County Supervisors recognize Hidden Villa as it celebrates 100 years
SAN JOSE – As Hidden Villa celebrates its centennial this year, Santa Clara County Supervisor Joe Simitian and his Board colleagues recognized Hidden Villa for its 100 years of promoting sustainability and health.
“Hidden Villa is a truly extraordinary place. They’ve been providing food, nature, and outdoor education for 100 years,” said Simitian. “Our County is blessed to have Hidden Villa as a nature escape — a place to observe plants and wildlife, learn about farming, and to connect with others and the planet.”
Hidden Villa is located on 1,600 acres at the foothills of the Santa Cruz mountains in Los Altos Hills, which is in the Fifth District represented by Simitian. It was established in 1924 by Frank and Josephine Duveneck, whose vision was to build a sustainable, healthy, and just future for all. Upon their deaths, Hidden Villa was donated to a nonprofit trust so the Duveneck’s legacy could continue for generations.
Today, Hidden Villa is home to gardens; wooded hiking trails; a regenerative farm with fruits, vegetables, and animals, including pigs, chickens, and goats; and historic buildings, including an 1860s era barn and blacksmith forge. Each year, 30,000 people, many of whom are children and teens, engage in a wide variety of programs and activities at Hidden Villa centered on food, nature, and outdoor education. Approximately 11,000 pounds of produce grown on-site is donated to local food banks and distributed to unhoused and underserved families.
“For more than 100 years, leaders and learners have come to Hidden Villa to connect, make meaning, act, and then live Hidden Villa experiences across their lifetimes,” said Elliott Wright, Executive Director of Hidden Villa. “As we look to the future, we are committed to providing equitable access to outdoor educational experiences that ignite a passion for science, environmental stewardship and sustainable food systems.”
Visit Hidden Villa in person at 26870 Moody Road in Los Altos Hills, CA or learn more about their programs online at hiddenvilla.org.