SHERBORN FARM DAY
Celebrate Sherborn Farms!
Celebrate Sherborn Farms!
As we commemorate Sherborn's 350th year since incorporation, join us for Farm Day to celebrate and honor Sherborn's Agricultural Heritage, past and present!
Pick up your Sherborn Farm Day Schedule and Kid's Activities Kits at one of the locations listed below and head out to participating local Sherborn Farms for a day of activities, tours, u-pick & more!
When: Sunday, September 8th, 2024
Time: Times vary by farm. See Farm Details below.
How to Start: Pick-up a Sherborn Farm Day Schedule/Program and Kids Activity Kits (includes a Farm Day Passport, Farm Day Bingo Card and a few extra farm-themed items). Available starting on WEDNESDAY, September 4th at any of the following locations:
Sherborn Library
Sherborn Town Hall
Or, access the schedule online at www.sites.google.com/view/sherborn-farms
Sunshine Farm
41 Kendall Ave
Dowse Orchards
- PYO: 30 Rockwood Street
- Farmstand: 98 N. Main Street
Unity Farm
17 Unity Lane
Willow Tree Farm
269 Western Ave
Cloudberry Farm
79 Hollis Street
Hopestill Farm
117 Mill Street
Silverwood Organic Farm
195 Western Ave
Farm Day Activities:
Visit the farm between 11:00am-3:00pm for:
Take a self-guided walk of the animal sanctuary (stroller & wheelchair accessible)
Participate in the self-guided scavenger hunt through the 4.5 miles of wooded trails
Learn about their onsite partner Boston Outdoor Preschool Network
Shop the Unity Duck Haven retail store!
About Unity Farm Sanctuary
Joy, hope, kindness and compassion are always at the forefront of our thinking at Unity Farm Sanctuary. By working together with the community on topics such as compassionate farmed animal care, the power of kindness, and the value of volunteerism, we seek positive changes for animals and people alike.
Unity Farm Sanctuary is a non-profit which began in December 2016. Residents here include alpaca, llamas, horses, ponies, miniature horses, sheep, cows, goats, pigs and a vast array of feathered friends. We cannot rescue every surrender request: so we network with the community to help as many farm animals as possible find loving, lifelong homes.
Working toward a positive future, we host Sanctuary Tours, humane educational workshops, LEAP Changemakers, wellness and creativity retreats, and are particularly proud of volunteer opportunities. Find out more at https://www.unityfarmsanctuary.org.
Address: 17 Unity Lane, Sherborn
Farm Day Activities:
The farm will be open in two locations: the farmstand on North Main as well as the Pick-Your-Own Apples location on Rockwood Street.
9:00am-6:00pm: Farmstand
Visit the Farmstand to purchase fresh fruits, veggies, apple cider, and more.
10:00am: Pick-your-Own Apples
Visit the pick-your-own orchards on Rockwood Street for an enjoyable morning or afternoon of harvesting your own apples to stock up for delicious snacks and baking yummy fall treats . . . apple pies, apple crisps!
12:00pm: Farm Tour
Don't miss the "Behind the Scenes" Tour of Dowse Orchards! Meet at the Farmstand on North Main Street at noon.
About Dowse Orchards
The Dowse Orchards Family Farm, a cornerstone of Sherborn's agricultural heritage, has been thriving for an impressive 245 years on 130 acres of land. The roadside stand offers an abundance of fresh fruits and vegetables, including our own fresh-pressed cider (late September), homemade pies, local meats, and more. Join us for Pick-Your-Own (PYO) apples on weekends from early September to mid-October and experience "America's Best Crunchin' Apples Since 1778." Click on the "Sherborn's Agricultural History" tab at the top of this page to learn more about Dowse Orchards farming history.
Addresses:
Farmstand: 98 North Main Street, Sherborn
Pick-Your-Own: 30 Rockwood Street, Sherborn
Farm Day Activities:
Visit the Flower Farm from 11:00-3:00:
Browse and purchase beautiful farm-fresh floral bouquets and flowers
Take a tour to explore the Forest Garden
About Cloudberry Farm:
Cloudberry Farm is a small flower farm with the occasional vegetable and fruit making a special appearance. Flowers and produce are organically grown with a mind toward building healthy soil and creating a safe, bountiful habitat for insects and birds.
As a flower farm, Cloudberry has been around for four years. Over the last four decades however, the land has been casually inhabited by horses, sheep, chickens, pigs and many a dog and cat. The small orchard/forest garden is also about 12 years old and coming into maturity. Most of the flowers grown here are sold to local florists though often bouquets are to be found at the roadside stand come the weekend. Wherever possible, we use organic practices with an eye towards sustainability.
Address: 79 Hollis St, Sherborn, MA
Farm Day Activities:
Visit Willow Tree Farm from 3:00-5:00pm:
Meet the four-legged residents
Learn more about horses, horsemanship, and equestrian sports
Visitors can also participate in a horse-themed trivia game on Farm Day!
About Willow Tree Farm
Willow Tree Farm, founded in 2012 by Lee and Elaine Chertavian, is a full-service horse boarding facility catering to the English equestrian disciplines of dressage, hunter/jumper, and eventing. Willow Tree Farm aims to provide top-notch customized care to the horses and ponies who reside there, and a peaceful and fun environment for riders’ equestrian pursuits.
Address: 269 Western Avenue, Sherborn, MA (look for the big red indoor arena)
Farm Day Activities:
Visit the family run farm open from 9:00am-6:00pm daily.
9:00am-6:00pm: Farmstand & PYO
Shop a farmstand full of fruits and veggies Bountiful fall harvest of Sweet corn, tomatoes, vegies, root crops, pumpkins and squashes
Pick-Your-Own Apples starting September 7th
12:00pm-8:00pm: Fall Ice Cream Hours Daily
Bring the family for a PYO outing and then enjoy some ice cream and a quiet sunset in a natural farm setting.
About Sunshine Farm
First opened by the Geoghegan family in 1937 as a dairy farm milking Holsteins, the 'dairy' had both a retail store & bottling plant. Over the years it was known for its 'made on the farm' ice cream, then the cows transitioned into horses, hay into strawberries.
Today, they educate and train young farmers to learn the evolving technology of modern agriculture. Full season young farmers learn the skills and practices to deliver their crops from seed to harvest each year.
Our season starts in May with bedding plants and Mother’s Day baskets. PYO strawberries in June for the family fun tradition for over 30 years here on the farm!
July starts the Sweet corn, tomatoes, peaches and PYO blueberries. August is Vegetable month, prime time for Montuak Sweet corn, heirloom tomatoes,lettuce and cukes And PYO peaches! Fresh flowers bunches and sunflowers!
Sept-October- Bountiful fall harvest of Sweet corn, tomatoes, vegies, root crops, pumkins and squashes and PYO Apples!
Visit this 3rd generation active fruit & veggie farm offering a great farm stand and a popular ice cream window.
Address: 41 Kendall Ave, Sherborn, MA
Farm Day Activities:
Visit Hopestill farm for the following events:
10:00am: Farm tour of our gardens and hoop houses.
12:00pm: Farm tour of our gardens and hoop houses.
Have a question about growing vegetables organically? Ask away!
About Hopestill Farm
Hopestill Farm, at the corner of Mill and Hollis Streets in Sherborn, has been a working farm since it was established in the early 1800s, by descendants of Henry Leland, one of Sherborn’s founders. We have farmed it organically for over four decades, and in 2010, we received our USDA certification as an organic farm. We grow all our produce without chemical pesticides or fertilizers. More importantly, we focus on building healthy soil, using compost, cover crops, mulches, and crop rotations. We believe the healthiest and most delicious food comes from the healthiest soil. We offer produce through our spring, summer, and fall CSA subscriptions, and through custom orders filled daily. We also offer cut-your-own certified organic Christmas trees, with tagging beginning in early November.
Email us at farm@hopestill.com to join our weekly mailing list of available produce, or find us on Instagram @hopestillfarm
Address: 117 Mill Street, Sherborn, MA
Farm Day Activities:
Visit the farm from 11:00-3:00:
Children's Farm Arts and Crafts: Plant a Seed, Farm Friendship Bracelets, Vegetable Prints, Farm Tattoos, Photo Booth
Farm Field Games: Corn Hole, Spike Ball, Kan-Jam
Tractors on display - Antique and New
Farmers on hand to talk about Community Supported Agriculture - CSA, Organic and Sustainable Farming Practices, Recipe Ideas, Answer Questions
Certified Organic Produce for sale
1:00: "Seed Saving" Farm Tour
2:00 Tractor Rides
About Silverwood Organic Farm
Silverwood Organic Farm’s mission is to reclaim and restore historic farmland as a community resource for the production of certified organic, locally grown produce using sustainable farming methods. We take the extra step of going through the rigorous organic certification process that verifies our farm complies with the USDA Organic Regulations to ensure the integrity of our growing practices and quality of our produce for our customers.
Our Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) program is growing with new offerings:
Summer Shares: Enjoy the best of the season with our summer produce, bursting with vibrant colors and flavors.
New Fall Shares: Our brand-new fall produce shares are perfect for getting cozy with homemade autumn soups and roasted veggies.
New Winter Holiday Shares: Spread holiday cheer with our special shares, providing local farm produce for your festive gatherings.
Flower Shares: Brighten your space with our flower shares, now offering a pick-your-own option where you can experience the joy of walking through the fields of flowers and creating your own bouquets!
New Mushroom Shares: Dive into earthy goodness with our new mushroom shares, perfect for enhancing your favorite dishes.
We are proud to accept SNAP/EBT payments and continue our participation in the SNAP/CSA Pilot Program.
From our farm to your table, with gratitude,
Address: 195 Western Ave, Sherborn, MA
Take your passport to each of the farms that you visit today.
Use your stamp in the Activity Kit to stamp the farms that you visited!
List what your favorite things were at the farms.
List what you learned about at the farms.
Take your Bingo Card to each of the farms that you visit today.
Use your stamp in the Activity Kit to stamp off the boxes that you completed.
Did you get 3 in a row? Did you stamp all of the boxes?
List other activities that you did at the farms today.
When you find members of the Boggastow Bunch at the various farms, make sure you take a SELFIE with them! Hint: It is a square on the Farm Day Bingo Card!
As you visit the farms, keep an eye out for "The Boggastow Bunch" - the famous Sherbornites from the past! They have been spotted all over town throughout Sherborn's 350th Celebration! Perhaps, Martha and Joseph Dowse will go on home for a visit! And you might spot Harold Hildreth at a farm next door to where he used to live on the corner of Pleasant Street and Western spying on the "new" inhabitants - the Delaney Family!
The stories of the Boggastow Bunch are fascinating!
Rebecca (Howe) Death: Read why she might not be smiling!
Harold Hildreth: Guess what age he had to become head of the farm!
Captain Jacob Pratt: One of 13 children! He invented something you probably have never heard of - nor thought that you would ever need!
Joseph and Martha Dowse: They are the earliest Sherbornites known to be captured by this?! Click link below and find out!
Edith Hawes: Read what position she held for a Sherborn record-setting 32 years!
Special recognition to those who inspired, created, and brought 'The Boggastow Bunch' to life: Kevin Delaney, Betsy Johnston, DSHS's art teacher, Darren Buck, and his talented pupils, Mia Lasic-Ellis (above left - painted Edith Tidmarsh Hawes) and Emerson Hirsch (above center - painted Rebecca Howe Death).
Course Brook Farm is a beautiful full-service equine boarding facility, situated on 60 acres offering a complete boarding, lesson, and training program focused on the disciplines of eventing and dressage to our clients.
Events
Two recognized horse trials competitions sanctioned by the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) and the United States Eventing Association (USEA).
Dressage, combined test, and horse trials schooling shows
Clinics: DerbyX, XC, Dressage, Show Jump
Boarding, Facilities, and Amenities
Dedicated to Providing Superior Service and Experienced Care
Schooling Options
Come to school cross-country or in our sand arenas by appointment only. Our xc course spans across 2 main fields and natural forests. Prelinmary-Starter portables, water complex, ditches, banks and more!
History
Course Brook Farm, originally known as Fairfield Farm, was established in 1927 by Donald Rogers Mayo. It began as a 300-acre dairy farm, producing and delivering milk locally until the late 1970s. Over the years, the farm faced significant challenges, including the Great Depression, World War II, and the decline of the home delivery milk industry, leading to the sale of much of its land and its reduction to 60 acres. In 1966, the family transitioned the farm into an equestrian facility, gradually expanding it to cater to the eventing and dressage community. Since 2010, Course Brook Farm has hosted USEA-recognized horse trials, continuously evolving while preserving its rich heritage.
https://www.coursebrookfarm.com/
39 Brush Hill Road, Sherborn
coursebrookfarm@gmail.com
Phone: (774) 288-9947
Horse SenseAbility is a nonprofit therapeutic riding organization dedicated to helping children and young adults who are underserved, at risk or have special needs develop life skills by learning about, caring for and being with horses in a peaceful, rural setting.
We focus on young people who have social, emotional and cognitive challenges as well as those with physical disabilities.
We offer 6 core programs:
1. Therapeutic riding & horsemanship
2. Occupational therapy incorporating horses in the treatment strategy
3. City to Saddle summer camp for children from low-income families
4. Horse Tales summer camp for children entering 4-6 grade
5. Wildstar Wranglers job skills program for young adults
6. Community visits by our registered therapy pony Hugo
https://www.horsesenseability.org/
Email: info@horsesenseability.org
Phone: 508-744-6774
About Sweet Meadow Farm
Sweet Meadow Farm has been family owned and operated company for the past 37 years. Our equestrain center offers a variety of programs for horse and animal lovers, including horseback riding lessons, after school programs, birthday parties and summer programs. “Sweet Meadow Feed and Grain” is our hay and small animal food company, at the farm stand on the same property. They offer premium, hand-packed and pesticide-free hay, pellets and healthy treats for rabbits and guinea pigs.
Voted # 1 in Animal Print Magazine.
As seen on TV, featured in Animal Planet Small Animal Series and Jake the Vet.
Address: 111 Coolidge Street, Sherborn, MA 01770
https://sweetmeadowfarm.com/
Contact Info:
For questions concerning the Equestrian Center, which includes Horseback Riding Lessons, Animal Programs, and Summer Camp, please contact our office here: Info@sweetmeadowfarm.com
For questions concerning Birthday Partys, please contact our birthday party coordinator here: bday@sweetmeadowfarm.com
For questions concerning the Grain and Farm Stand, which includes questions about Feed, please contact here: sweetmeadowfg@gmail.com
For questions concerning the Rabbit & Guinea Pig Products, which includes Hay and Rabbit Food, please E-Mail here: al@sweetmeadowfarm.com
The Sherborn Farms website was created by Lisa Hodson-Walker with contributions from Sherborn's local farms. Every effort was made to connect with all farms in town. If your farm isn't listed and you would like to be included, please send me your farm's information and a photo you would like featured. Additionally, if you have historical information and photos to add to the "Agricultural History" tab, please share those as well. If your farm is already represented, but you have updates, more details, or edits, please don't hesitate to email me and I will make those changes. Thank you.
Contact Details:
Lisa Hodson-Walker
email: lhw@silverwood-farm.com
phone: 617-645-0122