Above: There are a lot of programs coming up at Chestnut Hill Farm this month on a wide variety of topics related to nature and farming. (all photos are from TTOR website events pages or Chestnut Hill Farm’s Facebook events)
I hate it when by the time I try to make readers aware of an event opportunity, it’s already full.
So, it’s time to look ahead at what The Trustees of Reservations have in store at the Southborough site for March, plus a reminder of what’s still coming up this month.
All of these Chestnut Hill Farm events require pre-registration and most include a fee. One special event is free to members, and just $5 for non-members. That’s a panel discussion to celebrate the women who work in farming for TTOR.
Other events are organized below first by those for all ages (adults or families) followed by ones specifically for children.
The costs cited for events below are per member/non-member. (You can find membership details here.)
Below are the basic details (mostly in their words, but edited by me for brevity). Click links for the full descriptions (or visit here for all of their upcoming programs at the farm).
Special Event
Celebrating the Women of Trustees Agriculture
Tuesday, March 21st, 5:30 – 7:00 pm
Cost: Free for members and $5 per non-member
Did you know that just 36% of farmers in the United States are women? Meet the women behind our regenerative agriculture practices, nourishing meat and vegetable CSAs, and agricultural outreach programs. Via an engaging panel discussion, you’ll be inspired by these women and their stories of how they chose this field. You’ll learn about their unique passions that drew them to agriculture, whether they are forming community connections, regenerating the soil, raising quality meat, or providing fresh food to others.
(Click here to learn more/register)
Hiking & Nature Education for All Ages
The Great Backyard Bird Count
Saturday, February 18th, 10:00 am – noon
Cost: $20/$25 per adult; $12/$15 per child
Jump into the sport of birding and be part of a global event! As we create a bird sightings list to submit as part of the event, we’ll also explore the themes of February in nature and the strategies different species employ at this time of year.
(Click here to learn more/register)
Chestnut Hill by Moonlight: Uncovering Spring by the Full Worm Moon
Saturday, March 4th, 4:30 – 6:00 pm
Cost: $20/$25 per adult; $12/$15 per child
The March full moon is known as the “worm moon” because this is the time of the year when the ground slowly starts to thaw and worms creep their way to the surface. We’ll celebrate this transition into a new season by searching for hidden signs of spring’s arrival. Sip water fresh from a maple tree, examine unopened tree buds, then listen for spring peepers in the woods as dusk falls and the moon rises.
(Click here to learn more/register)
Maple Tap-A-Thon at Chestnut Hill Farm
Sunday, March 5th 10:00 – 11:30 am and 12:30 – 2:00 pm
Cost: $15/$25 per adult and $9/$15 per child
At the annual event, learn how to identify maple trees, the history of tapping, and how maple sap runs. Each family group will then set their own tap to get the farm’s maple flowing. You’ll go home with instructions on how to tap your own maple trees and make your own syrup.
(Click here to learn more/register)
Spring Sensations Guided Hike
Saturday, March 11th, 10:00 – 11:30 am
Cost: $20/$25 per adult and $12/$15 per child
Although it may seem like it’s still winter out, the wild world can sense the changing of the seasons before the flowers come out. During the hike guided by a Trustees ranger, explore the signs of spring with all five senses and tune in to nature.
(Click here to learn more/register)
Wondering About Worms Vermicomposting Workshop
Monday, March 20th, 4:00 – 5:30 pm
Cost: $24/$30 per family
In this family-friendly workshop, you will learn all about vermicomposting-composting with worms! Meet Red Wiggler worms up close, learn about foods they can and cannot eat, and study their unique body structures. We’ll then work together to create your very own “worm hotel” full of scrap-gobbling residents to take home!
(Click here to learn more/register)
Programs for Children
Preschool Farm Explorers
For ages 2 yrs & 9 months – 5 yrs
Thursdays, 10:00 – 11:00 am, February 16th and March 2nd, 16th, and 23rd
Cost: $24/$30 per child & parent pair (per session); $12/15 per additional child
In February — Topics could include: animal tracking, ice experiments, snow activities, or animal hibernation. In March — As the world starts waking up from winter, we’ll look for signs of spring all around us. (Not a drop-off program.)
(Click here to learn more/register)
Book Bugs: Farm Fun for Little Ones
For ages 2 -5 yrs
Tuesday, March 14th, 10:00 – 11:00 am
Cost: $9/$15 per child; free for siblings under 2 years old
Bring your little bug to the farm for an interactive children’s story time! We’ll read a fun farm story or two, make a craft, and explore the farm! Each day will have a different theme. (Not a drop-off program.)
(Click here to learn more/register)
About All About Sheep and Wool
For families with children ages 4+
Saturday, February 18th, 2:00 – 3:00 pm and March 11th, 4:00 – 5:00 pm
Cost: $15/$20 per adult/child pair
Learn about the journey from sheep to sweater. Touch wool at various stages of processing, and try your hand at the carding brush and drop spindle! Pick your favorite color of bright wool roving, and try hand-spinning your very own yarn. . . If we’re lucky, we’ll have new spring lambs to visit! (Not a drop-off program.)
(Click here to learn more/register)
February on the Farm (February Vacation Week)
For Grades K-5
9:00 am – noon, Tuesday, February 21st – Friday, February 24th
Cost: $48/60 per day
(Drop-off program.) Bring your child to Chestnut Hill farm for four days of frosty farm fun! February farm activities could include sledding, making snow friends, visiting lambs, tasting maple syrup, hiking, or making farm and nature-related crafts!
(Click here to learn more/register)
*For each of the Chestnut Hill Farm programs:
- For the most up-to-date information or weather cancellations for this and other programs, follow Chestnut Hill Farm’s Facebook page.
- Because it is a working farm, dogs aren’t permitted on the property.
(all photos are copied from TTOR website events pages or Chestnut Hill Farm’s Facebook posts/events)
