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You are here: About Us >> Mission/History of Deer Hill Ranch

Who We Are

Deer Hill Ranch is a nonprofit 501c3 Experiential Education Center located on a full-time working ranch in Lafayette.

Deer Hill Ranch staff is committed to respecting the earth. We practice humane principles in our interactions with our farm animals, our cows are grass-fed according to holistic range management principles and our gardens are pesticide-free. Many of our farm animals have been rescued and rehabilitated at the ranch.

We have served over 47,500 children since the start of our programs. In August of 2001, we added a High and Low Ropes Course to our facility.

We have had an enthusiastic response to our facility and programs which introduce Bay Area residents to the balance created by contact with the rhythms of farm life and nature.

Our Mission

Deer Hill Ranch is a nonprofit experiential education center located in Lafayette, California. We serve Bay Area youth, ages 4-18, as well as adults. We also have a special outreach effort to at-risk youth. Utilizing experiential learning techniques and adventure education in the intimate setting of a family ranch, Deer Hill Ranch programs empower participants by building self-esteem, increasing their communication skills, and improving interaction with other people, other living creatures and the environment.

Non-Discrimination Policy

Deer Hill Ranch (DHR) is committed to creating a culture of mutual respect, receptiveness to diversity and inclusion of all. Most of our work is with children and youth but, the ideals of Deer Hill programs and activities extend to teachers, attendees, visitors and partnering agencies, as well as DHR supporters, employees and their families.

Deer Hill Ranch does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, gender, religion, age, disability, medical condition, political beliefs, sexual orientation or marital or family status.

History of Deer Hill Ranch

In its early days, Lafayette grew from a settlement of pioneer ranches occupying the Acalanes Rancho in the 1840’s to a small village comprised of a grist mill, a school, a church, roadside stores, and rooming houses centered along its main street.

Deer Hill Ranch, part of the original land grant of la Boca del Canada del Pinole, is one of the last surviving working cattle ranches within 25 miles of San Francisco. We are committed to preserving Deer Hill Ranch because we believe that time spent on our ranch and in nature helps people learn to quiet their minds, get in touch with their true selves, and regain the balance nature provides.

We at Deer Hill Ranch have had an enthusiastic response to our facility and programs which introduce Bay Area residents to the balance created by contact with the rhythms of ranching and nature. Our team is committed to delivering experiential learning programs designed with these benefits in mind. We look forward to sharing these experiences with you and your group.