We’ve listed some answers to frequently asked questions about activities and programs on the farm to help make it easier for you to come by and visit the farm and learn about what we’re up to! If you don’t see an answer to a question you’re looking for, please contact Kelly Munoz at kelly@pieranch.org or 650-879-0995.

Public Visits to the Farm

Where is the farm located?

We are located about on Highway 1, about eight miles south of Pescadero. For driving directions and a map of the farm’s location, click here.

I’d like to come visit Pie Ranch! How can I can come to see the farm?

• 3rd Saturday Work Party: See more details about our monthly community work day below!
• Monthly Farm Tour: On the 3rd Saturday work days, we offer a farm tour at 4pm for folks interested in having a closer look at the crops & animals and learning about Pie Ranch’s production, direct-marketing, educational programming, community activism. The tour leaves from the upper slice and lasts about 1-2 hours, ending at the Roadside Barn by Highway 1. We kindly request a donation of $10 for the tour.
• Weekend Farm Stand: At our farm stand, located right off of Highway 1, you can purchase the delicious produce we’re growing on the farm, bring home some pastured eggs, munch on delicious artisanal pies made with our Sonora Wheat flour, and chat with our wonderful apprentices about farm life. We’re open from 11am to 5pm every Saturday and Sunday during the winter season (through mid-March).  In March, our hours will shift to 12-6pm.
• Volunteering Opportunities:  We can use volunteers to help harvest most Saturday & Wednesday mornings from 8:30 to noon.  Please rsvp to nancy@pieranch.org prior to your arrival.  If you have never volunteered at the farm, you might consider our 3rd Saturday work day as a great introduction to the ranch.  See details below!
• School and Group visits: In addition to the educational programs that we offer with our partner schools, we offer a limited number of one-day programs each month. For more information, please contact kelly@pieranch.org for more details.

Monthly Work Day

What are the hours of the work party?  

New to volunteering at Pie Ranch?  The monthly work day is the best introduction to farm operations.  The work party begins at 2:00 p.m. (winter months) and work activities continue until 6:00 p.m. Come and check in at the roadside barn and someone will direct you to where the activities are happening.

What kinds of projects and activities should I expect to be doing at the farm?

Our work party activities vary with the season but all the projects are things that will benefit the farm.  Activities have included:

• Cultivating and weeding around our crops
• Planting pumpkins and beans
• Painting rooms in our historic farm house
• Moving and stacking firewood for our wood-burning oven

Can children participate in the work party activities?

Yes, activities are great for the whole family. We welcome all ages, and ask that children under 12 work on activities with their family members.

What should I bring to the work party?

Please bring the things you’ll need to be comfortable working outside on the farm for a few hours. These can include:

• Water bottles
• Layers of clothing – the weather can be pretty changeable at the farm
• Sunscreen and sun hats
• Closed-toe shoes
• Work gloves and tools – we’ll also have some on hand for use as well
• Enthusiasm!

Anything I shouldn’t bring?

As much as we love all animals, please leave your dogs at home.

Where should I park?

Please park in the field just behind the Roadside Barn to leave space for folks who are just stopping in for our weekend farm stand. PLEASE DO NOT DRIVE UP TO THE UPPER SLICE.

Potluck & Barn Dance

What time does the potluck begin? Where on the farm does it happen?

The potluck begins at 6p.m.  Depending on the weather, we set up the potluck at the picnic tables outside of our roadside barn, or inside the barn if it’s raining.

What kinds of food should I bring?

Please bring something that can be shared with everyone, preferably vegetarian dishes made from locally-sourced ingredients. To help us keep an inclusive, family atmosphere, please refrain from bringing alcohol to the potluck.

Should I bring my own plates and silverware?

Yes, please bring your own plates, forks, knives, spoons, and cups. We will have a wash station set up so that you can clean up your dishes before heading home. Every bit of clean-up help you can provide is greatly appreciated!

What time does the barn dance begin and end?

The barn dance starts at 7pm and goes until 10pm.

How much does the barn dance cost?

The barn dance is a sliding scale of $10-20, which goes to pay for the band, our caller – Andy Wilson – and the barn. If you are bringing a large group (10 or more) please contact us as we have a limited amount of space.  Children under 12 are free accompanied by their parents.  For larger groups of young people (7 or more) we request a sliding scale fee of $5-10 per child.

What kind of music do you have at the barn dance?

Our house band is the County Line Pickers, a fantastic combination of guitars, fiddles, mandolins, banjo, and bass players. We also have a stellar caller in Andy Wilson, who will take you through a whole host of contra-dances. Beginners and experienced dancers are all encouraged to take part!

Anything else I should know?

• In order to keep an inclusive and family atmosphere, our potluck and barn dances are alcohol-free events.
• Please be careful turning into and driving out of the farm as Highway 1 is a busy road.

Weddings & Special Events

Can I rent the farm for a special event?

Yes, while our primary focus is as an educational farm, we realize that we have a really special location in which to have a celebratory event!  We do rent out the lower slice of our farm or our roadside barn for a limited number of weddings and special events each year, typically only one each month to keep the facilities open for farm-related activities.  All of the money generated from site rentals goes towards our apprenticeship, youth and farm advocacy programs.  August & September of 2013 recently became available – all other months are booked.  If you would like to book a wedding tour for a celebration in 2014, please contact Kelly Munoz at kelly@pieranch.org or call her at 650-879-0995.