Above: This fall’s programs at Chestnut Hill Farm include more Farm Explorers sessions, and the annual tree lighting and solstice celebrations. (images cropped from TTOR photos**)
I’m sharing the upcoming events at Chestnut Hill Farm over the next two months, include the welcoming of winter.
Events are organized below first by special events, followed by ones recurring weekly.
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).
The events all require pre-registration and most include a fee. (Fees are discounted for members and you can find membership details here.) (The fees listed below are by Trustees’ member/non-member.)
Special One Day Events
Junior Farmer for a Day
For grades K-5.
Tuesday, November 7 , 9:00 am – 12:00 pm (Marlborough schools’ Professional Development Day)
A special drop-off program will give children the experience of what it’s like to be a farmer. They will help care for farm animals, learn about farm-fresh food, go for a hike and make nature-inspired crafts.
For details and to register, click here.
Weathering the Winter: An Interactive Walk
All ages
Saturday, November 11th, 11:00 am – 1:00 pm
Join our ranger and our farmer for this special interactive walk to learn how Chestnut Hill Farm – the cultivated fields and the woodlands surrounding them – prepare for and survive the winter. In observance of Veteran’s Day, Veterans may request a complimentary ticket. ($12-24/$15-30)
For details and to register, click here.
Talking Turkey!
For families with children ages 4-7
Saturday, November 18th, 10:00 – 11:00 am
It’s Turkey Time! With Thanksgiving approaching, your kiddos are definitely talking turkey. What do you call a baby turkey? What are some differences between turkeys you might see in your backyard and the turkey you see at the Thanksgiving table? ($20/25 per adult-child pair)
For details and to register, click here.
Full Beaver Moon Hike
All ages
Saturday, November 26th, 7:00 – 8:00 pm
Enjoy a tranquil evening walk under a full moon, or near-full moon as it waxes or wanes. Your guide will lead you along the farm trails as we take in views of the night sky and share an informal discussion about the traditional significance of November’s Beaver Full Moon. ($12-20/$15-25)
For details and to register, click here.
Winter Wildlife Tracking Hike
All ages
Saturday, December 2nd, 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Even when there isn’t snow on the ground, the winter is a great time to track animals! Not all “animal tracks” are simple pawprints. By reading the forest around us we can take a glimpse into the wild world of what it takes for woodland creatures to survive a hard winter. ($12-24/$15-30)
For details and to register, click here.
Holiday Lighting
All ages
Sunday, December 3rd, 3:00 – 6:00 pm
Celebrate the season by lighting our new children’s bean barn to celebrate the season! At this delightful, low-key family-friendly event, gather around a firepit, enjoy the Solstice StoryWalk, wish our beloved sheep and goats happy holidays, make a holiday craft in the Deerfoot Barn, and sip on hot cider or hot chocolate. This event is snow or shine. (Free!)
For details and to register, click here.
Winter Solstice Stroll
All ages
Thursday, December 21st, 5:00 – 6:30 pm
Mark the solstice by reflecting on the end of the season and writing our wishes for the coming year. Next a leisurely stroll to the top of the hill, where we’ll read a solstice story before returning to the farmstead. There, we’ll gather around a fire pit, reflect on our wishes and then give them to the fire to share with the world. ($10-20/$15-25)
For details and to register, click here.
Weekly Programs
Preschool Farm Explorers*
For ages 2 yrs & 9 months – 5 yrs with parents (younger siblings allowed)
Note: This program has been temporarily cancelled.***
Thursdays, 10:00 – 11:00 am through December 21st
Your little farm explorers will become fully immersed in what life is like at the farm with topics based on the season and farm cycle. Each session is a new learning experience. ($24/30)
For details and to register, click here.*
Goat Hangout and Ramble
All ages
Saturdays and Sundays through November 19th, 9:00 am, 10:00 am, and 11:00 am through November 18th
Take a goat on a leisurely stroll or even a lengthy hike, or just hang out close to the farmyard, letting the goats feed and frolic with you along the trails. ($76 per family up to 4 people/$95)
For details and to register, click here.
*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)
***Updated (11/22.23 3:49 pm): I learned that due to a staffing issue, the Preschool Explorers program has been put on hold.
