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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
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- Is Hidden Villa private? What is Hidden Villa?
Hidden Villa is a nonprofit educational organization that uses its organic farm, wilderness, and community to teach and provide opportunities to learn about the environment and social justice. Founded by the Duveneck family over 60 years ago, Hidden Villa has been a private nonprofit organization since 1960. We receive no government funds and rely heavily on donations to provide this valuable service to our community.
- Can anyone come and visit?
Yes, we are open to the public.
- When are you open?
Tuesday through Sunday from 9:00 a.m. until dusk (closed on Mondays, except holidays). We are closed during the summer for our camp program, except for a few open weekends – check our website for updates.
- Is there a fee to visit?
We ask for a $5 parking fee per vehicle to offset the costs of maintaining the land. (paid either to our gate keeper, if on-duty, or by honor system in the canister near the Gate House or Education Garden). Otherwise, the only fees involved are those for specific Hidden Villa programs.
- How can I come for a visit?
Individuals or families can come to the farm during open hours of operation: Tuesday through Sunday from 9:00 a.m. until dusk (closed on Mondays, except holidays). Map and directions. Park at the Program Parking Lot. Parking fee is $5 (paid either to our gate keeper, if on-duty, or by honor system in the canister near the Gate House or Education Garden). Groups of 10 or more must schedule a visit in advance with the Hostel/ Facility Rentals Department (650-949-8648 or hostel@hiddenvilla.org).
- Where can I park?
Please park at the Program Parking Lot. The Dana Center lot is used only as overflow.
- Are you a petting zoo?
No, Hidden Villa is not a petting zoo. You cannot go into the pens with the animals unless on a guided tour. Even guided tours may avoid entering some animal pens in accordance with changing conditions on the farm.
- Can we go inside the animal pens?
Due to safety reasons, you may not go inside the animal pens unless you are on a guided tour. Please note that even guided tours may avoid entering some animal pens in accordance with changing conditions on the farm.
- Can we feed the animals?
No, please do not feed the animals. They are well fed and are often on special diets.
- Is it OK to pick things in the gardens?
No. This is because our gardens are used for educational purposes, and production, and we respectfully ask that guests do not pick from them.
- Can I bring a picnic?
Yes, you may. Please note that no food or drink (other than tap water) is available for purchase on the farm.
- Where's the garbage?
There are no public garbage cans at Hidden Villa. Hidden Villa is committed to a trash-free environment, so we ask that you pack to minimize rubbish and be prepared to take any trash home afterwards.
- Is it stroller friendly?
Yes. The farm is stroller friendly. The roads at Hidden Villa are coated with an environmentally friendly surface but are not paved (similar to dirt roads, surfaces are uneven in places). Hiking trails are not stroller friendly.
- Are dogs allowed?
Yes. Dogs are allowed on leash on the farm but not on the wilderness trails. People must pick up after their dogs. Dogs are not allowed in the animal pens.
- Do I need to register with someone if I have a big group of people and we do not need a tour?
Yes. Groups of 10 or more must call in advance to the Hostel/Facility Rentals Department (650-949-8648 or hostel@hiddenvilla.org).
- Do I need to be part of a tour to visit?
No, you do not need to be a part of a tour to visit. The public is invited to visit on a casual basis and go on a self guided tour during the hours of operation. Self guided tours may not enter animal pens.
- How can I arrange a tour once I am on the property?
If you are interested in a public tour on the weekends, please contact Community Programs at 650-949-9704. If you are interested in bringing a school group, please contact Hidden Villa’s Environmental Education Program (HVEEP) at 650-949-8644.
- Can we enter the buildings?
Our buildings are all active offices so we ask that you not enter the buildings unless you are part of a group that is currently renting the facility.
- How can I volunteer?
There are many opportunities to volunteer at Hidden Villa from working in the fields to data entry. Interested individuals and groups should contact the Volunteer Coordinator 650-949-8655.
Swine Flu FAQ
What is swine flu?
Swine Influenza (swine flu) is a respiratory disease of pigs caused by type A influenza viruses. However, the current outbreak of swine flu in humans is caused by a strain of the virus that is different from the one normally contracted by pigs. People do not normally get swine flu, but human infections can and do happen.
Currently, there are no known outbreaks of swine flu in pigs in California and the strain of the virus that is causing the current outbreak in humans has not been detected in any pigs in California or Mexico.
Can swine flu spread from pigs to humans?
While it is possible to transmit the virus from humans to pigs and from pigs to humans, it is very rare.
Preliminary investigations indicate that in all recent cases of swine flu in humans there was no contact with pigs.
What precautions is Hidden Villa taking against swine flu?
Hidden Villa follows the Center for Disease Control recommendations for good hygiene including regular hand washing.
Children and adults in our programs routinely wash their hands or use hand sanitizer at various points during their visit to Hidden Villa.
Hand washing or waterless sanitizer stations are located at the pig barn, cow pen restroom, White Barn restroom, Production Garden, and Children's Garden. These stations are also available to casual visitors to the farm.
As stewards of the land and everything living upon it, we follow strict practices to keep our animals healthy and happy at all times.
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