Update of Spring Activities at Hilltop Hanover Farm

                                 Spring Activities at Hilltop Hanover Farm

                                                    By Tom McLoughlin

            Spring has finally arrived and the crops are growing at Hilltop Hanover Farm in Yorktown Heights. In addition to the crop activity, a variety of activities are taking place at the Farm – including school visits, workshops, college courses, beginning of the share vegetable program, opening of farm stand (June 6th) U-Pick (June 7th), and “Farm Fest” on Monday, May 26th.

            There are still some openings for school visits this May and all of June. With the crops now growing, now is the time to visit the Farm.  Teachers love the visits, for the HHF educational program is tailored to meet curriculum needs. Experience the beauty and environmental educational experience of this 186 Westchester County-owned Farm. The children’s visits extend through the summer, for area camps are encouraged to visit the Farm. Call Lucille Munz, the Farm and Environmental Center’s director , at 962- 2368 for additional information. Don’t delay, for there are limited openings at this time.

            Did you know that Hilltop Hanover Farm has partnered with Westchester Community College in offering a certificate in sustainable vegetable growing.  All of the courses are taught by Hilltop Hanover farmers on site at 1271 Hanover Street. What could be more convenient!  Sign up for a course today by calling the Farm at 962-2368 or visiting the Farm’s website at hilltophanoverfarm.org

            The “First Annual Farm Fest 2014” will take place on Monday, May 26, from 10 to 4. The Farm will be hosting an open house. In addition, the farm stand will be open, and plants and seedling starts can be purchased. Also, there will be an array of children’s activities: face painting, birdhouse decorating (nominal fee), and scavenger hunt. Tours of the Farm will be provided by HHF farmers. The hiking trails are always open so you go on your own – just like any other day.  Vendors and music will also be present. The Yorktown Memorial Day Parade occurs at 11:15 am. Plan on coming to the Farm after our local parade.

            Additional programs offered at Hilltop Hanover Farm include “Better Late Than Never: Garden” on May 24th from 10-12 ($20/adult and $5/child), “Beekeeping for Beginners” on Saturday, May 31st from 10-12, a “Father’s Day Hike” around Hilltop Hanover Farm on Saturday, June 14th from 10-12,  “Kids Cook at HHF” on Saturday, June 21st from 1-3:30 PM, “Couples Cooking” on Friday, June 20th from 7 to 10 PM, and “Wild Eatables’ Workshop” on Friday, June 27th from 5 to 8 PM. For additional details about these programs and new ones that are now being finalized, check the Farm’s website at hilltophanoverfarm.org or call 962-2368.

Did you know? Over 72,000 pounds of organically-grown produce was donated to local pantries last year. In addition, the Farm’s educational program hosted over 1,500 school children in 2013.