Bay Nature Hike: Birdhouse Ranch

Join Bay Nature for a private tour of Livermore’s Birdhouse Ranch on Sunday, November 9 from 10am – 2pm. Witness sustainable agriculture in action and learn how a Bay Nature hike ten years ago inspired ranch owners Sarah and David to manage their grassland habitat with cattle. Attendees will tour the ranch, hike with naturalist Stu Weiss, then eat a meal at the onsite yurt. This special event is $75 for members and $100 for non-members.

A decade ago, Bay Nature held its first hike at this ranch, nestled in the rugged and beautiful Livermore hills, home to golden eagles, mountain lions, junipers and pines, and more. During that first hike, a naturalist present recommended using cattle grazing to help manage and maintain the grassland habitat at the ranch. Now, the ranch is home to more than 20 cattle and is a successful beef ranch following organic practices. We're so excited to be revisiting this ranch to see how it's changed.

Meet Your Hike Leaders:

Sarah and David Kardatzke are owners of Birdhouse Ranch. 

Emery is the son of Sarah and David and is the ranch and cattle manager of Birdhouse Ranch.

Aaron Roland is a ranch owner on the south side, and is a neighbor to Birdhouse Ranch.

Stu Weiss is the chief scientist of Creekside Science. Stu was awarded Bay Nature’s 2023 Conservation Action award.

Birdhouse Ranch is a family owned and operated cattle ranch with a focus on raising sustainable livestock. The ranch is located in the sunny hills of Livermore, California, just one-hour east of San Francisco. It is here where Sarah and David, the ranch owners, pasture raise Criollo cattle year-round. The cows are free to roam and graze and are never fed grain or given synthetic hormones or antibiotics.

* Please note: This is a rustic, working ranch, so it is important to pack away any personal trash. There is an outhouse, potable drinking water, and a lot of wildlife in the area including California thrashers, golden eagles, vultures, rodents, snakes, juniper tree, desert plants, and more. 

Meet up location: The exact meet up location will be shared with registrants in advance of the event, the ranch is located 30 minutes from downtown Livermore.

Getting to the ranch: Specifics on how to reach the ranch will be shared with registrants in advance of the event.

Parking: Once you reach the gate outside the metal barn, wait for a staff member to direct you to parking. We advise you to drive vehicles that you are comfortable getting a bit dirty. Park where directed. We strongly encourage carpooling and will be checking in for an approximate car-count prior the event.

Event Itinerary:

- 10:00 - 11am: Ranch Tour with Emery, Aaron Roland, Sarah and David

- 11:00 - 12:30pm: Hike with naturalist Stu Weiss

- 12:30pm - 2pm: Meal outside the yurt

Hike length: 1.5 - 2 miles long

Hike difficulty: 500 feet of elevation gain, with some uneven, rocky terrain and some ground squirrel holes along the way. 

The meal: Sarah, David, and their son Emery will share beef chili and sides, and a vegetarian option for our group meal after the hike. If you'd require a vegetarian meal, please email ahead and let Lia know. The meal will be gluten free.

Weather Note: Be prepared for cooler temperatures, but check the weather in advance of the event. It can be unpredicable. Bring water, sun screen, sunglasses, and sun protection. In the event of dangerous or unsafe conditions this event may be postponed.

Access to restrooms and water: There is an outhouse available at the ranch as well as potable water for drinking. For the hike, please plan to pack in 1-2 liters of your own water.

What to bring:

• Please wear layers — plan for very warm temperatures, but bring layers in case it gets windy 
• Please bring water bottles.
• Please bring containers for leftovers
• Please bring 1-2 liters of water for the hike. 
• Please bring sun protection (hat, sunscreen, sunglasses, etc.)
• Please bring hiking poles, if you find them useful

Wifi: Please note that wifi is good only near the barn and tent. Attendees can charge their devices near the tent, which has solar power, or near the barn, which has electricity.

Other notes: Bring at least 2 liters of water, sunscreen, a wide-brimmed hat, and sun protection. Comfortable, close-toed walking shoes are recommended. No dogs are allowed on Bay Nature hikes. All minors must be accompanied by a guardian for the duration of this event. Bring hiking poles, cameras, and binoculars if preferred. Please note you may encounter ticks, poison oak, and other hazards along the way.

Photo by Sarah and David Kardatzke