July 2024: Volunteer Power

Hidden Villa thrives thanks to a talented and dedicated group of volunteers. Helping in almost every facet of the farm, we are better able to serve our mission thanks to the many helping hands that chip in to care for our farm, trails, facilities, and lead programming. Below are stories of some of our volunteers who help to make Hidden Villa a special place. Thank you for being such an important part of the Hidden Villa community (special shout out to Sofía Pablo-Hoshino – our Director of Volunteer Engagement extraordinaire)!

(Victor is pictured on the right)

Victor Labrousse, 34, has found the past five months volunteering for Hidden Villa life-changing. Hidden Villa, located in Los Altos Hills near Foothill College, is a non-profit, fostering educational experiences and building connections to nature, food, and one another.

Labrousse volunteers there as a Farm Tour guide, introducing schoolchildren on field trips at Hidden Villa to the organic Education Garden and farm animals. These tours help fulfill Science Standards for Bay Area schools.

Before morning tours begin, Labrousse scopes out any new activity in the Education Garden and incorporates his finds into the tours. For example, if he sees gophers have raided part of the strawberry bed, he uses that to facilitate student exploration of what occurred.

“One of the most satisfying aspects of guiding is fostering learning and creating a positive experience,” Labrousse said.

Labrousse chose Hidden Villa for volunteering to give back to a place so special to his family. Each year for Christmas, and sometimes again on New Year’s, Labrousse and mother, Hélène, and younger sister, Clothilde, have the ritual of hiking together at Hidden Villa.

Labrousse, who loves archiving, also participates in The Archive Project — a new, joint Hidden Villa and Foothill College project of discovery and cataloging of objects depicting the history of Hidden Villa.

“It’s an onramp to the things I want to do. It’s very exciting,” Labrousse said of his volunteer work. “I feel better being of service and feeling valued and that my contribution means something. I feel needed.”

Of Hidden Villa’s natural beauty, Labrousse said, “It’s right there nestled in the hillside. The air and sky feels and looks different. The ground is actual dirt and not cement. It’s everything I’ve been thirsty for.”

When not volunteering at Hidden Villa or “subject to the whims” of his beautifully striped senior cat, Kitty, Labrousse likes to read, hike, spend time with friends, and research California and Hidden Villa history, especially to follow up on Hidden Villa archeological finds.

Labrousse is also looking forward to taking Hidden Villa classes led by Senior Naturalist Garth Harwood, which covers topics of seasonal interest such as foraging.

“There’s so much happening all the time,” Labrousse said. “I’m brimming with excitement to explore. I feel very renewed. It breathed new life into me again.”

Labrousse encourages prospective volunteers to check out the place.

“There are a lot of basic skills to be gained and advanced connections.” Labrousse said. “There is so much going on at Hidden Villa. There’s a way you can help out.”

-Laurie, HVEEP Volunteer

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Dr. Arruda

We are so honored to provide a fun, safe and meaningful Summer Camp experience to hundreds of youth each year which includes caring for their health and well-being.  This work would not be possible without the generous volunteer support of local community members such as Dr. Arruda. Dr. Arruda offers essential expertise and input to our summer camp leadership and healthcare teams by reviewing and updating our Standing Orders & Medical Health Care Management Plan and being available for consultation and thought partnership throughout the summer season.  Her insight into best practices, skill in critical problem solving, and background in Pediatrics through Stanford and her own practice, Tides Pediatrics in Los Altos, are invaluable.  In addition, her commitment to caring for the whole child through a holistic, integrative, team approach makes her the perfect partner in caring for our campers. Thank you Dr. Arruda for your generous support and commitment to the Hidden Villa mission!

-Nicky (she/her), Senior Director of Education

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Meet Some of Our Incredible Volunteers

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Guide with Us!

Last school year, Hidden Villa Environmental Education Programs (HVEEP) served nearly 10,000 students from 82 zip codes in the Bay Area. We couldn’t have such a profound impact without the help of a dedicated group of Education Volunteers, and we would love to have you join us!

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New Volunteer Opportunity

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Centennial Corner

Linden Tree Book Reception Recap

On Thursday, June 20, Linden Tree Books in downtown Los Altos hosted a forum to discuss an important subject – youth mental health and the healing power of nature and community. Hidden Villa’s Executive Director, Elliott Wright, facilitated a conversation with author and longtime friend, Banning Lyon, and Tiffany Uhilamoelangi-Hautau, Executive Director of Anamantangi Polynesian Voices (APV).

Banning recently published the book, The Chair in the Valley: A Memoir of Trauma, Healing, and the Outdoors. His story is deeply personal, heartwrenching, and empowering. Tiffany and the team at APV, are powerhouses in community building and grassroots organizing. Based in East Palo Alto, they focus on advancing systems-impacted communities through heritage preservation and civic engagement, primarily serving families in East Palo Alto, the Peninsula Valley, and the wider San Mateo County.

The evening began with Banning sharing his story firsthand, and how he came to be a guide today in Yosemite Valley, working as a backpacking leader and outdoor educator. His goal is to help young people feel comfortable in nature to access its healing powers. Tiffany shared the inspiring work APV does to support youth mental health including providing education on substance abuse through their Mindfulness-Based Substance Abuse Treatment (MBSAT) program.

Elliott connected the audience involved in this work and shared the important role that Hidden Villa has and continues to play in youth mental health. This includes hosting an APV program at Hidden Villa this August. APV will coordinate for multiple generations to stay at Hidden Villa while deepening their connection with one another, sharing knowledge and wisdom, and celebrating in community together.

Thank you to everyone who joined the special event and to the team at the Linden Tree Books for hosting such a meaningful space for conversation.

-Jessica (she/her), Director of Development and Communications

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Hidden Villa in the News!

 

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Centennial Celebration
September 28, 2024

We’re hosting a party 100 years in the making! Join us from 2:30 to 8 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 28, 2024, for our Centennial Celebration, when we will mark 100 years of nurturing hearts, nourishing minds, and fostering friendships. Guests will enjoy a delicious farm-to-table feast prepared in partnership with Flea Street and Jesse Z. Cool and Outstanding in the Field, and a keynote address from writer and scientist Robin Wall Kimmerer, Ph.D., author of Braiding Sweetgrass: Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge and the Teachings of Plants and enrolled member of the Citizen Potawatomi Nation. Plus, with live music and dancing, and special activities for children ages 5 to 12, our Centennial Celebration promises to entertain and inspire Hidden Villa supporters of all ages.

Learn More

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Centennial Stories: A (Volunteer) Jack of All Trades

Diane Ciesinski has held many roles at Hidden Villa since she first started volunteering in the 90s. She’s helped with event publicity, served as an unofficial historian, and spent seven years as a board member with two as chair. But her favorite role to date just may be farm tour leader for kindergarten and first-grade students.

“Being a farm tour guide is really special,” Ciesinski said. “When the kids learn where their food comes from and pet the animals, you get to see the wonder in their eyes. I love seeing the magic in action.”

Ciesinski discovered the magic of Hidden Villa by accident while searching the Yellow Pages for the phone number of a business that began with the letter “H.”  She found what she was looking for and then noticed a listing for Hidden Villa.

Ciesinski called Hidden Villa out of a sense of curiosity and arranged to visit. “I took a tour,” she said, “and fell in love.”

She is one of thousands of volunteers who have helped out at Hidden Villa over the past 100 years in a variety of roles that range from administrative tasks to working on the farm to leading tours.

In addition to serving as a board member and marketing assistant, Ciesinski wrote recipes for a newsletter for members of the Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) program. She became a CSA member herself and is today the longest-continuously registered member.

When Hidden Villa summer camp turned 50, she did a research project to learn more about the history of camp and even created photo albums of campers through the decades.

And she has shared her love for Hidden Villa with others. When Ciesinski’s dad, Bob Niederer, retired, he became a volunteer with Hidden Villa, where he led farm and wilderness tours for 20 years. He remarried there in 2002, and in 2021, Niederer’s memorial service was held at Hidden Villa.

In 2013, Ciesinski delivered a talk about sustainable agriculture to students at the Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology in Sendai, Japan, where they had endured a devastating tsunami and were beginning to start new farms. Hidden Villa staff helped Ciesinski prepare her talk.

“One of the many great things about Hidden Villa is the incredible community of people that come together day in and day out to make what we do possible,” said Elliott Wright, executive director. “Diane has put her heart and soul into this organization for over three decades, and it is because of her and people like her that we are even here today to celebrate our centennial anniversary.”

As to what her next volunteer endeavor may be, Ciesinski isn’t sure. All she is sure of is that she will be a part of Hidden Villa for as long as she is able.

“I get energized there,” she said. “I can see the teaching of the next generation and it gives me hope that kids want to learn about farming, sustainability, and social justice.”
– Kate (she/her), Friend of Hidden Villa

 

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Announcements:

Project Bloom:

Community action makes all the difference. We’re celebrating the seeds of change that are blooming within our community with Project Bloom, a community competition designed to inspire and showcase the good work happening in our neighborhoods. We want to lift up community efforts aligned with Hidden Villa’s mission to foster educational experiences that build connections and inspire a deeper appreciation and respect for nature, food, and one another. Have you or someone you know taken steps to address a specific challenge in your community? Through essay, video, artwork, or other creative means, describe the way you are growing good in your neighborhood and beyond. Follow the button below to learn more about Project Bloom and join the challenge.

Learn More

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Farm Update

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Hidden Villa Environmental Education

Learn More

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New farm animals (some strapping young lads)

We picked up two new boar piglets from a breeder near San Luis Obispo who came recommended by a local farmer-friend of Virginia’s. They’re a mix of rare heritage breeds – Red Wattle and Large black. These two breeds have “critical” and “threatened” status according to the Livestock Conservancy so raising them will help conserve the important genetic diversity that they represent. We plan to select one to keep for our breeding program. Keeping a boar will be a new challenge and opportunity for us. In addition to preserving genetic diversity, it will allow us to have more control over our farm’s genetics and will hopefully result in consistently larger litters.

We also got a new Ram! His name is Cordoba, and he’s a Romney just like our other ram, Kiwi. We hope they will be the best of friends after they’ve had a chance to get to know each other (rams really want to ‘ram’ each other when they first meet but we take precautions so they won’t hurt each other).

He has amazingly beautiful curly wool that will be a great boon to our fiber harvest. He came to us from Barinaga Ranch in Marshall, CA, and is also a recessive-colored Romney– a very special one! The moorit (caramel) color is a rare find for this breed; we should get some really beautiful lambs when we cross him with our moorit CVM ewes next year. He’s not a replacement for Kiwi– we intend to keep both so that we have options and back-up for breeding season (and a friend for Kiwi during the off-season).

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MEATS!

Order Now!

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June 2024: Animal Husbandry

 

Celebrating 100 Years:
Deep Roots Flourishing Future

Dear friends,

As we mark this centennial year, my heart is full of reflection on the countless moments of joy, learning, and connection that have been nurtured within this 1,600-acre preserve. For a century, Hidden Villa has been more than just a place; it has been a refuge where hearts are touched, minds are nourished, and lifelong friendships are forged.

REMEMBER WITH US:

For more than 100 years, Hidden Villa has been a place of peace, learning, and solutions. This month, as we share these stories, we renew our commitment to continue to honor the beautiful legacy of our founders, Frank and Josephine Duveneck. Take a read, make a note, and get inspired by personal stories that capture the essence of what makes Hidden Villa extraordinary.

Learn More

Your support has been the cornerstone of our community for the past 100 years. Here’s to many more decades of growth, connection, and memories together.

With warmest regards,

Elliott Wright,
Executive Director

 

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FEATURE: Farewell to Spring

(Pictured: Main road and pastures where the education garden and tin barn are now located. Notice this is before the hostel. The estimated year is 1931, shortly after the Duvenecks moved into the main house. This photo marks the early days of Hidden Villa, before sustainable land management practices.)

While many farmers are approaching their peak season, the Animal Husbandry team is winding down from a busy and productive spring and settling into a gentler summer flow as the pastures go dormant and campers take over daily animal chores.

Farming can often feel like a slow, unending grind, due in large part to the fact that we are operating on a very different timescale than the one we experience in our off-duty life. We’re on Mother Nature’s time. We’re on geologic time. We’re on the animals’ time, too (if you ever find yourself in a position of needing a pig to do what she doesn’t want to do, you will know instantly who’s dictating the schedule!). There is almost no immediate gratification in this work; rewards are reaped after months of observing and building relationships with animals, and years (decades, even!) of pouring love, sweat, and (many) tears into the land. But even then, nothing is forever– the seasons march on, the animals cycle through their life stages, and the weather will do what it will (or won’t). So when the pieces fall into place, even for a brief moment in time, it is a special experience that must be treasured and stored, so that the memory of it can provide fuel in challenging times. We have much to celebrate and store away at the end of this busy season. I’ll share a few treasures with you.

Now that the weather has warmed and the grass has dried out, the sheep have been replaced with chickens and pigs, whose scratching and rooting skills will help incorporate manure and spent plant material back into the soil. The entire progression is a lesson in the deep utility of livestock on working land and the many creative ways that can be employed in the care and keeping of the farm ecosystem.

Sheep

A few years ago, we set about establishing a new breeding flock with two goals in mind – to improve our fiber program, and to build a different breeding program better suited to our regional climate. In the end, we purchased Horned Dorset and California Variegated Mutant (CVM) ewes, and Kiwi, our Romney ram. Our Horned Dorset ewes are hardy, prolific animals with strong, durable wool. Our CVM ewes are dainty but thrifty beauties, with fine fleeces in a rainbow of natural shades. Both have the rare ability to be bred throughout the year, granting us the power to align our sheep’s life cycles with the seasons. Now, our sheep’s highest nutritional needs peak when the land has the most to offer, and our harvest comes when the land is ready for rest. This past fall, we welcomed this new flock’s largest and healthiest lamb crop to date and watched them grow big (and spirited!) on rain-fed pastures. This summer, we will be receiving the very first batch of yarn spun at our local mill with fleeces from these ewes. There is always more adapting to do when it comes to building farm systems that complement the land and climate, but it’s a proud moment to finally see some of our efforts come full circle for the first time.

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Nurturing the Whole Child

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Pork Chops

-Austen Wagner (he/him), Assistant Farm Manager

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CENTENNIAL CORNER

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Upcoming Centennial Event:

The Chair and The Valley, Reception and Book Talk

Join us at Linden Tree Books for an intimate fireside chat and reception with Banning Lyon, author of The Chair and The Valley, published by The Open Field, Maria Shriver’s personally-curated imprint at Penguin Random House. Banning Lyon is a survivor, advocate, and storyteller. His memoir serves as a beacon of hope for those navigating their own journeys of trauma and renewal.

After a welcome by Linden Tree, Banning will be in conversation with Elliott Wright, Executive Director of Hidden Villa, sharing insights, stories, and offering pathways on how we can center and support youth on their journey through these challenging years. We are also honored to welcome Anamatangi Polynesian Voices to share their affirming and supportive work in youth mental health. 

Hidden Villa is now in its 100th year! Hidden Villa has long been a place of positive experiences where tens of thousands of youth are reached each year. As we partner with groups like Anamatangi Polynesian Voices, we are honored to show the way forward for young people to get nourished and formative experiences. We are hosting this reception and talk with Linden Tree Books, to show those pathways for youth to continue to find safe, fun, and meaningful experiences in nature, and within communities working to repair and support a better future for all. 

About the book:

Banning Lyon was an average 15-year-old. He enjoyed skateboarding, listening to punk rock, and even had a part-time job. But in January 1987 his life quickly changed after a school guidance counselor falsely believed he was suicidal after giving away his skateboard. Days later he was admitted to a psychiatric hospital, and what he was told would be a two-week stay turned into 353 days that would change his life forever.

The Chair and The Valley is a raw, gut-wrenching, and amazing story about healing from trauma and starting over. It is an exploration of the importance of chosen family, the restorative power of nature, and the strength it takes to build a new life in the face of fear and doubt. Kindly RSVP to reserve your spot by following the button below. We look forward to welcoming you to an evening of inspiration and connection.

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Centennial Stories: From Horses to Harvest

(The following is an excerpt from an interview with Jason McKenney, Agriculture Director)

“…The story is mostly about Andy Scott. He was the farm manager here before me. He came to Hidden Villa first in 1991. He’d been a beekeeper and a gardener in the Central Valley for many years and was well-known within the organic farming community. Andy was hired at Hidden Villa in 1991 and at the time was managing just about everything agricultural property-wide.

He managed the education garden and the farm program, which was pretty different back then. He took care of all the animals, and just about every aspect of the property including irrigation systems, fences, EVERYTHING.

People call it a farm or the ranch now, but at that time it was much more of a ranch, and largely because of our lack of water there really hadn’t been much gardening or agriculture practiced here. The one exception was the ‘frying pan field’ (the field near the white house), which was actually the first garden space at Hidden Villa, long before it was Hidden Villa.

The Duvenecks were huge horse people. They had a big horse corral in the area along Moody Road. There were Los Altos Hills town events with horses in partnership with Westwind Barn. A lot of people in this area had horses, many still do. The Duvenecks boarded horses on the fields where we now have the farm. It was really overgrazed. I’ve seen pictures of it from 1988. It was just dirt.

Andy started to transform that. He began growing a few things in the areas that had been overgrazed. He started small and built upon his successes. Then, he started having intermittent pasture animals, mostly ruminants, to graze.

One of the biggest innovations he made early in his time here was to our agricultural irrigation system. He described to me on many occasions, hands down, the biggest challenges that he had were water and irrigation. They’re really the same challenges we face today. How do you set up an irrigation system that’s not going to get clogged because the water has so many sediments in it? And how do you use our limited resources of water the most responsibly?

Early on in his time here, he invested in drip irrigation hose, the same hose in fact that we still use today. Andy started buying some of those in the mid to late ’90s. They were developed only in the early ’90s. If we didn’t have that incredibly water-conserving irrigation, we wouldn’t be capable of growing here at all.”

-Jason McKenney (he/him), Agriculture Director

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ANNOUNCEMENTS

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(button link)

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Photo Credits: Virginia, Zain, Dov, Joel, Jeremy, Joel, Sofia, Grandfather Google, HV Archives
Photo Sources: https://www.robinwallkimmerer.com/about

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May 2024: Summer Camp

Summer Camp articles by Ben (he/him), Camp Director

FEATURE: Rose, Thorn, & Bud

Spending a summer at Hidden Villa Summer Camp is like watching a beautiful rosebush come to life. Each flower is unique and beautiful, each stem becomes strong and resilient as it grows, and every bud is full of potential. Similarly, campers at Hidden Villa have a safe environment to be their unique selves, try new things, gain confidence in their efforts, and connect with people across cultures to make meaning of a world full of empathy and wonder. We know these experiences are transformative. The outcome is young people will see themselves as valuable, compassionate, resilient, contributors to their community capable of creating positive change in the world.  

Throughout a camper’s experience, reflection is an integral part of their learning. They make meaning of their connections and actions to inspire their lives moving forward. Debriefing our days and activities is a regular part of Hidden Villa Summer Camp life. 

A fan-favorite debrief is called “Rose, Thorn, Bud.” The group will go around in a circle and share their personal rose, thorn, and bud. The rose is a highlight, a fun experience, or an accomplishment. Examples are making a new friend, swimming in the pool on a hot day, or finding a cool creature under a log! The thorn is something that was a challenge and perhaps didn’t go exactly as planned. It’s important to note that this isn’t negative by nature but rather something that causes us to push ourselves. Good examples could be a hike that was longer than expected, feeling a bit scared on the high ropes course, or coming up with an original song for float night. Lastly, there is the bud. The bud can be new ideas that have blossomed, or something you are looking forward to learning or experiencing.

When reflecting on last summer and looking forward to the summer of 2024, the camp team thought it would be fun to share our rose, thorn, and bud for Hidden Villa Summer Camp! 

BUD:

Hidden Villa Summer Camp 2024 is going to be an amazing experience! I am so excited to welcome back returning staff and campers, as well as welcome new staff and campers to the Hidden Villa community. We are fully staffed for the summer and currently have about 700 campers signed up for the summer- a growth of nearly 200 campers from last year! We have engaged with several other community-based partners to ensure we are creating a multicultural community that is accessible to all families. We are looking forward to the launch of a new backpacking program called Watershed Wanderers. We are ensuring our staff and campers are equipped with meaningful mental health support and training to ensure campers have the tools to try new things and grow while in our care.  We are investing in new sleeping platforms and shade sails for our outdoor sleeping areas.

I could go on and on about the other details of our program that I am looking forward to this summer, but I will conclude with a reflection. It has been 79 years since Josephine Duveneck hosted the first overnight multicultural summer camp at Hidden Villa. In her book Life on Two Levels, she writes about the lessons learned each summer and how she and her staff celebrated and responded to the successes and challenges that arose in those first foundational summers. Of my 26 years of attending and working at summer camp programs, I have ALWAYS learned something new each year. I look forward to all the roses, thorns, and buds of Hidden Villa Summer Camp 2024.

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This fun-filled week of experiential environmental education is another great addition to our catalog of offerings for campers to participate in as they progress through our program summer after summer.

Learn about our other incredible summer programs. Whether it is exploring the great outdoors, experiencing life on a farm, getting creative in the arts, or learning valuable leadership skills, there’s something for every camper at Hidden Villa Summer Camp. Click below to discover our remaining available programs and secure your spot today!

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The Well-Being of Our Community

It is no secret that the youth we serve at camp have faced an incredible amount of adversity in recent years. Hidden Villa strives to create a space where everyone who participates in our camp feels they are supported, belong, and are valued. This past year, our camp team invested in training, partnerships, and expert services to prepare ourselves for the different needs that we may encounter.

For our staff, the ones who are charged with the responsibility to meet the needs of our campers and provide them with unforgettable experiences, we have enlisted the services of ‘Dear Scout’. Dear Scout is a company that has brought together a team of licensed mental health professionals who have experience working in the summer camp industry. These clinicians will be on call for us when a staff member is in need of talking about their mental health. We join many summer camps across the nation in utilizing their services to meet this important and present need. 

Through our partnership with ‘Yes! Nature to Neighborhoods’ based out of Richmond, California, we will enthusiastically welcome their leadership team to present to our summer staff their approach and practices in working with youth in the BIPOC community. We are honored to join their incredible efforts to provide access and bring more diverse representation into rural and nature scapes.

San Mateo County Pride Center will facilitate a training session on how our staff can create an inclusive environment for ALL campers. Through their SOGI 101 (sexual orientation and gender identification) course we will have foundational knowledge across our staff. Combining this with training on age-appropriate discussions and reflections, Hidden Villa campers will feel affirmed to be themselves without judgment or fear.

Hidden Villa’s commitment to caring for all community members of our camp is unwavering. We work tirelessly to meet our youth where they are and provide them with the space to make monumental steps in their development. Fostering a sense of belonging in this beautiful place is the work that our founders put in motion decades ago and we are proud to continue that effort today.

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Temporarily Closing For Camp

This summer, Hidden Villa will be closed to the public from June 3rd to August 3rd, to prioritize the safety and well-being of our campers and staff. Access to the farm and trails will be temporarily closed. There will be no open weekends during this time. We appreciate your understanding and support as we work to create a safe environment for our campers and staff.

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With Gratitude

Dear Supporters,

We’re gearing up for another season of adventure, growth, and community at Hidden Villa Summer Camp. Through backpacking explorations, farm-to-fork programs, animal husbandry activities, and moments of simple, unhurried discovery, we offer a sanctuary where children can truly be themselves. Please consider joining us in giving the gift of Summer Camp. Your contribution today plays a crucial role in making this vision a reality. Here’s how you can make a difference:

Our goal is to raise $300,000 to support our camp program and nurture hundreds of children this June. Thanks to the generosity of a $150,000 matching gift from Ralph Eschenbach and Dr. Carol Provan, your gift will be matched dollar for dollar, doubling your impact.

At Hidden Villa Summer Camp, we’re not just running a program; we’re shaping the world we want to see. By fostering values of kindness, diversity, and peace, we create a safe space for self-expression, essential for addressing the challenges our youth face. Thank you for joining us on this journey and investing in the future leaders who will shape a more peaceful and just society.

With gratitude,

-Ben (he/him), Camp Director

Donate Now

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ANNOUNCEMENTS:

 

DOWNTOWN LOS ALTOS FARMERS’ MARKET
STATE STREET IN LOS ALTOS (Our stall is at the corner of 2nd and State)
THURSDAYS 4 – 8 PM
MAY – OCTOBER

 

Farm Update

Things are blooming and ripening in the farm fields. This time of year is among our favorites. Right now everything is green and lush from our ample winter rains and the succulent greens of spring are about ready to harvest. We are excited to announce that we are returning to the Los Altos Farmers’ Market on State Street this season. We hope you’ll stop by and say hi! The CSA is also starting back up, with our first shares being picked up the week of May 12th. The first basket is an important landmark in the farm season and we’re looking forward to sharing that experience with this year’s farm crew. You can read a little bit about our team for 2024, and get to know other HV staff on our website. Other exciting happenings in the farm fields include planting our first round of tomatoes and summer squash, seeing emerging sprouts in our dahlia patch, and harvesting the first few of our ‘Albion’ strawberries – so sweet and only getting better!

-Lanette (she/her), CSA Manager

Farmers’ Market 

We’re officially LIVE at the Downtown Los Altos Farmers’ Market every Thursday evening. We’ll have VEGGIES. We’ll have MEATS. FLOWERS, FRUITS, FLYERS. We’ll have… LAMB SOCKS! Come by and pick up the season’s best produce from the most Local-est farm at the market (We are literally the closest farm to the market, you can’t get any more local). How awesome is that?

The Local-est Meats are Now So Easy to Get

What’s even better than buying the most local-est meat (our meat and produce travels a mere 2.9 miles to get to the market if you’re counting) at the farmers’ market, you ask?…  You can now PRE-ORDER pork, lamb, and chicken from our website to pick up at the market. Please CHOOSE THE LOS ALTOS FARMERS MARKET UNDER ‘DELIVERY DETAILS’ AT CHECKOUT (It’s super easy, I promise). Otherwise, just order like normal from our online store by any Wednesday night to pick up at the market on Thursday. We will bring you your super special, super local, pasture-raised meats and you will pick them up from us. You get to feel super awesome about your food. Done. Congrats on feeling so good.

-Austen (he/him), CSA Manager

Order Organic Today

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But in our system, we’re able to put that manure directly onto the fields where crops will be grown so they’ll be able to directly use those nutrients from the soil. Thus the chickens REGENERATE the soil. All healthy ecosystems include both plants and animals, and our farm ecosystem is no different. In this system, there is no waste, and the animals are a valuable part of an ecosystem that produces both meat and crops for humans while the ecosystem also becomes healthier – more fertile, more carbon in the soil, etc.

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Skullcap: A Cute Little Wildflower with an Ominous Name

One of the many wildflowers currently blooming at Hidden Villa is the Blue Skullcap, Scutellaria tuberosa. It is quite small and unassuming, often hugging the ground at just 6 inches tall in shaded understory environments. A good place to see them right now is along the Bypass Trail at the base of the Short Bunny Loop.

Any reference to skulls can hint at death and decay, so it is important to note that the name refers to the hat-shaped upper lobe of the flower, and nothing more sinister.

Skullcaps are well known to herbalists across the globe, but only two of over 300 species found worldwide are generally recognized as having useful medicinal properties, one of which is most commonly found in China, and the other one in eastern North America. The two are used to treat many different conditions. Different parts of each plant are collected and used for different things, so they are not at all interchangeable. Their medicinal effects can also be quite strong, so professional supervision is critical for safe use.

Our particular version is not among those in wide use by humans, but it is quite beautiful, with a deep purple, speckled, tubular flower that most often appears in side-by-side pairs. The flowers resemble miniature Snapdragons to my eye.

Learn more about the Blue Skullcap and other wildflowers on Saturday, May 18. Join Senior Naturalist Garth Harwood for an exploration of the wide variety of plant communities here at Hidden Villa. Follow the button below to register today to learn about all the Seasonal Cycles Natural History Series courses.

Register Now

Weekend Opportunities

Get out with your friends and family this spring and join one of our amazing weekend opportunities! The weather is fine, the greenery is verdant, and the spring is calling you out for some fun!

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Photo Credits: Zain, Lucy, Virginia

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April 2024

FEATURE: Harvesting Possibilities:
Uniting to Expand Our Table of Learning

Eight months ago, my colleague Sofia and I shared a meal with Mama D Uhlia, Papa Senita Uhlia, Co-Founders, and Tiffany Hantau, Executive Director, of Anamantangi Polynesian Voices. We sat down to a family-style lunch outside the Dana Center looking out at the golden pasture. As I looked across the table, the story of Hidden Villa’s fields reached my nose. The rainbow of peak-season tomatoes, kale, and sausage – all from the land upon which we were eating was the icebreaker. Taking breaks between bites to comment on the deliciousness of the food, each of us found it easy to dream about how our youth programs could work together. As we shared this place-based meal, we recognized the natural synergies between our work.

When I asked, “What can Hidden Villa do to support the youth and families you work with?” Papa Senita looked out at the pasture where the valley meets the horizon and recalled the way that Hidden Villa reminds him of Samoa. He shared that youth in their community love water and when they get into a body of water, their bodies know what to do. The whole group started dreaming of how their families could gather at Hidden Villa and incorporate the natural elements into their cultural programs.

Mama D Uhlia and Papa Senita Uhlia founded Anamantangi Polynesian Voices (APV) in the early ’90s as a grassroots organization to foster community, cultural enrichment, and distribution of resources in East Palo Alto. Since its inception in 1997, APV has been more than just a gathering place; it has been a lifeline for residents facing economic and climate crises at disproportionate rates. Unhoused, uninsured, and undocumented, many of APV’s clients endure unimaginable hardship, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic years. 

Yet amidst the struggle, a collective desire for healing and wellness emerged. They’ve worked tirelessly to meet families where they are and pull together resources and services to help them achieve wellness, stability, and meet all their goals. Driven by community survey feedback, APV embarked on a journey to bridge indigenous healing practices with the abundance of nature surrounding East Palo Alto.

The result? An innovative outdoor wellness initiative rooted in Restorative Justice Practice (RJP) and grown out of  Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander cultural traditions. This Fall, they chose Hidden Villa to be the location where the bi-annual wellness retreat would be held. Laughter and cheers erupted from the Dana Center lawn, as they led their Wellness Retreat, a sanctuary for community members to immerse themselves in outdoor wellness activities. From organizational wellness workshops to youth-specific sessions addressing the unique challenges faced by young participants, the retreat offered a space for healing, growth, and transformation. Youth participants cheered each other on and pushed their limits on the high ropes course all while surrounded by the awe-inspiring beauty of nature. 

“In the midst of vast landscapes and towering trees, we found a sense of community that transcended our differences. ” – APV Retreat Participant 

But the vision doesn’t stop there. This August, APV will lead their ‘Take the Mic’ three-day summer enrichment program, where youth, cultural practitioners, and partner organizations participate in activities to explore, embrace, and learn about nature using core Pacific Islander cultural competencies. Youth and APV staff will stay overnight in the Hidden Villa hostel and they’ll lead programs that include a blend of indigenous Pacific Islander rites and traditions, as well as knowledge-building around the local environment, natural resources, and mental wellness. 

In collaboration with Hidden Villa, APV aims to build and improve access to the farm and wilderness spaces and outdoor activities, providing APV youth with continuous connections to nature and fostering a sense of belonging. Through the co-creation of programming, the organizations aspire to provide year-round programming, implementing at least nine new youth and family programs at Hidden Villa by 2027.

The energy that APV has brought to Hidden Villa’s partnership work harkens to the work of the Duveneck legacy and what the Hidden Villa mission was founded on. When we are striving to create a just, healthy, and sustainable future for all, we look across the table and ask what else is possible when we work in partnership to bring balance into our local communities. 

By fostering shared learnings and expertise through gatherings, both organizations enrich their programs with insights from implementation, research, best practices, success stories, challenges, and lessons. Engaging program staff and youth representatives ensure diverse perspectives contribute to the collective journey towards wellness and climate resilience. The partnership between Anamantangi Polynesian Voices and Hidden Villa goes beyond creating programs; it fosters a community where tradition, nature, and innovation intersect, paving the way for a brighter, connected future in Silicon Valley.

– Gianna FazioLiu (she/they), Annual Fund and Development Manager 

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Trailblazing Stewardship

Periodically, he leads this hike for the Loma Prieta Chapter of the Sierra Club. For a shorter hike, he brings family and friends to enjoy the 2-mile Long Bunny Loop Trail, which has small but beautiful waterfalls during the winter and spring.

This past year, Shlomo came out to join a walk with the California Native Plant Society where he met Hidden Villa Executive Director, Elliot Wright. He had been thinking about what he could do to support Hidden Villa, and this meeting inspired him to name the non-profit in his estate plan. When asked what outcome he hopes to see from this generous gift he says, “This place has been here for 100 years. How do we make sure it is here for another 1,000?” (If you would like to know more about including Hidden Villa in your estate plan, follow the button link or email [email protected].)

Jill Kilty Newburn (she/her), Major Gifts Officer

Legacy Giving

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Heartfelt Gratitude

“Hidden Villa, I love Hidden Villa!” That’s the response I most often receive when I tell someone where I work.

 I hear those same exclamations all around the farm. I hear it from students hiking on the Creek Trail while participating in a Farm and Wilderness Exploration program; from our Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) members after picking up their weekly basket of produce harvested that very morning; from families who sit by the creek during spring break and watch their kiddos play in nature; and from our campers who lovingly take over the entire 1,600 acres every summer. These special moments are the foundation of Hidden Villa’s mission to create a more just and sustainable future for all.

People of all ages come here, set down their devices, unplug, and connect with the natural world. Just last night, I saw a hiker stop to appreciate the group of ‘tom’ turkeys showing off their spring feathers. There are very few places in the world that have all the magic ingredients that exist at Hidden Villa. 

A huge part of what makes that magic possible is the incredibly generous community of donors and volunteers who support Hidden Villa. When I reflect on the tremendous love that this group has expressed for Hidden Villa, my heart swells. Thank you for being a part of Hidden Villa. Thank you for supporting this special place and ensuring it remains accessible now and in the future. We need you and appreciate you.

-Jessica Du Val (she/her), Director of Development & Communications

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Thank You So Much to the Foundations that Support Hidden Villa!

We’re so grateful for your investment. Your support powers our farm and people, makes Hidden Villa accessible, and contributes towards a vision of a sustainable, healthy, and just future for all. Thank you.

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Events:

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Hidden Villa Summer Camp

Summers here at the farm are full of growth and excitement. Every day is an opportunity for adventure! Our summer programs are designed to grow with youth and adjust to meet their needs. Our programs introduce young people to wilderness and farm activities, foster leadership skills and responsibility, and emphasize respect for the environment and for others – all while having fun and making lasting memories!

Day Camp 
Grades K – 4

Each day, campers have a variety of activities to choose from. Daily choice activities may include cooking, hiking, swimming, arts & crafts, games, nature exploration, or time with our farm animals. They’ll cultivate new skills, forge lasting friendships, and deepen their connection to the world around them. Each age cohort builds on the next so our day camp experience grows with your camper! We offer options for extended care before and after camp hours.

Learn More

Overnight & Backpacking Camps
Grades 5 – 12

Hidden Villa overnight programs are an unforgettable journey of self-discovery, community building, and environmental stewardship. Our overnight camp programs are designed to foster curiosity, critical thinking, and advocacy while providing a safe and inclusive space for exploration. Through hands-on activities, wilderness expeditions, and an engaging curriculum focused on social justice and environmental awareness, your camper will build lifelong friendships, develop leadership skills, and gain a deeper appreciation for the world around them. This year, we are offering 5 and 12-day programs to better work with your busy schedules.

Learn More

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Announcements

Community Supported Agriculture

Hidden Villa’s CSA registration is open and filling fast! We only have a few spots left. If you’re interested in joining us for the 2024 farm season don’t delay. Members receive a weekly basket of fresh produce harvested the same day. The season runs from mid-May through the end of October. Enjoy delicious, nutritious, local produce for only $35/ week! Follow the button below to sign up. For questions reach out to [email protected].

Register

 

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This Month’s Feature Meat Product- Ham Hocks

This is a recipe I adapted from a guy called the Farmstead Meatsmith who is an eccentric butcher and slaughterman who also understands that these roles are meaningless without a cook in the farmhouse kitchen. (Watch this clip for inspiration.) All of the animal products that we produce are done so with the end user in mind – the dedicated home cook. No cut embodies this better than the humble ham hock. It’s one of my favorite cuts to cook, but requires a little bit of patience (though very little actual work). It’s also a great example of the kind of nose-to-tail economy of which I am a huge proponent and that we strive for in our husbandry and production practices at Hidden Villa. It’s a tough cut that requires a long slow cook with liquid, either water-based or lipid-based. You won’t often find these in the grocery store, so I think it’s really special that we offer them, as they’re a butcher’s and farmer’s special secret cut. They’re full of gelatin that creates an unctuous and savory stock that sticks in your craw and is hugely satisfying to the appetite. I hope you’ll venture with me to cook this underappreciated cut because the reward is nothing short of the finest, and most nutritious peasant dish one can cook up. Once you know the basic technique it’s dead simple to cook one up anytime you’re in the mood. They also work great in a slow cooker. I’m so enamored with ham hocks and I really want everyone else to feel the way I do, so I’m going to give you a discount on them. Order them this month and you can have them for 15% off! Please try one, you can thank me later. Here’s a link to the recipe.

Your yeoman farmer-cook,

Austen Wagner (he/him), Assistant Farm Manager

Buy Now

P.S. Our first fresh chicken sale of the year is coming up on April 18th. Subscribe to our newsletter if you want to know when our fresh pasture-raised organic meats go on sale. Email [email protected] and we’ll put you on the list. Newsletters also include special recipes.

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Volunteers

Hidden Villa partners with Youth Community Services and local high schools to provide opportunities to get outside, help care for the land, and connect with each other. On March 25th, a group of 30 Gunn High School students spent the day clearing invasive horehound, beautifying our Dana Center landscaping area in preparation for the Sheep Shearing and Fiber Arts Festival, and woodchipping the ropes course which is used for our Youth Development and Summer Camp programs. It’s amazing what a group of dedicated high school students can do in a matter of a day, which will serve our community and other youth for months to come!

-Sofía Pablo-Hoshin (she/her), Director of Volunteer Engagement

Volunteer

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Seasonal Cycles Natural History Series- A Taste of the Wild

The Seasonal Cycles Natural History Series (SCNHS) taught by Hidden Villa’s Senior Naturalist, Garth Harwood, is stirring up a buzz! The Almanac recently attended “Make a Wild Salad!“, a foraging class from the SCNHS. Learn what The Almanac had to say by reading the full article (link below).

 

Did you know that foraging is only one of the many classes offered in the series? Saturdays from 10 am to 12 pm, Garth offers a variety of explorations including:

 

 

• • • All About Bugs- April 13th
    • Wildflower Walk- April 20th & May 18th
    • How to Walk in the Woods- May 4th
    • A Celebration of Birds- May 11th
    • Meet the Herptiles: Reptiles, Amphibians and More!- May 25th

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Dear HV Community:

As you can see, we are growing and nurturing a lot of great stuff at Hidden Villa. I would love to hear from you! Please feel welcome to reach out with ideas, questions, comments, or other notes. I’m always here for you.

Sincerely and respectfully,
Elliott Wright ([email protected])

(In photo: Exploring a stick bug)