Above: Events at the farm this summer include Preschool Farm Explorers and Magical Miniature Gnome Home Hike and Workshops (images L-R posted by TTOR on their website and Facebook)
Earlier this month, I previewed that The Trustees of Reservations planned to expand their programs at the Southborough farm this summer. A slew of new events have been posted and I’m sharing a look at the options below.
The only free “event” currently scheduled at Chestnut Hill Farm is the available dawn to dusk StoryWalk along the trail. (You can learn more about that here.)
For the new events (and one other event this weekend that hasn’t sold out), there is a cost to attend and pre-registration is required. (Scroll down for details on that and other rules.)*
Most of the programs are 60-90 minutes long. But this summer, the Trustees are also hosting full day events for school aged kids. (Those are the Junior Farmer and Middle School Farm programs.)
Most are available regularly through the summer, but two are special events. (Those are this Saturday’s Nocturnal Wild Walk and the Magical Miniature Home Hike and Workshops.)
I organized the list starting with events geared towards adults and older children, then down to ones for the youngest tots.
The costs cited below are per member/non-member. If you plan to sign up for more than one event, it may be worth registering to become a member of The Trustees of Reservations. You can find those details here.
If you’re having trouble with any of the event links below, you can look for all of the farm’s events here.
Nocturnal Wild Walk
All ages/family
This Saturday, June 26, 6:30 – 8:30 pm
Join us for a special evening hike, led by Tim Puopolo, a Trustees ranger and naturalist, and recipient of the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation’s “Outstanding Park Interpreter” award. During our guided hike, Tim will teach us how different types of plants and animals cope with the universal changes the land undergoes as the seasons evolve. Keep your eyes open for animal tracks and other signs of wildlife on the farm and in the woods!
The hike will be about 30 minutes long and will follow some of Chestnut Hill Farm’s most beautiful trails. The campfire will be going and there will be lemonade and s’mores.
Cost: $15/$25 per adult, $12/$20 per child ages 4+ (children under 4 years old are free)
(Click here to learn more/register)
All About Goats
All ages/family
Fridays, 11:00 am – 12:00 pm – July 9 & 23, Aug 6 & 20, Sept 10 & 24
Get up close and personal with the goats of Chestnut Hill Farm! We will have a hands-on learning experience with our goats including fun goat facts, what goats eat, how to care for them, and more. Children will be able to brush and/or feed the goats – grownups, don’t forget your cameras! Closed-toe shoes are recommended.
Cost: $15/25 for family up to 4 people.
(Click here to learn more/register)
Middle School Farm Wednesdays
For kids entering grades 6-8
Wednesdays, 9:00 am – 3:00 pm, July 14 – August 25
Spend your Wednesdays connecting with the environment and creating new friendships! Middle schoolers will get to know the farmland, animals, and surrounding trails. A typical day will include hiking and nature exploration, rapport-building games, and creative time for art and journaling. Each day we will focus in on a different topic such as “Sustainable Farming,” “Livestock Management,” or “Local Wild Animals.”
Cost: $80/$100 per child
(Click here to learn more/register)
Magical Miniature Gnome Home Hike and Workshop
For ages 8 through adults, Adult supervision is required
Wednesdays, 4:00 – 5:30 pm, July 21 & August 18
Did you hear that? Listen carefully…if you really, really listen you can hear the magic of the forest all around you! The fairies, elves, nymphs and gnomes of the forest and your backyard have been building homes and villages for generations, and they love human help! Join us to build a special home for some magical woodland creatures. We’ll go on a hike to collect natural materials then each child can create their own fairy or gnome home. We will be using a glue gun, so this workshop is intended for ages 8 through adults. Adult supervision is required; this is not a drop-off program.
Cost: $24/$30 per child
(Click here to learn more/register)
Junior Farmer for a Day
For grades K-5
Tuesdays and Thursdays, 9:00 am – 3:00 pm, July 13 – Aug 31
Give your child the experience of being a junior farmer! Children will encounter farm animals, learn about farm-fresh food, hike the trails, create natural crafts, and explore the farm and its surroundings from the eyes of its most important team member: the farmer! Each session will have a different theme such as “How Do Vegetables Grow” or “Wild Animal Habitats.” Children are encouraged to attend as many sessions as they would like, as each day will bring new experiences!
Cost: $72/$90 per child
(Click here to learn more/register)
Book Bugs: Farm Fun for Little Ones
For ages 2 to 6 years old, Adult supervision required
Tuesdays, 10:00 – 11:00 am, July 6 & 20, August 10 & 24, September 7 & 21
Bring your little bug. . . to the farm for an interactive children’s story time. We’ll read a farm story, make a craft, and explore the farm! Each day will have a different theme such as “Goats and Sheep,” “What is a Seed,” or “How Veggies Grow.”
Cost: $9/15 per child (Accompanying adults and siblings under 1 yr old can attend for free.)
(Click here to learn more/register)
Preschool Farm Explorer Fridays
For ages 2 years 9 months to 5 years old, Adult supervision required
Fridays, 9:30-10:30 am, July 9 – August 27, plus September 10 & 17
Calling all preschoolers! Summer is here, and our farm is in full swing. Your little farm explorers will become fully immersed in what life is like here at Chestnut Hill. Each Friday morning will have a different theme including “What Plants Need to Grow” or “Meet the Barnyard Animals.” Activities may include brushing goats, planting seeds, and other age-appropriate hands-on farm “chores,” as well as art projects and stories. Little explorers are welcome to attend each week for new experiences!
Cost: $16/$20 per child, plus $4/$ per younger siblings 1 – 2.9 years old (Accompanying adults and siblings under 1 yr old can attend for free.)
(Click here to learn more/register)
*For each of the programs:
- Pre-registration is required, and online registration closes two days prior to the event. (If it is within two days and you wish to register, please email chestnuthillfarm@thetrustees.org or call 508-658-3112 to find out if there is space remaining.)
- For the most up-to-date information or weather cancellations for this and other programs, follow Chestnut Hill Farm’s Facebook page.
- Participants will be asked to follow Covid-19 related guidelines.
- Because it is a working farm, dogs aren’t permitted on the property.
Updated (6/23/21 11:56 am): I initially had the wrong time for the Nocturnal walk this Saturday.
Updated 8/23/21 10:03 am): I added the link for all Chestnut Hill Farm events.
