin of flowers, their ecological importance, the various tricks they play on us animals, and of course – to admire them up close.
Meet Herptiles: Reptiles & more!
May 27
Celebrate herptiles – their beauty, strange adaptations, and their beneficial roles. Slides and taxidermied specimens will prepare you for a rare glimpse.
Roots & Shoots, what’s going on?
June 3
What’s going on beyond our view? Delve into the mysterious functions and processes of roots and shoots, and watch them in action on the farm and in the forest.
Earth Club for Kids
Our newest science, adventure, and play program builds the skills needed to connect with nature on a deep level. The club devotes time to species identification, nature journaling, wildlife observation and tracking, measurement techniques, wild food foraging and other survival skills, and many other ‘hard skills’ needed by every naturalist.
Play and adventure are also important at Earth Club! Naturalist Garth’s catalog of nature games is extensive, and playing these games will add additional skills such as moving silently and with stealth, teamwork, close observation, sensory focus, and more. As for adventure, Hidden Villa’s wild lands beg to be explored, and fresh discoveries may await around any curve of the trail!
If your kid(s) agree that it sounds like fun, your 4-week registration may be used consecutively, or as it fits your schedule until you’ve attended your first 4 meetings. In other words, it’s OK if you miss a meeting now and then – just let us know. If you have questions that aren’t answered by the website, please direct them to our Senior Naturalist at [email protected]. (Note: Earth Club will take a break over the summer, but will resume at summer’s end.)
Classes & Programs
Archery
Join an experienced, Certified USA Archery Level 2 Instructor with over 20 years of experience at Hidden Villa’s very own archery range! Ages 8 and up will gain skills in a fun and safe experience. Equipment is provided.
Forest Therapy
Experience Forest Therapy at Hidden Villa with Certified Nature and Forest Therapy Guide, Kira White. Forest Therapy is a research-based framework for supporting healing and wellness through immersion in forests.
Weekend Farm Tour
Get up close with cows, pigs, chickens, goats, and sheep! Ask questions, find out interesting facts, and learn what it takes to care for our farm animals. You will also spend time in the garden exploring and tasting.
Around the Farm
Our 30th year of Community Supported Agriculture kicks off this month! Our farmers have been working hard and have helped to greatly improve our farm’s soil health. We are very excited about this season’s harvest. The rainfall from this winter and the increased ability to sequester carbon is anticipated to have a great impact on the food our farmers are growing for this 30th annual CSA harvest season. Watch our video from the archives to learn more about how our farmers used wood chips to enrich our soil here.
Event Flowers
We specialize in elegant, seasonal floral design for special events at Hidden Villa and in the surrounding South Bay Area. All our flowers are lovingly grown on Hidden Villa’s organic farm. From lush spring peonies to the vibrant rainbow of summer dahlias, we produce year-round blooms for bouquets and all manner of special events. Lanette Anderson, our resident farmer/florist, is inspired by the seasonal palette of the farm and wild spaces of Hidden Villa.
Happy Birthday HVEEP
This past Earth Day, Hidden Villa’s Environmental Education Program, better known around the ranch as HVEEP made 53 years! HVEEP started on Earth Day in 1970 and has been connecting youth to the land through outdoor exploration and environmental stewardship ever since. Thank you to our Environmental Education Team, our Intern Team, and our Volunteer Team for keeping HVEEP going and touching the lives of thousands of youth each year.
Weekend Volunteers
Did you know you can become a Farm Tour Guide or an Ambassador? Those with a passion for organic agriculture, animals, and community will love learning by doing while lending a hand! Many of our volunteers lead guided tours for school children on weekdays and family groups on weekends. We also host groups of volunteers (10 +) to help work in the fields alongside our farm crew. Inquire to become a weekend volunteer using the button below.
Animal Update
Cow:
Thanks to your generous donations, we met our Cow- Raiser goal of $5,000! We will now be able to purchase a milking cow which will greatly support our farm and education programs. Thank you for your generosity!
Sheep:
It’s breeding season! Our ewes are down at Stienmann’s ranch with our intact male. We are hoping for signs that are ewes are pregnant soon. Stay tuned…
Goats:
Soleil had her babies! She birthed three kids, two small bucklings and one large doeling. The runt of Soleil’s litter (the peewee guy with black/white/tan markings) was surviving but not really thriving. Very young animals can go downhill fast and runts are at a higher risk for health issues. Farmer Virgina took him to the vet and his health improved. Daisy’s got a little udder on her and she’s getting big. Her kidding window starts 5/20!
Pigs:
The piglets are growing fast and have acclimated quite well to life on the farm. We did not notice signs of heat from Ethel last week so we’re feeling more confident that she was bred successfully. We hope to have more piglets in the near future.
Chickens:
We received a box of replacement chicks on Friday, so we’re back up to about 60 in the brooder again. The 1 week age difference is pretty noticeable! They grow fast.
Farm Fact
It’s tick season! Ticks love to hang out on the tips of long grasses and plants to await their next form of transportation, -( e.g. deer wandering from place to place or you!). Wearing light colors makes it much easier to check for ticks on your clothing. Wear a long sleeve shirt, tuck your pants into your boots or socks, and tuck your shirt into your pants. Remember to thoroughly check yourself and your children frequently for ticks, especially at the hairline, base of the scalp, under the arms, in and around ears, inside the belly button, behind the knees, between the legs, and around the waist.
Access Pass
An Access Pass provides free and unlimited admission to Hidden Villa during open hours from September to May. The pass is good for one year from date of purchase. Access Pass fees help maintain our roads, 8 miles of hiking trails, organic farmland, and educational spaces.
Register to Visit
Explore our hiking trails, meet our farm animals, and discover what’s growing around the farm. Reservations are encouraged but not required. We will not turn away anyone for inability to pay. You can learn more about visiting Hidden Villa on our website.
Learn more at risingworld.org
Photo Credits: Laurie Schutters, Nicole Carbone, Zain Kane, Lanette Anderson, Jessica Zuckerman DuVal, Lucy Zhang
April 2023
April 1, 2023
Dear Friend,
Governor Gavin Newsom just proclaimed March 31 as Cesar Chavez Day! The Duveneck family’s involvement with Cesar Chavez tells the Duveneck family way. In 1965, Josephine welcomed Cesar Chavez and Dolores Huerta to Hidden Villa for planning sessions focused on organizing the National Farm Workers Movement. Next year, March 31, will be a day of celebration at Hidden Villa in his honor!
March 31 is also Transgender Day of Visibility. As the LGBTQ+ community is undergoing a prolonged and coordinated legislative campaign to deny basic human rights, I want to state that Hidden Villa is a sanctuary for welcoming, affirming, and supporting all LGBTQ+ identifying community members.
Events: A question: have you been to Hidden Villa in the last month? Hidden Villa is alive with the sounds of spring! Wildflowers are blooming, baby animals are arriving, and our upcoming Sheep Shearing Day on April 15 promises to be a celebration of the season. We hope to see you and your family there!
Our Farm: Our teams have been working tirelessly through these incredibly wet months and atmospheric rivers. We have lost trees, fences, and some structures. While the water is needed as we step into our 30th year of our CSA farm, we are ready for the sun! We have seen our animals huddled waiting for the sun. Yet we have been tirelessly focused on ensuring a safe and memorable experience for all our visitors. A big thank you to our property, farm, and environmental educators for their dedication to Hidden Villa and our community.
Land Resilience: While there is a lot of water right now, we are also taking steps to improve our fire resilience. With an ecological-centered approach, and the coordination of many, we have secured a first phase of land resilience work to begin with a ten person crew care of Deer Creek Resources starting on Monday, April 3 through April 12. This work is being done to reduce risky fuels. It will be done by hand, and will greatly improve the health and readiness of Hidden Villa!
Summer Camp: Last but certainly not least ~ Summer Camp is just around the corner! We are so excited for Camp Open House, happening today, April 1 (my birthday!). 91% of the sessions are booked, and we are still welcoming new leaders to join for summer jobs. Know any young adults who want an awesome leadership job opportunity? JOIN OUR TEAM! Learn more about our Summer Camp programs and facilities in this newsletter.
Thank you for being part of the Hidden Villa Community. Please support our upcoming spring appeal with a gift of support, if you can. We need the strength of your donations right now. Truly.
Sincerely,
Elliott Wright, President, Vice Chair
Sheep Shearing Day on April 15th
One of the biggest indicators of spring revitalization is Hidden Villa’s Annual Sheep Shearing Day! Visit our friendly farm animals. Bring in spring with fiber arts and artisan crafts. Explore the education garden, participate in archery lessons, and learn about blacksmithing with live demonstrations. Enjoy food and drinks while supporting local businesses. Bring the whole family for a day of farm fun!
Trans Day of Visibility
Before we jump into Hidden Villa’s April Happenings, we would like to acknowledge and celebrate with our trans friends and community members. March 31 is recognized as Trans Visibility Day. Please open your eyes, heart, and mind as you read a letter from our intern Sun Smith:
Hi All,
Popping in to share that March 31 is recognized as Trans Day of Visibility. As a gender-nonconforming/trans person, I feel it’s really important, beyond holidays, to recognize and uplift Trans people. I’m urging each staff member and Hidden Villa organization as a whole to reflect on the ways that you can make spaces more safe and trans-inclusive! Trans people are experiencing a vast amount of hate, anti-trans laws, and overall unsafe environments. As a space filled with individuals working towards a more loving and inclusive world, I hope that you will work towards creating sanctuary for our trans people.
Stewarding Hidden Villa in Fire Resilience
The CZU Lightning Complex was an alarming awakening for many of us in the Bay Area. It was a stark reminder to ensure that safeguarding our campers, students, visitors, staff, farm animals, watershed, and wildlife is our highest priority.
We reached out to Deer Creek Resources (DCR) to provide an assessment of vegetation management and tree removal work to reduce fuels and improve wildfire resiliency. We indicated the highest priority for wildfire hazard mitigation is around areas that could be used as a temporary refuge area (the main parking lot), the Duveneck House, Hostel, and the White House due to their historical and operational significance.
The team at Deer Creek created a multi-phased plan. Phase 1 will focus on the highest-risk areas on the valley floor and will take place from April 3 – 12. Mitigation work is intended to improve the defensibility of structures and assets at Hidden Villa and to increase the efficacy of the property as an area of temporary refuge. The plan we created alongside DCR is ecologically centered while prioritizing the safety of life. Please excuse the inconvenience while this important work is taking place. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Elliott Wright.
Below is a map showing the multi-phased approach of the work. Phase 1 is highlighted in yellow. The crew may move on to the green highlighted areas depending on progress.
Hidden_Villa_Phases_Overview_topo
Hidden Villa Summer Camp
Teen Leadership Camps
Our summer teen leadership camps take adventure to the next level! Our teen leaders participate in a variety of dynamic trainings and have the opportunity of testing their skills in real-time. Teen leaders build confidence, community, and their resume all while making memories and having some fun. We also have a few spaces open in our Day Camps and Residential Camps. Visit our program information page to learn more.
Bay to Sea
Explore the wilderness of the Santa Cruz Mountains on our Bay to Sea backpacking trip. Campers will hike from Hidden Villa to the Pacific Ocean! This trip is an excellent introduction to backpacking, averaging 5 miles per day. Those with or without backpacking experience are welcome.
Leaders In Training
This 3-week program is for young people interested in caring for children in a camp environment. Participants learn skills they will need as counselors, support camp programs, and join in on the fun. Trainees can practice their skills in our Day Camp program through a 1-week volunteer internship.
Counselors In Training
This 4-week program begins with 2 weeks of on-the-job training alongside experienced mentors. By designing, implementing, and evaluating large group activities, participants gain important skills. Successful graduates will join our staff as paid counselors for two weeks of camp.
Learn MoreSummer Camp Open House
Hidden Villa Summer Camp is all about connection to the land and to one another. It’s hard to describe Summer Camp in a way that holds the same impact as experiencing it. The best way to truly connect to Hidden Villa’s summertime vibes is by experiencing it.
Join us for a sneak peek of all the magic Hidden Villa Summer Camp has to offer today! Play and have fun with fellow camp families, camp alumni, and prospective staff! Camp families will have opportunities to engage in camp activities, play games, sing songs, explore sleeping and eating spaces, and ask staff questions.
Sign up for a session:
- Morning 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
- Afternoon 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Summer Camp Jobs
There are only two months until summer! Our 2023 Summer Camp jobs are now open and we are in search of dynamic young adults to fill these positions. Our Summer Camp staff have the option to live on-site and all meals are provided. The summer begins with a week of dynamic leadership training. All staff will complete first aid and have the option of earning lifeguard and high ropes certifications (these certificates result in a pay increase). Camp staff will meet new people and forge friendships that will last a lifetime. They will mentor the next generation of environmental and social justice stewards. Staff will have an opportunity to hone leadership and management skills, develop lesson plans, and bolster their resumes. Several positions include:
Summer Camp Partners with Acta Non- Verba!
Hidden Villa and Oakland’s Acta Non- Verba are teaming up this summer! Acta Non Verba’s (ANV) mission is to elevate life for youth and their families in Oakland and beyond by challenging oppressive dynamics and environments through urban farming and access to the natural environment. Hidden Villa is excited to welcome 25 ANV campers and 5 ANV counselors who will be running signature activities during session three of our residential overnight camp. This mission-driven summer swirl is just the beginning of what we hope to be a long and fruitful partnership. Visit their website to learn more about the great work they’re doing.
“Seasonal Cycles Series”
Silly Plant Tricks
April 1
Natural playthings are all around us! Come and join us as we noodle around Hidden Villa, finding our own fun among the plants and other natural materials around us.
Make A Wild Salad
April 8
This class will investigate ethical and safety considerations of foraging wild foods, best practices for collection, seasonal abundance, and more.
Insects: Friends w/ Benefits
4/22 or 5/13
Insects are our friends and are essential to human life. Learn about their critical role in the ecosystem and their myriad of benefits.
Birds & their Nests
April 29
Late April is an especially fun time to pay special attention to birds. Learn about birds during their showiest, most musical, and most constructive time of year.
Senior Naturalist Garth Harwood
Garth Harwood was the Director of Education at Hidden Villa for many years, leading field experiences for over 20,000 elementary-school students annually. He holds graduate degrees in Experiential Education and Restoration Ecology from the University of Colorado-Boulder, where he was an instructor in Environmental Studies and Human Physiology. An accomplished naturalist, birder, and wildlife tracker, Garth participates in numerous community-science projects such as iNaturalist and eBird. Garth was recognized in 2011 as Northern California’s “Environmental Educator of the Year” by the Association of Environmental and Outdoor Educators.
Classes & Programs
Archery
Join an experienced, Certified USA Archery Level 2 Instructor with over 20 years of experience at Hidden Villa’s very own archery range! Ages 8 and up will gain skills in a fun and safe experience. Equipment is provided.
Forest Therapy
Experience Forest Therapy at Hidden Villa with Certified Nature and Forest Therapy Guide, Kira White. Forest Therapy is a research-based framework for supporting healing and wellness through immersion in forests.
Weekend Farm Tour
Get up close with cows, pigs, chickens, goats, and sheep! Ask questions, find out interesting facts, and learn what it takes to care for our farm animals. You will also spend time in the garden exploring and tasting.
Become a Weekend Volunteer!
Did you know you can become a Farm Tour Guide or an Ambassador? Those with a passion for organic agriculture, animals, and community will love learning by doing while lending a hand! Many of our volunteers lead guided tours for school children on weekdays and family groups on weekends. We also host groups of volunteers (10 +) to help work in the fields alongside our farm crew. Inquire here to become a weekend volunteer.
Event Flowers
We specialize in elegant, seasonal floral design for special events at Hidden Villa and in the surrounding South Bay Area. All our flowers are lovingly grown on Hidden Villa’s organic farm. Each design is crafted with care and personal attention. From lush spring peonies to the vibrant rainbow of summer dahlias, we produce year-round blooms for bouquets and all manner of special events. Lanette Anderson is our resident farmer/florist. Her bouquets are inspired by the seasonal palette of the farm and wild spaces of Hidden Villa.
Around the Farm
Winter is slowly turning into spring on the farm. The plants in the fields are leafing out and growing taller by the day as we grow closer to the start of our CSA season. There are just a few spots left for the 2023 CSA for both vegetables and flowers. If you’re interested in joining – don’t delay! We expect to sell out. Click the button below to register. The greenhouse is filling up quickly and our farmers’ fingers are itching to plant! With continued rains, the field soils are saturated, making it impossible to plant without doing structural damage to the soil so they’re biding their time for now. There’s plenty to do all the same, the fruit trees and roses are getting their winter pruning and the overwintered crops are being weeded. Never a dull moment on the farm!
Animal Update
Cow: Emilie is patiently awaiting a barn mate. Since Danny left she has been all by her lonesome. So far she is doing alright and does not show any signs of stress. We hope to bring her a buddy soon.
Sheep: The lambs are growing up so fast! The ewes will be moving down to Stienman’s pasture and the rams will stay at the Tin Barn. Our sheep will be doing the shuffle especially as we approach Sheep Shearing day. There will be sheep at the tin barn to visit throughout the shuffle.
Goats: Soleil and Daisy, our Nigerian Dwarf Goats, are expecting! Baby watch for Soleil begins this weekend. Daisy’s kidding window is late mid-May through June. We’re so excited to meet the newest kids on the farm!
Pigs: Pig “E” should pop any minute now but so far, no action– just a lot of rolling and tumbling in that belly of hers. She is also a first-time momma. We’ll be shutting down the Piggery barn to all visitors, including tours, for a few days to give mama and the piglets time to settle in and rest. Being respectful of a sow’s space in the early days is really, really important!
Chicken: The chickens have moved from the poultry palace to Steinman’s pasture, by the Dana Center. Our chickens are very flighty and easily stressed by handling. They are uncomfortable being approached and picked up. It’s important that we respect our animals’ boundaries and teach others to do the same. Low-stress environments = happy, healthy animals. At this time, we ask that you admire meat chicks with eyes and not hands, thank you!
Wild & Scenic Film Festival
We are excited to join our friends at Peninsula Open Space Trust (POST) and MidPeninsula Regional Open Space District (Midpen) in bringing the Wild & Scenic Film Festival on Sunday, April 23 at Foothill College. The festival features a variety of short films that highlight environmental issues from across the country and tell inspiring stories of people and their relationships with nature. The festival will also feature free food, giveaways, and a chance to meet representatives from a variety of local environmental groups. The event is free, but registration is required, so sign up today! Also, check out our Facebook Event and share with your friends!
Environmental Education
May 1st will be the opening date for fall registrations of our Farm Tours, Farm and Wilderness Experience, and Youth Development programs. Teachers and group leaders looking to book day trips will be able to select their desired date and reserve spots directly on our website. For overnight experiences, please contact us directly at [email protected] to coordinate your visit.
Since September, we have served 4,680 students from 106 different schools representing 58 zip codes. A huge thank you to our volunteer guides and interns for their energy and passion in this work. We see you and value you!
Farm Fact
Sheep body condition score (BCS) is monitored on a 5-point scale that increases or decreases by half-point increments. The ideal score falls between a range of 2.5 to 4, depending on life stage and energy demand. During the breeding season, we like to see ewes around 2.5 to 3 BCS.
Access Pass
An Access Pass provides free and unlimited admission to Hidden Villa during open hours from September to May. The pass is good for one year from date of purchase. Access Pass fees help maintain our roads, 8 miles of hiking trails, organic farmland, and educational spaces.
Register to Visit
Explore our hiking trails, meet our farm animals, and discover what’s growing around the farm. Reservations are encouraged but not required. We will not turn away anyone for inability to pay. You can learn more about visiting Hidden Villa on our website.
Wild Geese by Mary Oliver
You do not have to be good.
You do not have to walk on your knees
for a hundred miles through the desert repenting.
You only have to let the soft animal of your body
love what it loves.
Tell me about despair, yours, and I will tell you mine.
Meanwhile, the world goes on.
Meanwhile the sun and the clear pebbles of the rain
are moving across the landscapes,
over the prairies and the deep trees,
the mountains and the rivers.
Meanwhile the wild geese, high in the clean blue air,
are heading home again.
Whoever you are, no matter how lonely,
the world offers itself to your imagination,
calls to you like the wild geese, harsh and exciting –
over and over announcing your place
in the family of things.
Photo Credits: Laurie Schutters, Nicole Carbone, Zain Kane, Lanette Anderson, Jessica Zuckerman DuVal, Lucy Zhang