In today’s fast-paced world, the distance between the farm and the dining table has grown significantly. Many people, especially younger generations, have never had the opportunity to experience a farm up close, leading to a disconnection from their food sources. Recognizing this, we have made it a priority to bridge this gap. Our farm doesn’t just produce food; we are a hub of education, engagement, and community-building. Let’s delve into the exciting events, tours, and workshops we offer and how they are reshaping the relationship between the farm, the food, and the community.
1. Guided Farm Tours
Discover the Farm Life:
- Our guided tours offer an immersive experience into the daily workings of our farm. From caring for our animals to exploring our garden plots, visitors gain a comprehensive understanding of our commitment to sustainable farming practices. This year, we’re excited to showcase our two distinct gardens: one dedicated to vining plants such as cucumbers, watermelons, and pumpkins, and the other featuring a diverse array of crops. Despite our compact half-acre space, our tours provide intimate glimpses into our chicken coop, fruit trees, rabbit habitats, and ongoing projects like our native butterfly gardens. Depending on the size of the group and their curiosity, tours may vary in duration, ensuring a personalized and informative experience for all.
Kids on the Farm:
- Designed with our younger visitors in mind, this tour offers an exciting array of hands-on activities that foster a deeper connection to sustainable agriculture. Children will delight in feeding our animals, gathering eggs, and actively learning about the principles of eco-friendly farming. As part of the experience, they’ll have the opportunity to plant seeds in compostable pots, discovering firsthand the benefits of using rabbit manure as fertilizer. Getting their hands dirty, they’ll nurture their plants and take home a piece of our farm to cultivate. Additionally, we’re planning creative crafting sessions using ethically sourced feathers from our chickens and ducks and natural materials found around the property. These crafts will inspire imagination and highlight the interconnectedness of our farm ecosystem, providing a memorable and educational experience for our young guests.
2. Workshops
Homesteading 101:
- Embark on your journey towards self-sufficiency with our upcoming homesteading workshops this fall. Explore the fundamentals of preserving food with our hands-on canning sessions, where you’ll learn to can hearty beef stew, flavorful carrots with potatoes, and crisp pickles. Delve into the world of ‘rebel’ canning methods in a commercial kitchen setting, as we guide you through the process step by step.
- Additionally, join us on the farm for our natural pest control workshop, where we’ll share techniques for maintaining a pest-free environment using both plant-based repellents and innovative home remedies. Get your hands dirty as we pot pest-repellent plants, and discover the effectiveness of homemade solutions like our orange peel cleaner. Whether you’re new to homesteading or looking to expand your skills, these workshops offer practical knowledge and sustainable solutions for a more self-sufficient lifestyle.
Gardening for Beginners:
- Discover the joys of gardening, no matter the size of your space, with our interactive workshops designed to empower you to cultivate your own vegetables, herbs, and fruits. Whether you have a cozy balcony or a vast backyard, our sessions provide practical guidance and hands-on experience to help you succeed.
- During these workshops, participants will engage in hands-on activities, including planting sessions both on our farm and in containers to take home. Each attendee will receive nutrient-rich bunny pellet fertilizer to kickstart their garden’s growth. Whether you’re a novice gardener or seasoned enthusiast, our workshops offer valuable insights and resources to help you thrive in your gardening journey.
Cooking with Fresh Produce:
- Indulge in the essence of farm-to-table cuisine with our cooking workshops, where you’ll unlock the potential of farm-fresh produce to create seasonal delights. Join us for immersive sessions that not only teach you how to craft delicious dishes but also impart the knowledge of preserving nature’s bounty for the winter months ahead.
- Hosted around mealtime, our workshops offer a unique opportunity for participants to cook and savor their creations on-site. With a focus on recipes centered around our farm’s offerings, including rabbit, chicken, eggs, and a variety of seasonal produce, you’ll gain a deeper appreciation for the flavors of locally sourced ingredients. Come join us as we explore the culinary possibilities of our farm’s harvest together!
3. Seasonal Events
Join us for our exciting lineup of seasonal events, each designed to celebrate nature’s rhythms and the bounty of the earth.
Ostara/Spring Equinox Planting Event – March 21st:
- Embrace the arrival of spring with us at our Ostara celebration! Participants can engage in hands-on planting activities, using individual compostable containers to sow seeds they can take home. Additionally, we’ll have onion sets available for planting directly into the garden, symbolizing new beginnings and growth.
Planting Day – May 11th:
- As the last frost date passes on Earth Day, April 22nd, we invite the community to join us for Planting Day on May 11th. Volunteers are welcome to help prepare garden beds and plant seeds as we usher in the growing season together.
Harvest Festival – September 21st:
- Mark the abundance of the harvest season with our Harvest Festival on September 21st, coinciding with Mabon. Enjoy farm-fresh food, lively music, and activities suitable for all ages as we give thanks for the fruits of our labor.
Stay tuned for our summer and winter celebrations, coming soon on the solstices, where we’ll honor the changing seasons and the interconnectedness of all life. Join us as we celebrate the beauty and abundance of each turn of the wheel!
4. Educational Programs for Schools
Expanding our commitment to early education, we proudly collaborate with local schools to provide enriching educational programs that complement curriculum objectives while fostering a deeper understanding of sustainable farming practices.
In addition to our existing offerings, we are excited to introduce new opportunities for school involvement. Teachers interested in hands-on experiences can now partner with us to hatch eggs in the spring, offering students a firsthand glimpse into the miracle of life. We also invite educators to explore the therapeutic benefits of rabbit interactions through our rabbit therapy sessions, where students can engage with these gentle creatures in a nurturing environment.
Furthermore, we are flexible in accommodating small groups of 5 or fewer students for on-site educational experiences, ensuring a safe and personalized learning environment for all participants. As we continue to evolve our educational programs, we remain dedicated to empowering young minds and fostering a deeper connection to the natural world.
5. Why Community Engagement Matters
Educating the Public:
- By opening our doors, we aim to educate the public about where their food comes from, how it’s grown, and why sustainable practices matter.
Building Trust:
- Direct engagement allows community members to see our practices, ask questions, and build trust in our methods and products.
Shaping Future Generations:
- Engaging with children and young adults helps instill values of sustainability, nutrition, and ethical farming in the next generation.
Planting the Future
Our farm is more than just a place where food grows; it’s a living classroom, a space for community bonding, and a testament to the power of sustainable agriculture. Through our tours, workshops, and events, we hope to sow seeds of knowledge, passion, and appreciation that will cultivate a deeper understanding and respect for the land, the farmers, and the food we eat. We believe that by engaging with our community, we’re not just farming the land; we’re nurturing the bond between the earth, its produce, and its people.
Get Involved and Connect with Us!
Are you eager to dive into the world of sustainable farming and community engagement? We invite you to join us on this exciting journey! Whether you’re interested in our farm tours, workshops, or educational programs, there are plenty of ways to get involved and connect with our farm community.
Let’s Chat! Have questions about our upcoming events or want to learn more about our farm? Click the ‘Let’s Chat!’ option to start a conversation with our friendly team.
Send Us an Email: For inquiries about our class and event schedule, or to schedule a personalized farm tour, feel free to reach out to us via email at [email address].
Connect on Social Media: Stay updated on all the latest happenings, seasonal events, and educational opportunities by following us on social media. Join our community of like-minded individuals who share a passion for sustainable agriculture and ethical food production.
Together, we can cultivate a brighter future for our planet and foster a deeper connection to the land, the food we eat, and the communities we serve. We can’t wait to embark on this journey with you!
