Spring Is in the Air at Hilltop Hanover Farm

                                    Spring Arrives at Hilltop Hanover Farm

                                                  By Tom McLoughlin

March 20 officially marks the beginning of spring, but Hilltop Hanover Farm has been preparing all winter for this event. The spring Westchester Community College classes have started, the Farm’s CSA share program is reaching its maximum, the couples classes are filling, a mobile chicken house is being constructed, and the fields are being prepared for a terrific 2014 growing season. The Farm on the hill may look pretty dormant, but take a look inside!

The office volunteers are busy fielding calls for workshops, WCC classes, CSA share sign ups, and for the biggest question: “When are the freshly laid eggs available?” With the daylight saving time upon us, the chickens are producing more eggs. They have also felt the effect of the long winter and can’t wait to enjoy the outside. Head farmer Brett Alcaro has just purchased a mini flatbed trailer that will be converted into a mobile chicken house that will can house 75 chickens comfortably (now have 50). This “chicken condo” was designed by Alcaro and Board member Ed Janson. Construction has begun, and the house should be ready for occupancy within a few weeks. The chickens will be able to graze on various parts of the Farm for vegetation. Also, the chickens will be placed in the vegetable garden to consume some of the vegetable pests. In addition, the chickens’ mature will be used in the fields. By the way, the freshly laid eggs can be purchased on Tuesdays and Fridays.

The office is also fielding questions about the CSA program as well as the school visitation program. A few spots exist in both! With the improved weather (finally!), the number of sold CSA shares has spiked to over a 100. For $650, a family of four will be provided with freshly picked, organically grown  vegetables for 20 consecutive weeks (June-October). A few shares remain so call the office fast at 962-2368 to reserve your share! The availability of school dates is also limited. Call the office at 962-2368 to arrange for a school group to visit the Farm. The school visit or visits are tailored to meet the needs of the students as well as meeting the NYS Standards.

The spring workshops and couples’ cooking are already in full swing. The “Starting Seedlings” workshop was held on March15, however, additional ones – such as “Perennial Food Gardens” (April 5), “Berries and Beyond” (April 12), and “Beer Brewing “(also April 12) – are available for sign up at a nominal fee. To gain a full understanding of each workshop, go to www.hilltophanoverfarm.org for complete details. The next couples’ cooking session will be on Friday, April 18th, at 7:00 PM with chef Maria Reina, the executive chef and owner of Port Chester’s Bella Cucina Maria Restaurant. You and a partner (spouse, significant other, friend, or neighbor) will learn how to cook from scratch several healthy and delicious restaurant-quality recipes. Bring a bottle of wine, your partner, and savor the satisfaction of a homemade meal. The class is limited to 12 couples and on-line registration is required. The cost is $95 per couple.

The Farm, in conjunction with Westchester Community College, hosts a continued education certificate in Sustainable  Production and Watershed Agricultural Council. All the courses are offered by Hilltop Hanover Farm and are taught by the HHF full-time farm staff, Presently, “Basic Farm Maintenance” is taught on Saturdays through March 29th from 9-12. “Sustainable Crop Production” on alternate Saturdays from Feb 22 – April 5, 9-noon.  A full list and descriptions of spring and summer courses, plus the cost and times, are available on line at www.hilltophanoverfarm.org

Did you Know?

 …Hilltop Hanover Farm volunteers have been working on a “Westchester Grown Farm Trail.”  The goal of this project is to elevate the exposure of all farms in the area.

…Hilltop Hanover Farm showcases products from other farms. During U Pick, Farm Stand Days, and CSA Share Days, HHF sells and promotes other local farm products, such as maple syrup, honey, turkeys, jam, pickles, grains, and seeds.

…Hilltop Hanover Farm, owned by Westchester County and supported by a Friends’ volunteer group has just launched its annual appeal to raise $50,000. Go to the Farm’s website to donate.

You can check out the Farm on Facebook or simply go to its website for the most current information about the Farm:  www.hilltophanoverfarm.org.