Our farm is located in upstate New York near the picturesque Finger lakes and Appalachian mountains. The area offers museums, hiking, lakes, and cultural centers like Ithaca NY and New York City. We are 45 minutes from Cornell University which offers a wonderful assortment of agricultural/nature opportunities.
Our farm, established in 2002, offers three agricultural enterprises: 1) Community Supported Agriculture offering fruits, herbs, vegetables to more than 50 families; 2.) Nature Education Programs and Farm tours for scouting troops, schools, small groups and 3) Berry and Fruit tree production with a small but expanding edible food forest. The farm is very interactive with the community as we offer pick your own produce, educational farm activities , hikes on the Bluebird Trail, and opportunities for children to connect with nature in a safe environment. We have multiple conservation projects in place including a mile long bluebird trail; monarch weigh station, honey bee colonies and wildflower meadow.
Our 2024 goals are to improve soil health in our expanding vegetable gardens; expand our raspberry and blackberry fields; continue to develop our Forest Garden, and continue to provide quality nature/farming activities and programs for our community. We are also focusing this year developing more pollinator friendly places on our farm and in the community. To do this, we will host community workshops and pollinator-friendly plant sales.
We are integrating more sustainable farming practices and adopting ""climate smart"" farming techniques to meet the challenges farmers are facing with climate change. One big goal for us is to capture and store water through a rain barrel system, run-off ponds and trenches. Our gardening methods are all organic and we use "no till" garden beds, raised beds , vertical growing, hügelkultur methods and container gardening. Other farm activities include food preservation classes, alpaca/sheep sheering and yarn production ( seasonally) applesauce and juice production and baking. WWOOF volunteers will assist with feeding and caring for animals, planting and caring for the gardens, fruit trees, and helping with children's programs if they are interested.
WWOOFERS will have their own room in the farm house, or can stay in the cabin. We are looking for a 2-4 week commitment and we will help with travel and enrichment activities to local museums, towns, and activities. In 2021 we are adding back ground checks for WWOOFERS who are involved with our children's programs and attend special farm events.
Organic methods: We compost regularly; we use no till methods in our garden beds. We do not use any chemicals on our vegetable gardens and berries. Everyone receives training in GAP ( Good Agricultural Practices) We are Animal Welfare Approved for our laying flock.
Current projects: Developing the forest garden ( adding more edible plants)
Creating raised beds using the Hügelkultur design
Maintaining and improving the pollinator gardens
Improving soil health through cover cropping, composting, and no-till methods
Expanding the bluebird trail...building bird houses, clearing brush
Organic gardening
Community education programs.
Internet access available
Read more
Learning opportunities
Vegetable farming
Fruit or nut farming
Poultry farming
Pig farming
Sheep or goat farming
Raising of other farm animals
Beekeeping
Vegetable or fruit preservation
Beer, cider, wine, or juice making
Bakery
Methods or systems
No-till farming
Permaculture
Host type
Production farm
10.1
Hectares
|
25
Acres
Accommodation
