The Art of Maple Sugaring

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Tapping the Trees

The journey from tree to table begins with tapping. Skilled workers carefully drill small holes into mature maple trees and insert spouts, also known as taps. These taps allow the sap to flow freely without harming the tree. At Auerfarm, visitors will have the opportunity to watch this process firsthand and even learn how to tap a tree themselves.

Collecting the Sap

Once tapped, the trees begin to release their precious sap. Traditionally, this sap was collected in buckets, but modern operations often use a network of plastic tubing. This system, which you’ll see in action at Auerfarm, efficiently transports the sap from multiple trees to a central collection point.

The Boiling Process

Here’s where the real transformation happens. The collected sap, which is about 98% water and only 2% sugar, must be boiled down to create syrup. This process takes place in a sugar shack, where large evaporator pans sit atop a wood-burning oven. As the water evaporates, the sap becomes more concentrated and eventually turns into the sweet, amber syrup we all love.

During your visit to Auerfarm, you’ll have the chance to step into the sugar shack and watch as the sap bubbles and steams its way to syrupy perfection. The air will be thick with the sweet aroma of maple, a scent that’s synonymous with the arrival of spring in New England.

What to Expect at Auerfarm’s Maple Weekend

A Farm-Fresh Breakfast

Your day at Auerfarm begins with a hearty, farm-style breakfast featuring stacks of fluffy pancakes topped with freshly made maple syrup. It’s the perfect fuel for the day’s activities and a delicious way to appreciate the fruits of the maple-making labor.

Hands-On Learning

After breakfast, it’s time to become a sugarmaker yourself. Farm educators will guide you through the entire process, from identifying maple trees to collecting sap6. You’ll learn about the history of maple syrup production and how modern techniques have evolved while still maintaining the essence of this time-honored tradition.

Meet the Farm Animals

While the sap boils, take some time to say hello to Auerfarm’s resident animals. This is a great opportunity for children (and adults!) to learn about farm life and the important role animals play in sustainable agriculture.

Explore the Grounds

Auerfarm boasts 120 acres of beautiful Connecticut countryside. After your maple adventure, you’re invited to stroll the trails, breathe in the fresh air, and enjoy quality time with your family in nature.

Event Details

The Annual Pancake Breakfast and Maple Syrup Demonstration will be held on Saturday, March 15th, with seatings at 8:30 AM, 10:00 AM, and 11:30 AM, and on Sunday, March 16th, with seatings at 9:00 AM and 11:00 AM. Tickets are $20 for adults and $10 for children, with children under 3 admitted free.

Why Attend?

This event is more than just a breakfast or a demonstration; it’s a celebration of a sweet Connecticut tradition. As one of the top ten maple syrup-producing states in America, Connecticut takes pride in its maple heritage. By attending, you’re not only treating yourself to a unique and educational experience but also supporting local agriculture and Auerfarm’s mission to inspire children and adults to learn, explore, and connect at Auerfarm.

Moreover, this event offers a perfect opportunity for families to unplug, learn together, and create lasting memories. In our fast-paced world, there’s something truly special about slowing down to watch sap drip from a tree and transform into sweet syrup.

So gather your family, friends, and neighbors, and head to Auerfarm this weekend. Immerse yourself in the time-honored tradition of maple syrup making, savor the taste of fresh syrup on warm pancakes, and welcome the arrival of spring in true New England style. It’s an experience that’s sure to stick with you long after the last drop of syrup is gone.

Remember to book your tickets early, as space is limited for this popular event.

Visit www.auerfarm.org/events for more details. Don’t miss this chance to be part of a sweet Connecticut tradition!

In the cool hours of one July morning, cars circled the red welcome center at Auerfarm, ready to drop off their campers for the last day of the fifth session of Auercamp. Passing windows rolled down to reveal campers in astronaut helmets, extra-terrestrial headbands, and face paint smiling at counselors dressed just as silly as they were. 

It was the last day of Space is the Place Week at Auercamp. Throughout the week, each group had been tasked with creating a planet from scratch. Groups worked to brainstorm the planet’s landscape, the types of plants and animals they may have, the people that live there, and the rules they follow. This week-long project culminated in the Great Auercamp Space Exploration. Campers came to camp dressed in outer space costumes, either representative of their planet or the general topic, and traveled through the Auercamp Galaxy visiting each planet. The groups also created stamps for their planet and a passport to collect stamps from the planets they visited. 

With passports in hand, the groups were off!

Younger groups such as the Peas and Carrots focused on the physical elements of outer space, highlighting rocket ships, extraterrestrial beings, and physical planets. 

The Melon’s group at Auercamp created a complex planet with diverse plants and wildlife. The melons were divided into four teams to create the four continents of Planet Crystal: muscletopia, puppydale, Ruby Island, and 4pokemonsdragon.

To build their continents, they had to decide on their animals and plants with guided questions such as, What do the animals eat? Where do they hide? How do they get along with other animals? Where do plants grow? How do they get energy? What eats them? And more. 

After planning their creatures and plants, the Melons used play dough, clay, kinetic sand, toothpicks, Q-tips, construction paper, and other materials to create the physical elements of their planet. They used modeling clay to create their animals and made dioramas to show different aspects of their continent. Throughout the week, campers earned different materials for their continents by participating in camp activities, showing good character, and upholding camp values. Campers earned technology, currency, crops, and communication with other continents.

Other counselors were impressed with the detail the Melons group put into their projects, and the campers were proud to show their work to the other groups.

The Beets group, comprised of campers entering 3rd and 4th grade, focused on different climates and the animals that live there. Using construction paper, cardboard, markers, and a lot of tape, the beets divided their planet into deserts and tropical climates with cities at the center.

A mosaic of purple, pink, and yellow construction paper casts a sunset over the desert. Cacti and sand dunes cover the desolate landscape. Just a few miles west, elephants and giraffes run through the savannah, guided by the birds above, carefully avoiding the crocodiles at the watering hole. Just past the savannah is the capital city filled with cottages for people to live in, restaurants for dining, and shopping malls for entertainment. The city is along the ocean, making for nice beachfront homes for the people of Tropical City.

The Beets enjoyed working together on different elements of their planet and learning about Earth’s various climates. 

The Berries, campers entering 4th and 5th grade, enjoyed exploring government and politics. They were able to successfully create the Berry Federation and elected their counselors as their leaders with representatives from each continent to serve on the senate. They decided on Berry Bucks as their currency and the Central Berry Bank. They established libraries, a national anthem, a military, and equal rights because “All Berries Are Beautiful.”

The Berries divided their planet into several continents, each as colorful and creative as the last.

Berry Blossom is home to only animals. They have the full range of Blue Berry Fields, the Strawberry Mountains, and the Big Berry River, which is made entirely of berry juice. (Pictured right).

On Strawberry Isle, you can find the Legendary Berry Woods. Shaped like its name, Strawberry Isle is covered in pink grass, and tall blueberry trees sit at the head. You may see grape frogs, blueberry jays, and blueberry cats if you stay in Strawberry Town, the capital of Strawberry Isle.

Strawberry Volcano Continent is home to the United States of Berry and the twin Berry Islands. The capital of Berry Planet, Simsberry, is north of the Berry River on the west end of the continent. Just below the USB are the Berry Islands, known for their cherry shape. The left island is the Cherry Bahamas, known for its cherry trees and Heart Lake at its center. The island on the right is called Pina, named after the pineapple trees that cover its landscape. (Pictured left).

And with that, The Great Aueramp Space Exploration came to an end. Each camper enjoyed contributing to their planet and being able to share it with other groups just as much as they enjoyed exploring the Auercamp Galaxy and learning about each different planet.

Every detail, every continent, and every planet was created entirely by the campers. With guidance from their counselors in terms of materials and directions, campers in each group worked together to express themselves creatively in this world-building project. They were able to brainstorm, collaborate, create, and present their projects to about one hundred campers by the end of the day. Campers also got to tour different planets, ask questions, and learn from peers of all ages. 

Projects like these are at the heart of Auercamp. Having fun, stepping out of your comfort zone, and expressing yourself creatively are all staples of a camp experience, but being able to learn and gain valuable skills that will help campers in school and life is the extra step that Auercamp takes in its summer programming. Our campers are now better equipped to research, create, and present for a science fair or book report. They can be confident in their abilities, which will propel them forward in any aspect of their futures. That is the Auercamp difference. 

To learn more about Auercamp programming, please visit www.auerfarm.org/summercamps. Join us for Winter, Spring, and Summer Camp, or year-round for enrichment, and experience the Auercamp difference.

Position: Marketing, Communications, PR
Email: csantillan@auerfarm.org
Phone: (860) 242-7144 

For Immediate Release

A Sweet Connecticut Tradition: Auerfarm Welcomes Families for Maple Weekend

BLOOMFIELD, Conn., January 9, 2025— March is maple month and Auerfarm is thrilled to invite you to join in the sweet celebration during CT Maple Weekend! Mark your calendars for March 15th & 16th, 2025, and bring your family, friends, and neighbors for a fun morning at Auerfarm’s Annual Pancake Breakfast and Maple Sugaring Demonstration.

Become a sugarmaker and learn how to tap a maple tree to collect sap. Then, follow the steam to the sugar shack to boil it down into that sweet amber color we know as syrup! After a hard day’s work, enjoy a farm-style breakfast and taste the freshly made maple syrup over a stack of homemade pancakes. After breakfast take the family for a stroll to visit the animals and spend time together in nature. 

Don’t miss the opportunity to participate in this classic New England tradition of producing maple syrup. This year, we are pleased to offer three seating times on Saturday at 8:30 AM, 10 AM, and 11:30 AM and two on Sunday at 9:00 AM and 11:00 AM  to accommodate your family’s schedule. Visit www.auerfarm.org/events for more details and to get tickets. 

This annual event helps to further Auerfarm’s mission of inspiring children and adults, to engage in, learn about, and enjoy agriculture, science, and the natural environment. Auerarm invites you to learn about the maple sugaring process, explore the maple tree grove, and connect with yourself, your family, and nature at the Annual Pancake Breakfast and Maple Sugaring demonstration event. 

ABOUT AUERFARM:

Auerfarm inspires lifelong learning through hands-on, interactive, and innovative experiences that explore agriculture, science, and the environment. Students, families, and visitors gain scientific knowledge and a heightened appreciation for the world around us. 

Beatrice Fox Auerbach’s children generously donated the farm to 4-H with an agreement to maintain the property as an open space, providing a community resource where children and families can learn about and enjoy the ambiance of the farm. The 120-acre property in the northwest section of Bloomfield, Connecticut was deeded to the non-profit 4-H Education Center at Auerfarm Inc., (Auerfarm) in 1976. For more information visit Auerfarm, and follow Auerfarm on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. 

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Calendar Listing 

Auerfarm. March 15th & 16th, 2025. Join us at Auerfarm for a delightful morning of farm-to-table pancakes topped with our fresh maple syrup! Experience the magic of maple sugaring with live demonstrations, tours of our sugar shack, and more. 158 Auer Farm Rd. Bloomfield, CT. 06002 For more information call (860) 242-7144 or www.auerfarm.org.

The Auerfarm  S.T.E.M. Enrichment Club was designed upon the request of local parents seeking more social-emotional opportunities for their children during after-school hours. The  S.T.E.M. Enrichment Club will allow children to spend time on the farm expanding their knowledge and understanding of nature, science, agriculture, and the arts by doing STEAM-based, (science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics) hands-on activities with trained Auerfarm educators. Outdoor learning in a small group setting provides a safe and interactive way to engage learners with varied interests.

During the winter months, the enrichment students delve into the fascinating behaviors of animals and plants in the winter landscape, while also discovering how the farm prepares for spring. Join the Auerfarm S.T.E.M. Enrichment Club for an engaging learning experience that connects students to science, agriculture, and the natural environment.

The Winter session begins on Wednesday, January 9, 2025, and runs for six weeks. Interested families may still enroll after a session has begun at a prorated cost. Spring session begins February 26th. Visit www.auerfarm.org/enrichment-programs/ for more information. 

ABOUT AUERFARM:
Auerfarm inspires lifelong learning through hands-on, interactive, and innovative experiences that explore agriculture, science, and the environment. Students, families, and visitors gain scientific knowledge and a heightened appreciation for the world around us. 

Beatrice Fox Auerbach’s children generously donated the farm to 4-H with an agreement to maintain the property as an open space, providing a community resource where children and families can learn about and enjoy the ambiance of the farm. The 120-acre property in the northwest section of Bloomfield, Connecticut was deeded to the non-profit 4-H Education Center at Auerfarm Inc., (Auerfarm) in 1976. For more information visit Auerfarm, and follow Auerfarm on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. 

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Calendar Listing 

Auerfarm. Jan – May, 2025. Wednesdays at 3:30 pm. Join the Auerfarm S.T.E.M. Enrichment Club for an engaging learning experience that connects students to science, agriculture, and the natural environment. 158 Auer Farm Rd. Bloomfield, CT. 06002 For more information call (860) 242-7144 or www.auerfarm.org.

The summer Growing Opportunities program is a workforce development initiative at Auerfarm that employs students aged 18 to 22 from various high school transition programs. These students have a range of developmental or intellectual disabilities and are transitioning from high school to the workforce or independent living. The transition program meets the individual needs of students, which may include independence, self-care, and other daily living skills, including workforce development. This is where Auerfarm comes in. At Auerfarm, students learn skills in agriculture, facilities management, and culinary arts. The summer program includes working at Auerfarm as well as taking trips to local businesses for on-the-job training in stores that are likely to hire people with disabilities, including ReStore and Fitzgerald’s. However, perhaps the most indelible part of the program is preparing lunch every day with Chef Kristiann. 

“I taught them how to cook in a way that they should know for themselves, with the idea that some of them might have opportunities to work in commercial kitchens,” said Chef Kristiann. 

Like any recipe, the program started from scratch. 

On day one, Chef Kristiann chose the menu and did all the grocery shopping. She set up each station and laid out all the necessary equipment. As the students arrived, she walked them through every step needed to prepare their meals. Each meal included a protein, a fruit, and a vegetable, along with discussions on nutrition and balanced diets. “At first, they wanted to make the same things over and over,” Kristiann recalls. “That meal was fun and delicious but maybe not the most nutritious; we can’t eat that three times a week or even three times a month—we need to switch it up.”

As the weeks went on, the students learned kitchen safety, food preparation, and sanitation. They learned to navigate a grocery store, measurements, and how to read recipes. They also became familiar with different kitchen equipment and tools—elements that are built in organically when learning how to cook. Students worked directly with farmers to harvest produce. They learned to see, smell, and taste how vegetables differed when fresh compared to when they were cooked. They discovered how dried and fresh herbs alter a dish’s flavor. Every meal included conversations about accessibility, allergies, and alternatives to ensure that each student’s needs were met. Kristiann recalls a student who had only one functioning hand trying to make pizza from dough. “I remember him looking at me and saying, ‘Well, I can’t do dough.’ I asked him why he couldn’t do dough, and he said, ‘I only have one hand.’” Kristiann puts her arm behind her back. “Okay, well I only have one hand now too; this is how we’re going to do it with one hand.” Just seeing him have that lightbulb moment was rewarding; by the end of class he asked, “Can I take a picture and send it to my mom?” “Yeah,” she replied with enthusiasm. “You can totally do that!” 

The accessibility of this program ranged from physical handicaps to dietary restrictions. Students were able to try new gluten-free items and adapt regular recipes to fit their needs. They learned to navigate challenges but most importantly—they learned to embrace mistakes. “I’ve learned that if you make some tasks part of the overall process, you learn better; it makes it less daunting,” Kristiann explains. “We learn from our mistakes. If they open a pack of strawberries and see some moldy ones, they can decide: ‘Okay, these I’m not going to eat—but that doesn’t mean we have to throw away everything; this is how we handle it.’ With kids with disabilities, if it’s not exact—it’s wrong; we have to start again.” Her kitchen gives students the confidence to make mistakes, play with their food, and try new things.

And they really would play with their food! 

One day they wanted only red fruit; another day they picked “funny-looking” vegetables to taste and cook. They experimented with different flavors, textures, and combinations. During a grilled cheese cooking competition, one student added kimchi because of her love for Asian flavors while another brought in macaroni and cheese from home to add to their grilled cheese creation. 

The best part was that everybody tried everything. “Everybody cooked; everybody participated; everybody did all the things,” beams Kristiann. The instructors served them every meal after they worked so hard preparing it—Owen, August, Kimbrae, and Patrick would get in line serving everyone until everyone had their plate before sitting down together—including Kristiann—to eat before cleaning up. 

Throughout the summer, students became more comfortable brainstorming menus, giving opinions on recipes, grocery shopping together, and preparing their meals. By week eight, they were fully self-sufficient in the kitchen and cooked their graduation luncheon from scratch—six well-marinated and seasoned chickens along with sides and dessert. Over those eight weeks, these students transformed from being shy and unsure into taking pride in their creations. 

Parents shared stories about how their children sent them photos after every meal over the summer—proudly taking ownership of their nutrition—and family members noted how their nieces or nephews gained confidence in their abilities. Kristiann had been warned there might be pushback since certain disabilities can lead to rigidity regarding food choices; however, this was not her experience. “They thrive on routine,” she explains. “You show up at the right time; you do the same thing over and over; you give them repetition—and it went well.” Kristiann leans back with a proud smile on her face recalling what she describes as a life-changing summer experience. 

As the summer came to a close, the Growing Opportunities program at Auerfarm not only equipped students with essential culinary skills but also fostered a sense of community, confidence, and independence. Through hands-on experiences, meaningful conversations, and the encouragement of Chef Kristiann, each student discovered their unique strengths and capabilities. The joy of cooking together transcended the kitchen, creating lasting memories and connections that would extend beyond the program. As families celebrated their loved ones’ achievements, it became clear that this transformative journey was about more than just preparing meals; it was about nurturing self-esteem and empowering young adults to embrace their potential in all aspects of life.

This article is part of Auerfarm’s Fall Appeal Newsletter. Programs like these are at the heart of our mission and with your support we can continue inspiring children and adults to engage in, learn about, and enjoy agriculture, science, and the natural environment.

A week before their first Farm Day, the Wintonbury Early Childhood Magnet School preschoolers have their boots lined up outside their classroom door in eager anticipation. “My son never wants to miss school on Farm Day,” remarks one parent. The Wintonbury preschoolers have visited the 4-H Education Center at Auerfarm for the past few years, integrating farm-based experiential learning into their classroom curriculum. Wintonbury has a total of 18 preschool classrooms that rotate through the farm. Three days a week, two classrooms visit the farm for a two-hour program that connects mind, body, and soul to nature. The curriculum directly correlates to the seasonal changes on the farm throughout the year. During the fall, the students pick apples from the orchard and turn them into apple cider. In the winter, they tap the maple trees and learn how we turn the sap into maple syrup. In the spring, they learn about baby animals and pollinators as they emerge from the cold. “It’s an experiential learning program; it’s very hands-on for the kids,” said Kyle Conard, a lead Wintonbury farm educator. “Many kids are learning where food comes from for the first time, or they haven’t seen animals up close before.” Each lesson is taught for three weeks as all 18 classrooms make their visits to the farm. This allows for different programs that are unique to the Wintonbury preschoolers, as some seasonal programs are also available as field trips for schools in the area.

One such program is the grains lesson taught in December. In this lesson, the preschoolers learn that gingerbread cookies actually come from the farm. They go on an adventure around the farm to locate flour, eggs, sugar, and spices for their cookies. Each step along the way teaches them something new about that ingredient and where it’s found on the farm. We try to teach them that food comes from the farm. You know you don’t just have a bag of flour. Where does that flour actually come from?” said Kim Christophel, lead Wintonbury teacher. Learning about the journey that food takes from fields to fork is magical. Little minds do not see a bus taking them to a farm; they strap on their boots that have been eagerly awaiting them and climb aboard the magic school bus which will transport them to the circus. As soon as they arrive, they are greeted by a cacophony of lions, tigers, and bears. Their eyes widen. The adventure begins. Those roars might be coming from geese, chickens, and peacocks, but the excitement is all the same. They are met by the warm, familiar faces of their farm educators and are told that they will be making gingerbread cookies today; however, they need to go on a scavenger hunt to collect materials around the farm. The young minds are ready for adventure.

The scavenger hunt acts as a tour of the farm so that the kids will immerse themselves in the experience and learn while having fun. They’ll venture to the gardens and greenhouse to find wheat and spices for the gingerbread. Then they’ll trek to the sugar shack where they will find sugar cane. The sugar shack houses the maple syrup operation which the preschoolers get a brief introduction to before their maple lesson. It is also home to an observation bee hive so that they can safely watch bees at work inside it. The sugar cane, maple syrup, and bees all help to make connections between sweet things. The kids will then find eggs in the chicken coop and get a quick lesson in baby chicks before their baby animals lesson in spring. Lastly, they will find butter next to the cows and learn about different dairy animals and their products.

Kim recounts a humorous moment during a scavenger hunt: “We were doing our scavenger hunt one morning with heavy frost when one little guy stopped, crouched down to look at it, and said, ‘Ah! I think Elsa has been here!’ It was so cute, and then you get to teach on that for a moment.” Why would frost appear, other than Elsa’s doing? Why does this happen in winter? What does that mean for any crops underneath? It’s those types of experiential learning questions that may not necessarily be tied to the curriculum but that kids get to explore while being on the farm. “The biggest thing is hands-on experiences. It’s not just a picture of a cow; you know there is a cow. It’s so great because you do get those kids whose families don’t always get to go to a farm, so they get to have that experience through school,” said Kim.

The scavenger hunt ends in the classroom where the preschoolers will finally be able to make their gingerbread cookies. In the classroom, there are several different stations for kids to learn and play. The exploration station is where they make cookies. The imaginary play station allows children to model what they learned by playing with play cookies, baking tins, and other kitchen items. The sensory station allows children to grind up oats and wheat to simulate making flour as well as smelling cinnamon and spices from the greenhouse. The writing station includes worksheets with words and images for word recognition and drawings about the lesson. The immersive scavenger hunt along with different learning stations connects young children to nature and connects their foods to the farm. They explore lessons in myriad ways that are fun and playful but rooted in education. This model is used for most of Auerfarm’s educational programs and field trips. The Wintonbury preschoolers remain at school for two years allowing for continued learning at the farm.

“It’s nice when older kids help younger ones,” said Kim. “It’s like ‘Oh, it’s okay to do this,’ and younger ones will pair up with older ones.” “We see [their development] in several ways. It might be that kids are afraid of animals; then they come to the farm and by year-end they love animals. Or you get a kid who is afraid of petting bunnies until they see all of their friends doing it; then they’ll try it too,” said Kyle. “It becomes such a breakthrough.” 

The partnership between Auerfarm and Wintonbury is truly unique and equips these young minds with a strong foundation in agriculture, science, and nature. This program is enjoyed by all as many parents volunteer to chaperone these field trips to watch their children thrive while learning on the farm. The Wintonbury PTO also hosts several family fun days at the farm so parents and families can get involved in all of its fun. The lessons learned on the farm will stick forever. The next time they have apple cider they’ll remember visiting the farm, picking apples, grinding them in the cider press, and collecting fresh cider. When they’re baking gingerbread cookies at home they’ll remember that cows and chickens made this possible; that wheat, oats, and spices took weeks to grow on the farm for them to enjoy their cookies; that farmers tended crops and animals to ensure healthy and safe food for public consumption. But most of all we hope they remember the wind on their faces, the dirt under their nails, and the fun they had at Auerfarm.

This article is part of Auerfarm’s Fall Appeal Newsletter. Programs like these are at the heart of our mission and with your support we can continue inspiring children and adults to engage in, learn about, and enjoy agriculture, science, and the natural environment. 

"It's a lizard!" "It's a salamander!" "It's a Dicamptodon," said Chiki, holding out her phone. She had taken a picture of the small stream creature the students had caught and looked up the exact type. "It's a type of brook salamander," she explains, "That's the first one I've seen around here, nice job!" she high-fives the student.

Splashing, laughter, and the occasional reminder to share could be heard in the stream that courses through Auerfarm. A group of 14 fourth graders from McAlister Intermediate School in Suffield and Montessori Magnet School at Batchelder in Hartford participating in the Interdistrict Camp Program at Auerfarm worked together to catch minnows, crayfish, and anything else they could find in the water. Knee-deep in muddy water was Chiki Santillan, a seasoned assistant camp director who enjoyed the stream probably more than the students did. Up on the bank was Hayley Yaros, the slightly more responsible of the duo in charge of the "Daisies" group, a name the pair had affectionately chosen together.

Santillan and Yaros have worked together at farm camps every summer for the past nine years, having spent the last five at Auerfarm. Recently promoted to co-assistant camp directors the two have revamped the camp's programming to foster an environment of play-based learning through a social-emotional framework.

"We try to create a place where kids are free to be themselves and are free to explore. That's where you draw out their natural curiosities about the world and can teach them things based on what they're interested in," said Santillan. "Taking ownership in their education gives them a sense of confidence that will propel them forward in life."

This grant-funded interdistrict program brings students from a rural and urban school together to reduce the racial, ethnic, and economic isolation of students and create spaces where students can gather, interact, and learn together in a week-long camp program. Each morning started with a morning meeting and a game. The game would be about team building, inclusion, and communication. Students would have to work together towards a common goal. This helped to observe differences amongst the group and break down any barriers. It helped to reach a common ground. Then students would move into their explorations; either the barn, stream, garden, or a science exploration. In the barn, students brushed donkeys and learned about animal safety. They walked goats and observed chickens. In the gardens, students learned about edible and medicinal weeds. They learned about plant dyes and flower pressing. In a science exploration students collected water samples from different areas of the farm and examined the contents under a microscope to record their observations.

However, the most beloved aspect of the program was exploring the stream every day. Every student enthusiastically participated when at the stream. The group arrived with shovels, nets, trowels, and buckets in tow ready to fish. Before each stream session, the students received a talk on respecting habitats and the wildlife that call the stream home. With that, they were off to see what they could find for the day. Many crayfish and tadpoles were caught, the occasional frog or toad, and for one brave soul, a baby water snake.

"The excitement from the students when they catch something, or the wonder on their faces when they place rocks in the stream and change the flow of the water are the windows of opportunity for learning. Why does the water change flow patterns? What is it that we caught? Why was it found here and not there? You introduce the topic by playing in the stream, then we can zoom out and say 'Okay, we can talk about habitats or the water cycle. Then you can expand that, and talk about water conservation, recycling, and the environment. And you're connecting it back to the experience in the stream. They feel centered in what they are learning, they retain it better, and they have confidence in their intelligence," said Santillan.

The interdistrict program at Auerfarm not only bridges the gap between urban and rural students but also fosters a deep connection with nature and scientific inquiry. As the day winds down, the students gather to share their discoveries and reflections. The excitement is palpable as they recount their adventures in the stream, the barn, and the gardens. This interdistrict program at Auerfarm stands as a shining example of how hands-on, experiential learning can break down barriers, inspire young minds, and cultivate a generation of environmentally conscious citizens. The program, like the stream itself, is a place of discovery, growth, and connection. It's a testament to the power of nature and the importance of fostering a love for the natural world in our young people.

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This article is part of Auerfarm's Fall Appeal Newsletter. Programs like these are at the heart of our mission and with your support we can continue inspiring children and adults to engage in, learn about, and enjoy agriculture, science, and the natural environment. 

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Interested in summer camps at Auerfarm? See our summer camps page here. Registration begins January 1st!



 

Save time, stress, and mess this Halloween season by leaving the pumpkin carving to the chickens. This fun and inventive way to DIY your fall decor has been trending over the last few years and a few weeks ago our enrichment kids got to try it firsthand!

Start by outlining your desired face on the pumpkin. Then help the birds out by starting the carving process so they know where to follow. Then toss the pumpkin to the coop and let the hens do the rest! 

The enrichment students learned that pumpkins can be a good source of vitamins and minerals for hens and that chickens can have trouble breaking through the outer rind which is why you want to start it off for them.

The kids chose a simple smile design and started by shaving away the outer rind of the mouth and eyes. Then they walked up to the chicken coop and placed the pumpkin in the coop where the hens could access it. 

Eyes widened and students giggled as they watched the birds flock to the orange fruit and begin “carving” the pumpkin in the designated areas.

After some time, a jack-o-lantern was born. 

Get ready for a buzz-worthy experience as Auerfarm presents its highly anticipated Annual Honey Harvest on Wednesday, September 11, and Thursday, September 12, 2024 from 6:45 – 9:00 pm at the 4-H Education Center at Auerfarm.

Why It’s Creating a Buzz:
– Hands-On Learning: Witness a live honey extraction demonstration and discover the fascinating world of beekeeping.
– Expert Insights: Join Auerfarm’s resident beekeeper, Kevin Krebsbach, as he shares his wealth of knowledge on these remarkable insects.
– Family-Friendly Fun: An educational adventure suitable for all ages, offering a unique opportunity to connect with nature.
– Eco-Education: Learn why bees are crucial for our ecosystem, pollinating 70% of the world’s food supply.

Event Highlights:
– Discover the secrets of backyard beekeeping
– Explore the importance of bees to our region and the world
– Observe the safe harvesting of raw, local wildflower honey
– Engage in discussions about the ecological significance of honeybees

“In today’s digital world, the Honey Harvest offers a rare chance for families to unplug and experience nature firsthand,” says Kevin Krebsbach, Auerfarm’s beekeeper. “It’s an unforgettable evening that combines education, fun, and a taste of farm life.”

Event Details:
Dates: Wednesday, September 11, and Thursday, September 12, 2023
Time: 6:45 PM – 9:00 PM
Location: Auerfarm, 158 Auer Farm Rd, Bloomfield, CT 06002
Cost: $10 per person, $20 per family (up to 4 people), children under 2 free

Space is limited, so early registration is encouraged. For more information and to reserve your spot, visit www.auerfarm.org./events

Don’t miss this chance to bee part of something special at Auerfarm’s Annual Honey Harvest!