Above: Events at the farm this fall include after school programs, special hikes, and Sunday fun. (images posted by TTOR on their website event pages and Facebook)
This week marked the end of several of Chestnut Hill Farm’s summer programs. Fortunately, a few continue (scroll down for those) and more fun is planned at the farm this fall. So, it’s time for an update on what The Trustees of Reservations have in store at the Southborough farm over the next few months.
The costs cited for events 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 TTOR member. You can find those details here.
(If you have trouble with any of the event links below, click here to view all of the farm’s events.)
Hike with Goats
All ages/family
Saturdays, 60 minute windows from 9:00 am – 3:00 pm, September 11 – October 30
Take a leisurely hike through Chestnut Hill Farm’s beautiful grounds and trails, accompanied by one or more of our friendly goats! Goats are naturally playful and curious creatures. They love to follow the leader and stick together, which makes them perfect hiking companions! Hiking with goats is a fun and unique way to spend some time in nature and make some cuddly goat friends at the same time.
Your reservation gets you and your group of family or friends an hour-long experience with a friendly goat on its own harness and leash. You will first learn how to walk with the goat, and then you’ll be accompanied by a farm staff member as you and your new goat friend make your way around the farm and its trails.
Cost: $76/$95 per family up to four people
(Click here to learn more/register)
Afternoon Adventures
After school program (ages not specified)
Wednesdays, 3:30 – 5:30 pm, 3-4 sessions per monthly sign up; September – December (First session starts September 15th)
Visit Chestnut Hill Farm to breathe in fresh air, visit animals, and spend time on the farm! This after school program will be curriculum-driven, but so much fun that students will hardly realize they are learning! Experiential education is a great way to learn about the farm, increase outdoor time, and improve mental health. Students will participate in confidence building team activities, age-appropriate farm chores, animal care, multi-day farm art projects, and more! All activities will connect to the farm, outdoor space, and ecosystems.
Cost: Ranges from $108/$135 per child to $144/$180 depending on number of sessions that month.
(To learn more/register, click the following links – September; October, November, December )
Harvest Moon Wild Walk
All ages/family
Saturday, September 18, 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)
Fall Fun on the Farm
All ages/family
Sundays in October, 90 minute windows from 12:00 – 4:30 pm
Celebrate all things autumn! Join us every Sunday to enjoy a classic New England fall day featuring apple cider, hayrides, a climbing haystack, live music, scenic walking trails, a Storywalk, and a visit to see the goats, chickens and sheep. Indulge in yummy food from The Grub Guru, apple cider, and other seasonal treats available for purchase.* Our Farm Store will be open and full of autumn produce and local products for you to take home.
Cost: $9/$15 per child ages 2+, $12/$20 per adult (children under 2 years old are free)
(Click here to learn more/register)
Autism Friendly Hike
All ages/family
Saturday, November 19, 3:30 – 4:30 pm
Spend time learning about Chestnut Hill Farm, hiking the trails, and meeting other community members! Our educator will lead a walk on the trails where you can discover wild animal habitats, many species of trees, and ask questions about livestock, veggies, tractors, or any other farm topic. After the hike, our educator will be available to explore the farm itself and learn more about how we take care of the plants and animals.
This will be a safe, welcoming environment designed for elementary school children, but all ages are welcome to attend!
Cost: $9/$15 per child
(Click here to learn more/register)
Green Friday Hike
All ages/family
Saturday, November 26, 10:00 – 11:00 am
Stretch your legs after a day of Thanksgiving feasting! Join us the day after Thanksgiving (also known as Green Friday, a more eco-conscious take on Black Friday) for a 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 hot cocoa 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)
The following event series from the summer still have dates coming up this month.
Book Bugs: Farm Fun for Little Ones
For ages 2 to 6 years old, Adult supervision required
Tuesdays, 10:00 – 11:00 am, 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 – 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)
All About Goats
All ages/family
Fridays, 11:00 am – 12:00 pm – 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)
*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 (9/3/21 3:43 pm): I fixed the link and price details for the first event.
Updated (9/3/21 4:21 pm): Fixed the times for the Autism Friendly and Green Friday hikes.
*Updated (10/4/21 10:05 am): The Fall Fun events won’t include alcohol as originally marketed, as the Board of Selectmen haven’t approved a liquor license for any TTOR events this year.
Updated (10/13/21 9:02 am): I fixed the link for the Fall Fun on the Farm events.
