I remember reading a quote years ago when my oldest was just a baby “Is there anything more wholesome than a farm?” It’s a pretty true statement – farm animals are fun to watch, there’s always so much action happening, the farmers have cool machinery, and they often produce food or other products, huge win! This particular farm located in Lincoln, MA is high on our field trip list. Drumlin Farm is not only an incredible destination for homeschoolers in terms of programs and education, but it is also home to the CSA that we have been participating in for the past 10 years. It is a Mass Audubon property, so get those passports ready – you’re one step closer to that awesome prize!
Things to See
Drumlin Farm has a neat history, donated to the Mass Audubon Society by Louise Ayer Hatheway under the condition that they continue to maintain the property as a working farm. And that they did! This property has a little bit of everything. After entering through the main parking lot and checking in (often they have scavenger hunts available for littles!) there is a paved walkway leading down a hill and to a large open space perfect for running around right next to the sheep barn.
On your way to the main farm circle, if you bear left there is an area called Bird Hill where Drumlin houses rescued wild birds – turkeys, pheasants, crows, hawks, owls, etc. Usually there is a little note on how the animal ended up at Drumlin, which the kids always like to know about. Around the main farm circle there are chickens, a bunny, goats, a pony, cows, and piglets to visit. At each barn or viewing area there is information about the animals and sometimes activities to try and learn from. For example, in the chicken house there is a weighing activity and some wooden eggs so the children can see how eggs can be different sizes and group them accordingly in their cartons. (Note: The chicken building has been closed for a while due to the Avian Flu, but hopefully will reopen soon!) There is a little garden area in the middle of the farm circle that has a small structure where kids can climb and there are facts on the side about different vegetables that are grown at Drumlin. The pig barn has a scale where kids can pile on and see if they weigh as much as a sow! (Moms need to help usually to tip the scale high enough ;))
On your way out of the farm circle, don’t forget to peek into the fox enclosure! There is another whole adventure to go on if you take a left back at the sheep barn. This road will lead you to the farming fields that Drumlin uses to grow the produce for their CSA. Grab a map on your way in or print one out beforehand, because there are some trails not to be missed behind these farming fields, with great views of the drumlin, where the farm got its name!
For homeschool groups, Drumlin Farm is such an amazing resource for our community. They offer a seasonal homeschool 10 week session for kids ages 5-10 to learn about various aspects of the farm. If you inquire in advance (especially if you are planning a group visit in the spring because they fill up!) they will tailor their educational session to the group and whatever topic you choose (farm animals, growing vegetables, birds of prey, maple syruping, etc.) This past spring, our Wild + Free group did a tour of Drumlin together with a guide, and it’s crazy how much my kids learned even though we’d been so many times before. They also do birthday parties, rent spaces for events, and host a variety of workshops and different learning opportunities throughout the year for kids and adults alike!
As if there aren’t enough reasons already to visit the farm, my family and I are there every Wednesday from May – November picking up our weekly veggie share. My husband and I have been a member of the Community Supported Agriculture program at Drumlin for over 10 years. We love that the produce is grown without the use of pesticides, there’s a wide variety of crops that they supply to their shareholders, and it forces you to be a little creative in the kitchen – a challenge that I love to accept! With their spring, summer and fall shares, they supply seasonal crops that are high quality and delicious. Adding on the Pick-Your-Own share amps up the level of participation as you (and your kiddos, so fun!) get to go down to the fields and pick your very own green beans, tomatoes, herbs, strawberries, and whatever else is assigned for that week. An upcoming blog post will walk you through some of my family’s favorite recipes for crop share vegetables – a topic that I know lots of people struggle with!
Visiting Drumlin Farm has got to be on your list for each season of the year. It’s a special place where you and your kids can see how the land goes through a yearly cycle, shutting down slowly in the fall and being reborn in the spring. Every time you go, you will learn something new – guaranteed!
