Cocktail Hour 
Begin the evening with hors d’oeuvres and the Auer Honey Bourbon Smash while you peruse the silent auction for unique Auerfarm experiences and local Connecticut baskets. Mingle with guests as you snack on vegan braised mushroom toast, pork spring rolls, mini beef tacos, and vegan garden skewers served by Chef Kristiann and the Distinctive Ideas Team. Beer, wine, and Auer Honey Smash mocktail will also be available. 

Plated Courses
Sit amongst friends, both old and new, and enjoy a farm-fresh salad and pasta mafaldine with peas, asparagus, nut-free pesto basil, and fried duck prosciutto. 

Save room for the night’s main course, a sweet corn polenta with a red wine & garlic braised lamb chops and roasted garden veggies. Cauliflower steak will be available as a vegetarian option. 

Dessert
Don’t miss the self-serve Bombas at the garden table. Layers of cake, cream, and ganache are coated in a hard chocolate shell, promising a burst of flavor to end the night. 

Each dish is thoughtfully sourced and expertly prepared, highlighting the flavors of our region. Vegetarian options are available—just let us know when you RSVP!

Why Farm-to-Table Matters:
When you dine at Party in Plaid, you’re not just enjoying a delicious meal—you’re supporting local farmers, sustainable agriculture, and food education for all ages.

Hungry yet?
Reserve your seat and get ready for a true taste of Auerfarm!

The evening will feature a multi-course farm-to-table dinner prepared by resident Chef Kristiann and the team at Distinctive Ideas. Local beer and wine will be served alongside an Auerfarm signature cocktail. During the silent auction, accompanied by live music, guests can bid on exciting items and Auerfarm experiences.

Auerfarm relies on donations from visitors like you to keep our doors open to the public 7 days a week from 7 AM to 7 PM; to continue delivering agricultural education through field trips, enrichment programs, summer camp, and birthday parties; to provide community events and a safe space for all to learn, explore, and connect.

At Auerfarm, we believe in the transformative power of experiential learning. Through animal care, gardening, and sustainable farming, we instill values like responsibility, teamwork, and environmental stewardship in learners of all ages. Your support makes these life-changing programs possible.

Thank you for choosing to be a part of this wonderful event AND make a difference in the lives of those we serve.

“I was definitely nervous before my showmanship class,” Tahlia recalls. “It can either go really well or really bad and you never really know what’s going to happen in there.” Despite her nerves, Tahlia’s efforts paid off, earning her third place in a competitive class of 11 participants.

“I was very proud of both of us, because it took a lot of time for us to get there,” Tahlia reflects.

Tahlia’s journey with 4-H began at age nine, sparked by childhood visits to Auerfarm through Wintonbury Early Childhood Magnet School and her mother’s involvement with the organization. “I’ve always really liked being outdoors,” she explains. “Science is so important, and 4-H let me explore that interest.”

Over the years, Tahlia has progressed through various leadership roles, from Junior Leader to her current positions as president of the Hartford County 4-H Fair Association and secretary for livestock. These roles have honed her public speaking and leadership skills, transforming her from a shy child into a confident young adult.

“The biggest skill I’ve learned is public speaking,” Tahlia says. “Being able to talk about something that I liked, and being good at it, definitely helped me a lot.”

4-H’s “learn by doing” philosophy has been crucial to Tahlia’s development. Working with her dairy heifer taught her patience and perspective-taking. “I can take a step back and see things from their perspective,” she explains. “I’ve learned that I’m not always going to be right, and there’s more than one solution to every problem.”

The program has also exposed Tahlia to broader horizons. At the National 4-H Dairy Conference in Madison, Wisconsin, she connected with peers from across North America and gained insight into the dairy industry’s global importance.

“It definitely made me more appreciative of the farmers that I get to work with,” Tahlia reflects. “And it’s shown me how important this industry is on a global scale.”

Tahlia’s leadership roles in 4-H have given her unique experiences in decision-making and governance. As president of the Hartford County 4-H Fair Association, she oversees a diverse group of young leaders, ranging from 10 to 17 years old. They use official parliamentary procedure in their meetings, making important decisions about fair logistics, rule changes, and more.

“It’s really nice being able to work with other 4-H’ers in a professional setting,” Tahlia explains. “We use official parliamentary procedure, make important decisions about our fair, and even vote on things like tent rentals and rule changes.”

This hands-on approach to leadership sets 4-H apart from traditional educational experiences. Tahlia and her peers are entrusted with real responsibilities, preparing them for future roles in their communities and careers.

This hands-on approach to leadership sets 4-H apart from traditional educational experiences. Tahlia and her peers are entrusted with real responsibilities, preparing them for future roles in their communities and careers.

Tahlia’s experience at The Big E showcased the culmination of her 4-H journey. “She hated walking at first, had a really big attitude,” Tahlia says of her heifer. “But eventually she turned into this really nice show heifer.” This process of patience and perseverance echoes throughout Tahlia’s 4-H experience.

As Tahlia looks toward her future, the skills and connections she’s built through 4-H are proving invaluable. Her experiences have solidified her plans to study animal science in college, with a particular interest in animal nutrition and genetics.

While Tahlia’s 4-H journey has taken her far from home, it all began at Auerfarm. The 120-acre educational farm in Bloomfield continues to serve as a living classroom for young people like Tahlia, offering hands-on experiences in agriculture, environmental science, and leadership.

Tahlia’s story exemplifies the transformative power of 4-H and Auer Farm’s programs. Through these experiences, young people not only gain practical skills but also develop the confidence, leadership abilities, and community awareness that will serve them well into adulthood.

At Auerfarm, the themes of learning, exploring, and connecting come to life. Young people learn through hands-on experiences, explore diverse areas of agriculture and science, and connect with peers, mentors, and their community.

It’s a summer day in the Connecticut River Valley. As you drive down Route 185, the winding road carries you over Talcott Mountain into Bloomfield. A sign catches your eye: “Auerfarm: Learn. Explore. Connect.” Just below reads, “Open Daily – Public Welcome.” Curiosity takes hold, and you turn onto the road, eager for the promised adventure.

The dirt path forces a slow journey and a calm mind. To your left an orchard boasts its fruit as hay dances in the field to the left. Green banners flutter overhead, reminding you of Auerfarm’s core values; community & connection, outdoor recreation, lifelong learning. As you approach, you see a massive willow tree shading a stream and goats running through a nearby pasture.

You arrive at the welcome center, a red structure with open bays, where photos line the walls showcasing farm life. A kiosk displays a map outlining various ways to learn, explore, and connect at Auerfarm. Seven color-coded trails invite exploration, including the green Learn. Explore. Connect. Tour for an immersive educational experience.

As you begin your journey, you enter the main lobby, transformed into a mini-museum dedicated to the farm’s history. You learn about Beatrice Fox Auerbach, the vast farm she operated, and her close friendship with Eleanor Roosevelt. Maple, honey, and eggs are available for purchase.

 Following the Learn, Explore, Connect Tour, you stroll up to the gardens. On your way, you pass a school group learning about ice cream making under a maple tree. “Welcome to the Nourishing Garden.” The wooden sign marks your arrival. Vibrant beds overflow with vegetables, herbs, and flowers. Benches invite you to sit, stay, and be still.

Next, you visit the Barnyard. Goats, sheep, horses, and a friendly pig play together. You learn about the importance and role of each animal on the farm.

You make your way down to the pavilion where families are enjoying picnic lunches. Through the main archway, you make your way past the blueberry patch, making a mental note to come back and pick your own, past the sounds of children playing in the Play Forest, and up to the apiary. The sound of bees at work drones behind you. The view of the farm from the top of the apiary takes your breath away. A green canvas brushed by flowers, animals, and people.

You make your way back down and notice signs identifying native plants, birds, and wildlife along the way. As you stroll down towards the stream, summer camp groups compete in fort-building competitions by the edge of the woods.

The stream feels cold beneath your feet but the movement of water over your skin soothes you. Tadpoles scurry around you, frogs hop on the banks, and birds fly overhead.

You dry off on the bench under the tree, touched by the leaves as they sway in the wind. The sign next to you talks about the life cycle of frogs and the stream’s ecosystem.

Finally, you reach the apple orchard, where rows of dwarf trees laden with fruit stretch as far as the eye can see.

As you stand in the orchard, surrounded by the fruits of nature’s labor, you feel your heart beat in your chest. You feel the air flow through your lungs as the wind blows through the leaves. You realize that Auerfarm’s Learn. Explore. Connect. initiative is more than just a tour—it’s a journey of transformation, both for the land and its visitors.

The orchard provides a perfect ending to your exploration, showcasing the farm’s bountiful harvest and the cycle of seasons. Throughout your journey, hand-carved signs, informational kiosks, and signs for reflection invite you to learn, explore, and connect with nature and yourself.

This transformation extends beyond the physical landscape. As you’ve walked the color-coded trails, you’ve noticed how the farm has been designed to be accessible to people of all abilities. Wide, smooth paths accommodate wheelchairs and strollers, while tactile exhibits and audio descriptions ensure everyone can engage with Auerfarm.

As you prepare to leave, you realize that you’re taking more than just memories with you. You’re leaving with a deeper understanding of agriculture, a renewed appreciation for the natural world, and a sense of connection to something greater than yourself.

A smile grows across your face as you leave the farm behind, excited for your next visit.

The Learn. Explore. Connect. initiative at Auerfarm is not just about preserving a piece of Connecticut’s agricultural heritage—it’s about cultivating a sustainable future. By transforming the landscape and providing immersive experiences for visitors of all abilities, Auerfarm is sowing seeds of community connection that will bear fruit for generations to come. Be a part of this change by donating today.

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!

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 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. 

A Fall Appeal for Accessible Farms in CT 

This past year your support has allowed us to reach over 17,000 people from our community; students, volunteers, and visitors. During their time at Auerfarm, we can impart our knowledge about agriculture through field trips, family programs, and adult education classes. With your continued support, whether it be through visiting us, attending our events, or donating, we can spread the seeds of sustainability, and farming to an even wider audience. 

It all boils down to accessibility. You and I are working to ensure that the Greater Hartford area has access to agricultural education and farm fresh produce. Our capital city, just five miles from Auerfarm, is a food desert leaving many families without access to affordable, healthy food. 

Sarah Rose (front, third from left) and Azeem (front, second front right) after a self-sufficiency crash course at Auerfarm, with farmers who drove in from across New England.

That’s where farmers like Samad Gardens Initiative and where contributions like yours come in. Meet Sarah Rose and Azeem Zakir Kareem, two farmers who are in the business of guiding others in regenerative farming practices. Sarah Rose and Azeem began teaching a “crash course” on regenerative farming practices using Auerfarm as their backdrop for education and farming. During their classes, they teach farm practices that focus on the health of the ecological system as a whole and prioritize soil health and the local ecosystem. Samad also directs the BIPOC (black, indigenous, people of color) incubator farmer program at Auerfarm which gives farmers a plot of land for them to begin learning the trade.

Through their efforts, more people in our community gain access to farming knowledge and fresh produce, addressing the critical issue of food insecurity. Samad Gardens Initiative is dedicated to cultivating a farm and urban garden education enterprise, providing ongoing support to aspiring gardeners and farmers, with a particular focus on serving our community. In their partnership with Auerfarm, and in turn, you, we can all work together to provide Bloomfield and Greater Hartford with access to these valuable resources.

With beginning farmers and contributions like yours we can work together so everyone can
enjoy, engage, and learn at Auerfarm.

Our vision for the future of Auerfarm is to become a community hub where people of all ages and backgrounds can learn from, engage with, and enjoy all the farm has to offer. 

Thank you for giving to Auerfarm and helping us reach our vision. 

Your generosity fuels the growth of essential programs, ensuring that the Greater Hartford area becomes a center of agricultural knowledge and accessible, healthy food options for all. By supporting Auerfarm, you are directly contributing to a more equitable and nourished community. 

CT farms do not have to be inaccessible. You can help. 

With warm regards, 

Erica Fearn,
Executive Director