October Regional Nature Journal Club Field Trip @ Hidden Villa, Santa Cruz Mtns

Let's nature journal together at the amazing Hidden Villa! Nestled into a valley in the foothills of the Santa Cruz Mountains, Hidden Villa is an educational nonprofit offering unique Experiential Education and Responsible Agriculture programs in a setting that promotes engagement, connection and understanding.

Gianna Fazioli, Annual Fund and Development Manager at Hidden Villa, will provide a greeting and orient us to the space, history, and mission of Hidden Villa. She will also lead an optional guided walk of the main area, which includes gardens and a farm.

Learn more about Hidden Villa here: https://www.hiddenvilla.org

* Free; Suggested $20 donation for the Wild Wonder Foundation, and Hidden Villa encourages a $10 parking fee per vehicle to support the farm. However, no one will be turned away for lack of funds.

Please read the Hidden Villa visitor guidelines prior to attending:
** https://www.hiddenvilla.org/visit/plan-your-trip/*

Field trip hosts:
* Kate Rutter, Regional Nature Journal Club Field Trip host
* Gianna Fazioli, Annual Fund and Development Manager at Hidden Villa, guest speaker and guide

Weather note: If for any reason rain is forecast for the day of the field trip, grab an umbrella and come anyway. There are covered areas and we can journal the wet conditions!

Transit & Parking:
Public Transit is not available. Please post on the Meetup group for carpools.

Parking is available in the Main Parking Lot, the 2nd parking lot after the entry kiosk.

Parking note: Hidden Villa encourages a $10 parking fee per vehicle to support the farm. However, no one will be turned away for lack of funds.

How to find us:
Meet in front of the Wolken Education Center, which is the green-roofed building past the 2nd parking lot after the entry kiosk.
(If you come a little late, look for people sketching. :)
Location Link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/w7C2Ke4ddgpqwR4e7

Bring:

• Seasonally appropriate clothing / dress for variable (including HOT or COLD) weather.
• Sunscreen and hat.
• Waterbottle (water is available onsite.)
• Nature journaling supplies.
• Potluck Lunch: Bring potluck treats to share for lunch, and bring your own bowl and spoon.
• A sense of wonder and humor.
• Anything else to make the day lovely for you: folding stool, magnifying loupe, umbrella, depending. ;)

Flow of the day:
We'll gather together for our opening circle at 10am. Gianna will provide an overview and orientation to Hidden Villa, and we'll do a short warm-up session. Gianna will provide an optional guided walk, and then we'll spread out to nature journal...gardens, trails, farm animals! We'll gather together at 12:30 for lunch, to share work, and to socialize. Then we'll head back out for more journaling! At the close (around 3:30) we'll do a final closing circle and send-off.

Good to know:

• Open to all ages and ability levels. No registration is necessary. $20 suggested donation.
• Accessibility: flat and accessible pathways; benches and seating.
• Bathrooms are available onsite.
• Cell coverage is low upon entry to Hidden Villa so plan accordingly.

Bring friends and family!