Photo by Sarah and David Kardatzke
Join Bay Nature for a private tour of Birdhouse Ranch in Livermore on Sunday, November 9, from 10am–2pm. Experience sustainable ranching in action and see how a Bay Nature hike a decade ago inspired ranch owners Sarah Dorrance and David Kardatzke to manage their grasslands with cattle. The day includes a ranch tour, a guided hike with naturalist Stu Weiss, and a group meal at the ranch yurt.
Nestled in the scenic Livermore hills—home to golden eagles, mountain lions, junipers, and pines—Birdhouse Ranch now supports more than 20 Criollo cattle raised using organic, pasture-based practices without grain, hormones, or antibiotics. This visit marks a return to the site where Bay Nature’s first hike inspired today’s thriving sustainable ranch.
Meet Your Hike Leaders:
Sarah and David Kardatzke – Owners of Birdhouse Ranch
Emery Kardatzke – Ranch and cattle manager, son of Sarah and David
Aaron Roland – Neighboring ranch owner
Stu Weiss – Chief Scientist at Creekside Science and Bay Nature’s 2023 Conservation Action Award recipient
Event Itinerary:
10:00–11:00am – Ranch Tour with Sarah, David, Emery, and Aaron
11:00–12:30pm – Hike with naturalist Stu Weiss
12:30–2:00pm – Meal outside the yurt (beef chili with sides, vegetarian and gluten-free options available)
Hike Details:
1.5–2 miles | 500 ft elevation gain | uneven and rocky terrain with some ground squirrel holes.
What to Bring:
1–2 liters of water
Layers for warm or windy weather
Hat, sunscreen, sunglasses, and hiking poles (optional)
Comfortable, closed-toe shoes
Containers for leftovers
Facilities & Notes:
The ranch is rustic with an outhouse, potable water, and limited WiFi (strongest near the barn and tent). Charging stations are available via solar and electrical outlets. Please pack out all trash and note there is abundant wildlife, including birds, snakes, and small mammals.
Getting There:
The ranch is about 30 minutes from downtown Livermore. Registered guests will receive directions and meeting details in advance. Upon arrival, wait by the metal barn gate for staff to direct parking. Carpooling is encouraged, and vehicles may get dusty on the ranch roads.
Other Details:
Be prepared for unpredictable weather; the event may be postponed if conditions are unsafe.
Bring cameras or binoculars for wildlife viewing.
No dogs allowed on Bay Nature hikes.
All minors must be accompanied by a guardian.
Expect possible encounters with ticks, poison oak, and uneven ground.
Reconnect with Bay Nature’s roots and see how one idea from a past hike grew into a living model of sustainable ranching in the Livermore hills.