At Crooked Pines Farm, we’re passionate about connecting families with the wondrous diversity of farm life. From the gentle herd of dairy goats grazing in lush pastures to the spirited heritage turkeys strutting through the orchard, our animal residents are the heart and soul of our working farm.
Domestic Farm Animals: Our 10-acre property is home to an ever-growing menagerie of beloved farm creatures. The friendly Jersey cows in the dairy barn produce rich, creamy milk that we transform into artisanal cheeses and yogurt. Our Nubian goats with their trademark long, floppy ears delight visitors with their playful antics, while our Dorking chickens lay an abundance of vibrant, flavorful eggs. We also have a small flock of Narragansett turkeys, a heritage breed known for its striking iridescent plumage and exceptional meat quality.
Wild Visitors: Beyond our domestic animals, Crooked Pines Farm attracts a diverse array of wild creatures that thrive in our pesticide-free, habitat-rich environment. Flitting among the native wildflowers and pollinator-friendly plants, you might spot a resplendent ruby-throated hummingbird or a graceful eastern bluebird. Overhead, red-tailed hawks and great horned owls soar, keeping a watchful eye on the surrounding woodlands. At dusk, curious white-tailed deer sometimes wander to the field edges, while fireflies emerge to put on a dazzling bioluminescent display.
Unique Breeds: We take great pride in preserving rare and heritage livestock breeds on our farm. Our flock of Icelandic sheep, for example, originated in the isolated island nation and are prized for their hardy constitutions, dual-purpose wool and meat, and distinctive horned appearances. We also keep a small herd of Tamworth pigs, an ancient British breed known for its excellent foraging abilities, thick copper-red coats, and exceptional flavor. By safeguarding these unique animals, we’re doing our part to conserve agricultural biodiversity.
The Enchanting Environment
Crooked Pines Farm is situated in a picturesque pocket of rolling hills, meandering streams, and lush, mature forests. This idyllic pastoral landscape provides an ever-changing canvas for our animal residents to thrive.
Pastoral Landscapes: Verdant pastures dotted with grazing livestock, rustic barns and outbuildings, and weathered split-rail fences create a timeless, bucolic setting. Winding trails weave through towering maple, oak, and pine trees, leading to hidden glades and tranquil ponds teeming with aquatic life. Fruit-laden apple and pear orchards offer shady respite, their branches often laden with nesting eastern bluebirds and American robins.
Lush Vegetation: Beyond our cultivated fields and orchards, Crooked Pines Farm boasts an abundance of diverse native flora. Delicate wildflowers like wild geranium, columbine, and trillium carpet the woodland floors, while towering ferns, mosses, and lichens cling to weathered tree trunks and boulders. Vibrant native shrubs, including serviceberry, winterberry, and highbush blueberry, provide vital food and shelter for an array of pollinators and songbirds.
Serene Ambiance: The overall atmosphere at Crooked Pines Farm is one of serene tranquility, where the soothing sounds of running water, rustling leaves, and birdsong create a restorative, nature-immersed experience. Visitors often remark on the restorative qualities of simply observing our animals at peace, whether it’s the goats contentedly chewing their cud or the Jersey cows lazily swishing their tails in the shade.
Sustainable Farming Practices
At Crooked Pines Farm, we are deeply committed to responsible, ethical, and ecologically-minded agricultural practices that prioritize the wellbeing of our animals and the health of the surrounding environment.
Organic Cultivation: Our pastures, fields, and orchards are maintained using 100% organic methods, free of harmful synthetic pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers. Instead, we rely on time-honored techniques like cover cropping, mulching, and companion planting to nourish the soil and manage weeds and pests. This not only ensures the purity and nutritional value of our crops, but also safeguards the delicate pollinator populations that are essential to a thriving farm ecosystem.
Animal Welfare: The comfort and care of our animals is of the utmost priority at Crooked Pines Farm. Our livestock live active, natural lives with ample space to roam, forage, and engage in instinctive behaviors. We never confine our animals to cramped enclosures, and our humane slaughter practices ensure a peaceful, stress-free end of life. By honoring the intrinsic dignity of each creature, we uphold the fundamental principles of compassionate conservation.
Environmental Stewardship: Beyond our sustainable agricultural practices, we actively work to preserve and enhance the natural habitats surrounding our farm. We’ve established wildlife corridors that allow free movement of species like white-tailed deer, red foxes, and a diverse array of birds. Our expansive riparian buffers along waterways filter runoff, prevent erosion, and provide critical refuge for aquatic life. In doing so, we strive to be responsible stewards of the land, nurturing its ecological balance for generations to come.
Educational Opportunities
At the heart of Crooked Pines Farm is a deep commitment to educating both children and adults about the wonders of sustainable agriculture, farm nature exploration, and the essential role that farms play in supporting thriving local ecosystems.
Hands-on Experiences: Throughout the seasons, we offer a variety of interactive, hands-on learning opportunities for visitors of all ages. Children can help bottle-feed orphaned lambs and kids, collect freshly laid eggs from the chicken coop, and learn about the life cycle of butterflies in our pollinator garden. Budding gardeners can get their hands dirty helping to plant, weed, and harvest in our organic vegetable beds and herb spiral.
Interactive Workshops: Our educational programming extends beyond the farm with a robust schedule of workshops and classes led by our knowledgeable staff. Topics range from seed starting and composting to beekeeping and cheesemaking. Families can also join us for guided nature trails, where they’ll discover the hidden world of birds, insects, and other wildlife that call Crooked Pines home.
Community Outreach: As an integral part of our local community, we regularly host events and activities that bring people together to celebrate the joys of farm life. From seasonal festivals featuring live music, farm-to-table cuisine, and family-friendly activities to educational field trips for schools and youth groups, we strive to inspire a deeper appreciation for sustainable agriculture and the natural world.
Whether you’re a seasoned farm enthusiast or simply curious to learn more, we welcome you to explore the enchanting world of Crooked Pines Farm. Come discover the profound connection between healthy land, thriving animals, and vibrant communities. As you wander our trails, observe our animals, and immerse yourself in the rhythms of farm life, we’re confident you’ll leave with a renewed sense of wonder and a greater understanding of the vital role that small, diversified farms play in nurturing both people and planet. Visit us today!
