On the Farm Field Trips
A farm visit that explores how food is grown and how animals are raised is an ideal way for city children to understand and connect with where their food comes from. By learning how a farm works, children experience the natural world in a new way and make a vital connection between the social, ecological, and economic importance of agriculture in their lives.
Greenmarket is partnering with local farms to develop educational programming that complements School Tours, Meet Your Farmer classroom visits, and Seed-to-Plate cooking classes.
The following farms offer educational tours:
The Queens County Farm Museum is the only working historical farm in the City dating back to 1697. The site includes historic farm buildings, a greenhouse complex, livestock, farm vehicles and implements, planting fields, an orchard and herb garden. They offer a series of interactive educational programs for children and adults, including Greenhouse Workshops, Farmyard Tours, and the Hands On Farm Program. Located in Little Neck, Queens, New York.
Stone Barns Center for Food and Agriculture
Stone Barns mission is to celebrate, teach and advance community-based food production and enjoyment, from farm to classroom to table. Stone Barns offers a rich variety of programs for all ages. All programs include a farm visit and an experiential activity to engage students in learning about the importance of ecological, community-based farming. Located in Pocantico Hills, Westchester County, NY (about 45 minutes drive each way).
Hawthorne Valley Farm is a certified organic and biodynamic vegetable and livestock farm. Their education and outreach programs for children and adults strive to raise awareness of the importance of agriculture in our daily lives. Located in Ghent, New York (about 2 1/2 hours drive each way).
Valley Shepherd Creamery is an artisanal sheep dairy that offers school tours including Spring Lambing, Sheep Products, and Fall Harvest. All tours include a tour of the farm and dairy, discuss the cheese making process and include tastings. Located in Long Valley, New Jersey (about 1 hour drive each way).
Wilklow Orchards is a 6th generation family farm in the Hudson Valley. A visit to their farm may include apple and pumpkin picking, petting farm animals, hayrides and hayjumps, watching donuts being made, and picnicking beneath the apple trees. Contact the Wilklows for more information on scheduling a visit. Located in Highland, NY (about 1 hour 45 minutes drive each way).
Added Value/Red Hook Community Farm
Working with the New York City Department of Parks and Recreation, Added Value transformed a once dilapidated playground into a vibrant 2.5 acre urban farm and Farmers Market operated in part by the youth from the Red Hook community. Added Value hosts a variety of educational programs. Teachers can come for a half-day or day-long service learning project in which they explore the Farm while learning about the social, economic, and environmental issues related to urban agriculture. Located in Red Hook, Brooklyn, New York.