At Crooked Pines Farm, we cherish the changing seasons and the unique joys they bring. From the first buds of spring to the cozy gatherings of winter, our little corner of the world is alive with activity, natural wonder, and opportunities to connect with the land. As a family-owned farm and education center, we’re delighted to share our passion for sustainable agriculture, outdoor exploration, and community engagement with visitors throughout the year.
Spring Awakening
As the days grow longer and temperatures rise, our fields and gardens come alive with the promise of a bountiful growing season. In the spring, we focus our efforts on planting and sowing a diverse array of vegetables, herbs, and flowers. Kids and adults alike can join us for hands-on workshops on topics like seed starting, soil preparation, and companion planting. We love to see the wonder on children’s faces as they watch their seedlings sprout and grow.
The arrival of spring also ushers in a flurry of festivals and community events. Our annual Spring Fling celebration features local music, artisan vendors, and family-friendly activities like tractor rides, egg hunts, and pollinator education stations. Visitors can also explore our nature trails and spot the first signs of life emerging from the soil and trees.
Summer Bounty
As summer takes hold, our farm transforms into a vibrant oasis of harvested crops, buzzing pollinators, and lush, verdant foliage. Our u-pick fields and vegetable stands brim with the season’s freshest produce, from juicy tomatoes and crisp cucumbers to fragrant herbs and sun-kissed berries. Families are welcome to stroll through the rows, filling their baskets with the bounty of the land.
During the summer, we also host a variety of outdoor gatherings and workshops. From picnics and stargazing parties to canning demonstrations and herbal medicine making classes, there’s always something new to discover at Crooked Pines. Our farm-to-table dinners, featuring seasonal ingredients grown on-site, are a particular highlight, allowing guests to savor the flavors of the season.
Autumn Abundance
As the days grow shorter and the air turns crisp, Crooked Pines Farm celebrates the harvest season in style. Our fields overflow with ripe pumpkins, vibrant squashes, and crunchy root vegetables, all ripe for the picking. Families can get their hands dirty during our annual Pumpkin Patch party, complete with hayrides, a corn maze, and festive photo ops.
The changing foliage also provides a stunning backdrop for our autumn events. Our Harvest Festival showcases local artisans, live music, and plenty of seasonal treats, from warm apple cider to homemade pies. Visitors can also explore our orchard, sample fresh-pressed cider, and learn about the importance of crop rotation and cover cropping in sustainable agriculture.
Winter Wonderland
As the landscape transitions into a winter wonderland, Crooked Pines Farm becomes a cozy oasis of warmth and community. During the colder months, we shift our focus to greenhouse operations, tending to our overwintering plants and planning for the season ahead. Visitors can join us for workshops on topics like seed saving, vermicomposting, and pruning.
But it’s not all work and no play. We also embrace the magical qualities of winter, hosting festive gatherings and family-friendly activities. Our annual Winter Solstice celebration, complete with a bonfire, s’mores, and caroling, is a beloved tradition. And throughout the season, our farmhouse opens its doors to guests, offering a respite from the chill with hot cocoa, homemade baked goods, and cozy fireside chats.
Farm Produce and Products
At the heart of Crooked Pines Farm is our commitment to sustainable, organic agriculture. We grow a diverse array of seasonal vegetables, herbs, and flowers using regenerative farming practices like mulching, cover cropping, and no-till cultivation. Our heirloom tomatoes, leafy greens, and fragrant herbs are staples at the local farmers’ market, where customers can connect directly with the farmers who nurtured them.
In addition to our fresh produce, we also offer a selection of value-added products, from jams and preserves to herbal tinctures and soaps. These items are crafted using ingredients harvested from our fields and workshops led by our skilled team of artisans and herbalists.
Environmental Stewardship
At Crooked Pines Farm, we believe that sustainable agriculture and environmental stewardship go hand in hand. That’s why we’ve implemented a range of eco-friendly practices to minimize our impact and promote biodiversity. Our pollinator gardens and wildflower meadows provide vital habitat for bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects, while our wetland restoration efforts help to filter runoff and support healthy aquatic ecosystems.
We also harness the power of renewable energy, with solar panels and geothermal systems providing the majority of our farm’s electricity needs. And through our composting and closed-loop systems, we strive to reduce waste and close the nutrient cycle, ensuring that our land remains fertile and productive for generations to come.
Community Outreach
As an educational farm, Crooked Pines is deeply committed to sharing our knowledge and passion with the surrounding community. Throughout the year, we offer a variety of hands-on learning opportunities for children and adults, from farm tours and nature walks to cooking classes and craft workshops.
Our school field trip program is particularly popular, allowing students to explore the wonders of the farm, learn about sustainable agriculture, and participate in engaging, curriculum-aligned activities. We also host regular volunteer days, where community members can lend a hand with tasks like planting, weeding, or trail maintenance, all while immersing themselves in the rhythms of farm life.
Beyond our on-site offerings, Crooked Pines Farm partners with local organizations to promote agritourism and community engagement. We participate in regional farm trails and open house events, giving visitors a chance to discover the unique charm and bounty of our little corner of the world. And through our community supported agriculture (CSA) program, we connect directly with families who share our passion for fresh, locally grown produce.
Whether you’re a seasoned farm enthusiast or a curious newcomer, we invite you to join us at Crooked Pines Farm as we celebrate the changing seasons and the incredible richness of the natural world. From the first blossoms of spring to the cozy gatherings of winter, there’s always something new to discover on our little slice of paradise. We look forward to welcoming you and your family to our farm, where you can connect with the land, nourish your body and soul, and create lasting memories.
