New Pond Farm Education Center

April Astronomy Night – Viewing the Night Sky
2025-04-05 20:15 - 21:15 (America/New_York)
Join our knowledgeable team of volunteer astronomers on Astronomy Hill for views of constellations, star clusters, planets, and more!
Gaze through telescopes, hear stories about the stars, watch a short slide presentation, ask deep questions, and connect with other night sky enthusiasts.
This is an outdoor program, please dress for the weather and be prepared for a short walk from the parking lot out to the Observatory.
This program is:$10 per Member,$12 per Non-member

Old Fashioned Easter Egg Hunt
2025-04-12 11:00 - 12:00
This program is full, but we are taking a waiting list
Bundle up for one of the most egg-citing events on the farm! Children from toddlers to teens will “hunt” our beautiful pastures and gardens for hand-dyed eggs. Different areas for each age group and great prizes for all! Please bring a basket and dress for an early spring (aka muddy) farm.
Reserved for NPF Members!
Space is limited.
$15 per child
Please Register Here for the Wait List

April Farm Chores
2025-04-19 14:30 - 15:30
This program is full, but we are taking a waiting list
Dress for the outdoors and join farmers Mike or Rachel as they complete daily farm chores. Get a first-hand look at everything it takes to keep our chickens, sheep, and cows happy and healthy.
Reserved for NPF Members!
$15 per family
Registration required.
Please Register Here for the Wait List

Peeper Patrol
2025-04-25 19:00 - 20:30, 2025-04-26 19:00 - 20:30
This program is full, but we are taking a waiting list
Put on your rubber boots and grab your flashlight,we are going out to look for amphibians! This annual event is great fun for the whole family. We will search the edges of the marsh and surrounding wetlands for spring peepers, green frogs, pickerel frogs, and more!
Reserved for NPF Members!
$15 per family
Please Register Here for the Wait List

Bio Blitz
2025-04-26 07:00 - 19:00
The 2025 BioBlitz and City Nature Challenge was a huge success!Thank you to everyone who came out to help us inventory our 102-acres of woodland, meadow, pond, marsh, and stream.We had 685 observations and 234 species identified! Wow! You can see everything that was found here: iNaturalist: 2025 BioBlitz

Join an enthusiastic group of scientists and staff as we work to inventory the biological diversity of our woodlands, pond, marsh and stream. Help us better understand the local flora and fauna that are found in each habitat by making observations and sharing them through the iNaturalist app. In the process gain skills and knowledge that will lead to a deeper connection with the natural world.
Please check back for the schedule of discussions on:Amphibians (7 a.m.)BirdsPlants (8:30 a.m.)Dragonflies and other Life Around the Pond (9 a.m. – 12 p.m.)Mushroom Hunting (9:30 a.m.)Butterflies & Other Insects (12 – 4 p.m.)
Rain or Shine!No Registration Required!

What is a BioBlitz?A bioblitz is a community-based effort to document the biodiversity of a specific area within short period of time, typically 12-24 hours. it involves both scientists and citizen scientists working together to identify and record as many species as possible.
Why hold a Bioblitz?A bioblitz aims to assess the biodiversity of an area, raise the public’s awareness of the plants, animals, fungi, and other organisms present in the local community, generate data that can contribute to scientific understanding, and encourage community involvement in scientific research.
What will participants be doing during the BioBlitz?
Bioblitz participants will be exploring New Pond Farm’s woodlands, wetlands, meadows, and pastures observing and documenting all the wild species they find. To document a species, participants will snap a photo of the organism and upload it to the iNaturalist app on their phones.

Participants can also participate by going into the iNaturalist app and identifying theirs and others observations.

What will I need to bring?
A bioblitz is an outdoor event. Dress for the weather and wear sturdy footwear to navigate the uneven terrain of the trails and pasture.

Someone in your group will need a phone with the iNaturalist app already downloaded on it. We will have volunteers available to help teach you how to use the app.

We encourage everyone to bring a drink and their favorite snacks. There may be some light refreshments available during the event.

Feel free to bring along guidebooks and other identification guides. We will also have some available to share. But don’t worry if you don’t know what something is! We really need you to make the observations. There will be professional and amateur scientists working with you throughout the day to help spot species and verify identifications.

What is iNaturalist?
iNaturalist is a community-powered website and app that enables users to document, upload, share, and identify their observations in the natural world.
The app can be downloaded from the Apple AppStore or through GooglePlay

Why I should participate?
A bioblitz is fun! Spend the day outdoors exploring the diverse habitats on New Pond Farm’s property. You can learn about new species, connect with local conservationists and nature experts, provide valuable data to enhance environmental stewardship, and connect with the natural world around you.

OPEN DAY
2025-04-26 10:30 - 13:00
Rain or Shine!
Interested in becoming a member, or just want to learn more about what we have to offer? Come enjoy the stunning landscape, the fascinating history, the diverse habitats, the varied wildlife, the multitude of educational opportunities, and the warm and welcoming staff.
Attendees will have the opportunity to explore the property, visit with the animals, sample delicious dairy products, and connect with members of our staff and Board.
No Registration Required!

OPEN DAY
2025-05-18 10:30 - 13:00, 2025-06-07 10:30 - 13:00, 2025-10-05 11:00 - 14:00
Interested in becoming a member, or just want to learn more about what we have to offer? Come enjoy the stunning landscape, the fascinating history, the diverse habitats, the varied wildlife, the multitude of educational opportunities, and the warm and welcoming staff.
Attendees will have the opportunity to explore the property, visit with the animals, sample delicious dairy products, and connect with members of our staff and Board.
No Registration Required!

May Astronomy Night – Viewing the Night Sky
2025-05-03 20:30 - 21:30

Mother’s Day Nature Walk
2025-05-10 14:00 - 15:00
Join us while we celebrate mom on a leisurely hike around the Farm. This walk is open to moms or grandmas who wish to spend some quality time with their children while enjoying the beauty of nature.
This program is:$10 per member family,$15 per non-member family
Registration required.

May Farm Chores
2025-05-11 14:30 - 15:30
Dress for the outdoors and join farmers Mike or Rachel as they complete daily farm chores. Get a first-hand look at everything it takes to keep our chickens, sheep, and cows happy and healthy.
Reserved for NPF Members!
$15 per family
Registration required.
Please Register Here

Gardening Drop-In
2025-05-18 14:00 - 16:00, 2025-06-08 14:00 - 16:00
Stop by New Pond Farm’s vegetable garden to learn some of the many ways you can grow food for you and your family. Come just to observe and ask questions, or get your hands dirty and help out.
Free
No Registration Required

World Turtle Day Celebration -Animal Meet and Greet
2025-05-23 14:00 - 15:00, 2025-05-23 16:00 - 17:00
This program is now full, but we are taking a waiting list
Join us in a celebration of the world’s turtles. Come meet our resident turtles and tortoises, learn what makes each special, and make a simple turtle craft.
Free.
Registration required
Please Register Here for the Wait List

Family Campout
2025-05-24 18:00 - 2025-05-25 11:00
Join us for a fun-filled evening that includes a night hike, treats around the campfire, night sky viewing, and a celebration of our nocturnal neighbors! Wake up with the sunrise, then join our farmers for morning chores, followed by a light breakfast.
Reserved for NPF Members!
$80 per family
Space is limited
Please Register Here

June Astronomy Night – Viewing the Night Sky
2025-06-07 21:00 - 22:00

Earth Art
2025-06-14 11:00 - 17:00
Come to the farm for an unforgettable afternoon at the farm creating earth friendly artwork using only the elements of nature and our bare hands and imaginations!

Check in at the Learning Center to learn about the Earth Art movement and our guidelines, then set out to explore the farm’s habitats including the stream and pond, hillside and meadows, marshes and woodlands.

As you gather your materials in a way that doesn’t harm the environment, create a beautiful ephemeral work of art by using patterns, color and contrasts. You will use no tools or man-made supplies. Materials will include only leaves, soil and stones, twigs, seeds and weeds that the land has to offer that day.

Following completion, document your artwork with photos to upload to our Facebook page.

This activity is self guided. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Sorry, no dogs are allowed for the safety of all.

No Registration Required!

Father’s Day Nature Walk
2025-06-14 14:00 - 15:00
Join us while we celebrate dad on a leisurely hike around the Farm. This walk is open to dads or grandpas who wish to spend some quality time with their children while enjoying the beauty of nature.
This program is:$10 per member family,$15 per non-member family
Registration required.
Please Register Here

Fall Equinox Family Campfire
2025-09-22 17:00 - 18:00
This program is full, but we are taking a waiting list
Celebrate the Fall Equinox with an inviting campfire, farm fresh chocolate milk and tasty treats. As summer officially comes to an end, we will gather with family and reflect on the changing seasons.
Members only!
This program is:Free.
Registration required.
Please Register Here

Telescope Clinic
2025-10-04 18:45 - 20:15
Join our knowledgeable team of volunteer astronomers for a hands-on telescope clinic. Learn the basics of how telescopes work. Bring your own scope and our team of astronomers will help you get it up and running. If your telescope requires batteries, please make sure they are fresh and if your scope comes with a manual, bring it along (if you have it). We will set up in the parking lot in front of the Learning Center.
This program is:Free for member families,$10 for non-member families.
Registration required.
Please Register Here

October Family Farm Chores
2025-10-12 14:30 - 15:30
This program is now full, but we are taking a waiting list
Dress for the outdoors and join farmers Mike and Rachel as they complete daily farm chores. Get a first hand look at everything it takes to keep our chickens, sheep and cows happy and healthy. After watching the milking process you might consider visiting the Dairy Annex to take home a delicious after-chores dairy treat.
Members only!
This program is:$10 per family
Registration required.
Please Register Here for the Wait List

Harvest Festival
2025-10-18 11:00 - 15:00
Join us for an exciting day on the farm amidst the beautiful fall foliage. This fantastic family event will include historical demonstrations such as broom making and blacksmithing. There will be livestock encounters including sheep shearing, cow judging, visits with our calves, and a closeup view of our fascinating honeybees in their observation hive.
Sip hot apple cider and enjoy other tasty treats. Try your hand at harvest crafts, and so much more!
Our Special Guest:
Brian Bradley with Skyhunters in Flight
1:30 – 2:30 p.m.
Brian returns with his spectacular falcons, hawks, and owls to demonstrate their glorious adaptations and hunting skills as they soar and dive over the pastures!
$10 per carload (includes parking and many free activities)
There will be small fees for craft tickets and food.
No Registration required. Please, no dogs.
MORE DETAILS

National Reptile Day - Animal Meet and Greet
2025-10-25 13:00 - 14:00
Join us in a celebration of the world’s reptiles. Come meet some of our resident turtles, snakes, and lizards and learn what makes each of them special.
This program is:Free for members!$10 per non-member family
Registration required.
Please Register Here

Evening Woodland Walk (5pm)
2025-10-25 17:00 - 18:00
This section is full, but we have space at 6:30pm
Join our guides as you wind your way through our enchanted woodlands learning about fascinating furred and feathered nocturnal neighbors including skunks, raccoons, owls, and foxes. Test your own nighttime hunting abilities through a series of family-friendly activities. And enjoy a mid-walk break at our inviting campfire where you will be treated to farm fresh hot chocolate and tasty treats.
Recommended for children 12 and under. All children must be accompanied by an adult.
This program is:$10 per member,$15 per non-member(children age 3 and under are free)
Registration required.
Please register for our other sections with the appropriate link below
6:30 p.m.

Evening Woodland Walk (5:30pm)
2025-10-25 17:30 - 18:30
Join our guides as you wind your way through our enchanted woodlands learning about fascinating furred and feathered nocturnal neighbors including skunks, raccoons, owls, and foxes. Test your own nighttime hunting abilities through a series of family-friendly activities. And enjoy a mid-walk break at our inviting campfire where you will be treated to farm fresh hot chocolate and tasty treats.
Recommended for children 12 and under. All children must be accompanied by an adult.
This program is:$10 per member,$15 per non-member(children age 3 and under are free)
Registration required.
Registration is now CLOSED for 5:30 p.m.,but we do have room at 6:30 p.m., please register with the link below
Please register here for 6:30
