Above: TTOR’s winter events in Southborough include sledding, maple tapping, farming, and maple testing (images cropped from photos by TTOR)
Chestnut Hill Farm has announce it’s latest round of winter events. Fun includes night sledding, Maple tapping and sampling, farming and nature programs for kids, and more adult night hikes capped with local brews.
Unfortunately, weather hasn’t been cooperating so far for the Saturday night sledding. But you can check on that week to week through March.
Light Up Sledding Lanes – for all ages
Saturdays through March | 5-7PM
No registration required
$5 per sledder
Grab your sled and snowpants and come to the farm for an evening adrenaline rush with some night sledding! Every Saturday through March, we’ll have our best hill ready for you with lanes lit up in the night to guide your way. It’s BYO sled but we’ll have hot drinks for kids and adults available for sale on site. This event is weather permitting. Please check our Facebook page (facebook.com/thetrusteeschf) on Fridays to find out if sledding is a go. You can also email kbaker@thetrustees.org for updated sledding conditions.
Barnyard Brew Hike – for ages 21+
Thursdays, 2/1 & 3/1 | 7-8:30PM
Registration is requested
Member: $12; Nonmember: $20
Celebrate the full moon each month with a night hike guided by lunar light, topped off with local brews! We’ll be hiking the farm’s most beautiful trails and wrapping up at the farmstead barn for brews, bites, and a blazing fire. Each month will feature samples of local beers paired with perfect post-hike snacks and a social session with your fellow trekkers. 21+ and registration required. In the event of snow, snowshoes can be provided upon request for an additional $5.
Winter Ecology & Nature Journaling – for homeschool children, ages 9-14
Wednesdays, 1/24, 1/31 & 2/7 | 10:30AM-12PM
Registration is requested
Member Child: $24; Nonmember Child: $30
Excite your child about science, art, and farming, all in one drop-off program! Designed especially for homeschool children, ages 9-14, this hands-on, 4-week program will engage students in a farm-based experience that’s equal part fun and educational! We will start with making a simple homemade journal and then branch out to explore the winter farm world. We will study how the farm animals adapt to cold temperatures and ask the farmers questions about what they do to help protect their livestock in the winter. This will give us clues as to how our wild neighbors survive without the benefit of barns and caregivers. Subsequent classes will explore winter woodlands, fields, our many birdfeeders and more as we find the answers to questions about our wild winter world. We will spend a lot of time outside in all kinds of weather- so come prepared for romping outside- and we will spend ½ hour at the end of each session recording our discoveries inside getting cozy with a warm drink and small snack.
Maple Tree Tap-a-thon – for all ages
Saturday, 2/17 | 11AM-1PM
Registration is requested
Member: $9; Nonmember: $15 (kids under 7 are FREE)
We’ve got trees and you can tap’em! Come to the farm for this hands-on workshop and learn about tapping trees for their sap and syrup. We’ll explore different tapping techniques and work together to get our maples flowing. Come back at the end of March to taste the sweetness of your labor at our Magic of Maple celebration! To help us prepare for this unique event, registration strongly encouraged.
Farmer for a Day – for children ages 7-10
Tuesday-Friday, 2/20 – 2/23 | 9:30AM-12:30PM
Registration is requested
Member: $36; Nonmember: $45
Got a budding farmer at home who wants to be a part of running our farm year-round? Drop them with us to learn the farming ropes! Chestnut Hill Farm welcomes children ages 7-10 to jump in and learn what it takes to care for the farm in winter these morning sessions, Tuesday-Friday of February break. Farm “chores” will immerse kids in life in the barnyard by showing them how to feed goats, collect eggs, plan our vegetable growing, and more. Participants will get plenty of time with our animals, and will also enjoy farm-themed crafts, games, and activities. This is a drop off program appropriate for children ages 7-10. If your child is younger or older, please contact us. The program runs from 10AM-12PM, please pack a nut-free snack and a water bottle for your child.
The Magic of Maple – for all ages
Sunday, 3/25 | 11AM-2PM
Registration is requested
Member: $5; Nonmember: $10 (kids under 5 are FREE)
Come enjoy all things Maple at our winter celebration! We’ll be processing some of the maple sap we’ve been gathering at the farm and sample delicious syrups, candies, and other treats. We’ll be making stacks of toasty pancakes to keep everyone nice and warm while you check out cooking and sugaring demos from our friends at Culinary Underground! Feeling inspired by this treat from the trees? Submit something tasty to our Maple Competition. A panel of judges will award winners for Best Use of Maple in both savory and sweet creations.
