Hilltop Hanover Farm Receives Applause from Various Corners

                    Hilltop Hanover Farm Continues to Be Recognized

                                               By Tom McLoughlin

            Hilltop Hanover Farm and Environmental Center is a 187-acre Westchester County owned Farm.  The Farm – operated by the non-profit organization The Friends of Hilltop Hanover Farm since 2011 - continues to gain recognition for its organic farming, educational programming, and sustainable methods.

            Most recently Hilltop Hanover Farm was recognized as one of the  “Top Places to Take Westchester Kids 2014” by Kids Out and About.com. Recently, this free community web site asked parents and grandparents to vote for their top choices, and Hilltop Hanover Farm was selected.  The Farm is most attractive for its beautiful setting, hiking trails, gardens, friendly chickens, organically grown vegetables, and picnic areas. Parents and grandparents like bringing their children to a farm that dates back to the 1600’s and was once a major dairy farm in northern Westchester. The children especially enjoy the “U Pick It” program offered on Saturdays. 

            The Farm was just applauded by Clare Murray of the Community Center of Northern Westchester for donating to its food pantry. The Center serves 1,800 households in thirty-seven communities. In an email to Lucille Munz, the Farm’s Director, and to Brett Alcaro, the Farm Manager, Murray said, “Thank you for supporting the Community Center so generously every year with the delicious fresh produce from Hilltop Hanover Farm.” (In fact, Hilltop Hanover Farm rotates its produce donations to six area pantries. Last year’s total surpassed over 7,200 pounds of organically-grown produce. )

             In June, Hilltop Hanover Farm was recognized by Westchester County. Hilltop Hanover Farm was one of six Westchester-based firms acknowledged by the Business Council of Westchester. The Farm was specifically applauded for “Outstanding Achievement in Land Use.” When asked about the land use award, Brett Alcaro, the Farm’s manager, attributed it to the following: “ In organic agriculture one of the basic principles is crop rotation. We practice crop rotation where a certain family of vegetables will not be planted in the same spot for three years. This rotation allows for the reduction of pests and disease pressure. As part of the system of agriculture that uses crop rotation that use of cover crops has enormous benefits in all aspects of vegetable growing. Cover crops allow for the replenishment of nutrients taken from the soil by the previous cash crop. Other uses are pest and disease management, erosion control, and livestock forage. To create and sustain a balance between healthy plants and soil, an agricultural entity must have in place a system that complements those two thing among others.”

            In addition, the Farm offers an array of weekend programming throughout the summer and fall.  A few of the programs include “Pests and Diseases in the Garden on July 26th, “Cheese Making on August 23rd, and “Seed Saving for the Gardener on August 30th. The next couples’ cooking with Donna Simons of Pound Ridge is on Friday, July 18 at 7:00 PM. For more the times and cost of these activities, visit the Farm’s website at www.hilltophanoverfarm.org.           

            Also, Hilltop Hanover Farm provides an educational component that would be attractive to young students and adults. Presently, the Farm is signing up schools for visits during the fall and spring. The classes – taught by Hilltop Hanover Farm’s staff – are specifically designed for elementary, middle, and high school students and meet NYS common core standards. For adults a Certificate Program in Sustainable Agriculture from Westchester Community College is offered at the Farm. You may enroll in individual classes or pursue the Certificate. A complete listing of courses and descriptions may be found at: www.sunywcc.edu/ce. For further information, please contact the Continuing Education Office at Westchester Community College – 914- 606-6830.

            The Farm Stand continues to be open on Friday and Saturday from 10 to 4. The “U – Pick” program is available on Saturdays from 10 to 4.  The vegetables, which can be personally picked in the fields, are limited so call to find out what is available during a given week – 962-2368. Presently, you can pick turnips, radishes, kale, and mizuna. However, that may quickly change so call if you prefer to pick some of the vegetables yourself. A full stock of freshly picked and organically grown produce is available at the farm stand. Also, you can purchase farm-grown eggs (Saturday only), jellies, baked goods, and a variety of other local goodies.

            Hilltop Hanover Farm is located at 1271 Hanover Street in Yorktown Heights. The Farm is open Tuesdays through Saturdays from 10 to 4. All area residents are invited to enjoy the grounds free of charge. To find the latest about the Farm or to learn about volunteering opportunities, check the website at www.hilltophanoverfarm.org.