Fall 2010
We have been busy this summer adding corrals and pens to the farm for our growing population of animals while fixing fences, pens, and roads that were damaged during the harsh winter here on Sparta Mountain. It is hard to believe that winter and now summer are just about behind us already.
The animals, especially the llamas and alpacas, spent a good deal of their time in the shade of the barn during this hot summer. One would think that after spending all winter in it a chance to get outside would be a welcome experience, but for these animals whose ancestors grazed in the high mountain peaks of South America, they prefer colder temperatures. They have all been sheared this summer so for those of you who love to spin, knit, or crochet, we do offer fiber for sale as well as 100 % baby alpaca yarn.
Many of you have asked how the baby chicks are doing. Well...they are just great and love to peck around the property although I must admit it is not easy getting almost one hundred birds in each night! They will be laying eggs in a few weeks so we are planning their new home, which will of course include nesting boxes. Please stop by to purchase some fresh free-range eggs! Remember, too, that we will be renting out chicks and ducklings again next April. Be sure to sign up early! By the way, it is not too late to exchange your egg coupons for fresh eggs if you have not done so already. The ducklings are also doing well and each day we find them up by the barn. They are fun to watch as they enjoy their kiddy pool and they certainly enjoy basking in the sun. They march in single file with the Pekin ducks in the lead each day back and forth to their pen.
In thinking ahead, I have been working on programs for the fall. We will be adding quite a few new programs in September in order to continue in our quest to educate the public about the joys of farm life. The week of Sept. 13, by the way, is National Farm Animal Awareness week, so what better way to celebrate farm animals then with our program entitled Barn Tales. Each of these one-hour programs is designed for children ages 3-5. Each week children are introduced to a different farm animal. They will learn through story, discussion, and hands- on activities how each animal contributes to the farm in their own unique way. A healthy snack will be provided. Parents are not required to stay but children must be potty trained. The program is held on Thursdays, beginning September 9 through September 30, and parents may sign their child up for either the morning session (10 am - 11 am) or afternoon session (1-2 pm). The cost for this program is $12 per session or $40 for all four sessions. There is a limited enrollment so please sign up early. We will also be offering this program in October at the same cost. See our website for a registration form.
Sparta Mountain Farm will be welcoming home schoolers this September as well as we offer time shared with our farm animals, gardens, and woodlands to the willing minds, hearts, and hands of home schoolers. Through our Home School Program, students will be encouraged to take full advantage of the rich curriculum provided by Sparta Mountain Farm's beautiful surroundings. We will combine hands-on activities such as animal care, gardening, building, data collection, and science with quiet time activities such as journal and poetry writing, reflection, and art. Students will be introduced to all of the farm animals and we will discuss how each contributes to the farm. Dates for this program are September 20 and September 27 from 1-3 PM and October 18 and 25. There is a cost of $25 per session or $45 for each monthly session. A NJ state certified teacher will teach the home school program, like all of our programs.
I have had the pleasure of helping several scout troops earn badges this past year so we will continue to offer our Scouting badge program. Scouting programs are available Tuesday and Thursday afternoons and Saturdays as available. We can help with several specific badges. Cub Scouts can work on the Critter Encounter or Birds Badge with us while Daisy Scouts can earn several of their petals or Brownie Scouts can earn several of their animal or ecology badges. We offer the Food, Fibers, and Farming Badge program for Junior Girl Scouts in addition to others. We also offer a one-hour program where scouts can learn about the history of candles while making their own candles. The art of jewelry is the focus as Scouts create jewelry from objects found in nature. All programs include materials. We will also be offering llama hikes to scouting troops at a group rate. Please call for more information or to schedule a date for your troop or den.
Our Saturday Fun Program begins October 2 and continues throughout the month. These 90-minute programs will inspire your child's natural curiosity and desire to learn as we provide stories, hands-on activities, and crafts each week. Children will gain valuable insight and improve social skills as they learn about life on a working farm, help us celebrate the season, and join in group activities such as pumpkin painting, scarecrow building, and making treats for our animals. A complete list is available under programs. The program runs from 10-11:30 am for children ages 4-9. Cost is $25 per child for each session or $100 for all five-program sessions. We do offer discounts for multi-children families.
Sparta Mountain Farm will offer a Day on the Farm for October 11 (Columbus Day) for children who are off from school. Camp starts at 9 am and continues until 3 pm. The cost for this one-day camp is $45 and includes two snacks. Children must bring their own lunch. Before and after care is available at an additional cost. Please register early as space is limited.
Our Mommy and Me program encourages children ages 1 - 3 to discover life on a farm with a parent or caregiver. Using sensory exploration, children will learn about the farm by seeing, touching, smelling, hearing, and tasting. A story, snack, and activity complete the fun of each session. $10 per session. Dates and time will be posted soon. We would love feedback as to when it would be most beneficial to all who wish to attend.
You may have read about SMF's involvement with the Wendi Learning Garden, a very worthwhile project aimed at educating young people and adults through participation. The garden, a 20 x 30 foot plot, will grow plants native to the area, and is located behind the Sparta Historical Society Museum, next to the Sparta Middle School. It is the result of the Sparta Green Team's broad effort to promote a sustainable township. Help is needed so please volunteer even if for only an hour or two. No experience needed! You may read the complete article by going to our website's main page and clicking the link.
Speaking of education, this would be a great time to mention that we do offer internships for students grades 7-12 who wish to learn about working with animals. In the past, we have had interns who plan to continue on to vet school after graduating from high school. Of course, if the student is already in college, we would be more than happy to assist in any way we can. Anyone who is interested should contact Helen or Bob.
We are always looking for ways to connect our farm to the community. If you have an idea for a program or event you wish to share with us, please call, or email us. We would love to hear it. Our animals are also available for fundraising events, so please let us know if we can help your organization raise funds in these economically hard times. Can't think of anything? Call us as we can offer a few unique suggestions.
We look forward to sharing the fall season with all of you through tours, school programs, egg and product sales, and on the farm programs. Meanwhile, enjoy the rest of your summer. Regards, Helen