For over a century, Crooked Pines Farm has woven itself into the fabric of our local community. What started as a simple family homestead has blossomed into a thriving, diversified farm that focuses on sustainable agriculture, environmental stewardship, and hands-on outdoor learning experiences for all ages. As the current stewards of this land, we are honored to carry on the legacy of those who came before us and to nurture the next generation of young naturalists.
Farm Overview
History of Crooked Pines Farm
The story of Crooked Pines Farm dates back to the 1890s, when our great-grandparents purchased the original 50-acre parcel and began cultivating the land. Over the decades, the farm has expanded to its current 125 acres, with a diverse combination of fields, forests, wetlands, and winding streams. While the landscape has evolved, the core values of sustainability, community, and a deep connection to the natural world have remained steadfast.
Farm Operations and Management
Today, Crooked Pines Farm is a diversified operation, producing a wide variety of fruits, vegetables, herbs, eggs, and value-added products. We utilize organic and regenerative farming practices, focusing on soil health, biodiversity, and closed-loop nutrient cycling. Our herd of heritage breed chickens and sheep provide both meat and fiber, while our apiary supplies us with honey and beeswax. We also manage 50 acres of mixed hardwood and pine forests, harvesting timber selectively and sustainably.
Sustainable Practices
Sustainability is at the heart of everything we do at Crooked Pines Farm. We strive to minimize our environmental impact through composting, cover cropping, no-till cultivation, and the use of renewable energy sources, such as solar panels and a small-scale hydroelectric system. Preserving the long-term productivity and ecological integrity of our land is of the utmost importance.
Outdoor Education Programs
Nature Exploration Activities
One of the core pillars of Crooked Pines Farm is our commitment to outdoor education and environmental stewardship. We offer a variety of nature exploration programs for children and families, allowing them to immerse themselves in the wonders of the natural world. From guided forest walks and wetland hikes to stream studies and wildlife tracking expeditions, our experienced educators help participants develop a deeper understanding and appreciation for the ecosystems that surround them.
Environmental Stewardship Workshops
In addition to our nature exploration activities, we host a range of educational workshops that focus on sustainable living, gardening, and environmental stewardship. These hands-on sessions cover topics such as seed starting, composting, pollinator-friendly landscaping, and the importance of biodiversity. By empowering participants with practical skills and knowledge, we aim to inspire them to become active stewards of the land.
Youth Engagement Initiatives
Crooked Pines Farm is particularly passionate about engaging young people in outdoor learning experiences. We partner with local schools and youth organizations to offer field trips, summer camps, and after-school programs that immerse children in the natural wonders of the farm. Through interactive activities, citizen science projects, and service-learning opportunities, we foster a deep sense of wonder, curiosity, and environmental responsibility in the next generation of caretakers.
Nurturing Young Naturalists
Fostering Curiosity and Wonder
At the heart of our outdoor education programs is a deep commitment to fostering curiosity and wonder in the natural world. We believe that by sparking a child’s innate sense of fascination, we can cultivate a lifelong love of learning and a deep respect for the environment. Our educators use a range of inquiry-based teaching methods, encouraging participants to ask questions, make observations, and explore the farm’s diverse habitats with a spirit of adventure.
Hands-on Learning Experiences
Rather than relying on passive information delivery, we prioritize hands-on learning experiences that allow participants to actively engage with the natural world. Whether it’s planting seeds in the vegetable garden, collecting data for a citizen science project, or creating nature-inspired crafts, our programs are designed to be tactile, collaborative, and truly transformative.
Connections to the Natural World
Ultimately, our goal is to help young naturalists develop a strong, personal connection to the land and the web of life that it supports. By immersing them in the sights, sounds, and sensations of the farm, we hope to inspire a deep sense of belonging and stewardship. Through shared experiences, storytelling, and guided reflection, we encourage participants to see themselves as an integral part of the natural community, rather than as mere observers.
Experiential Learning Approach
Interdisciplinary Curriculum Design
Our outdoor education programs at Crooked Pines Farm are rooted in an interdisciplinary approach that seamlessly integrates concepts from science, history, art, and more. By drawing connections across academic disciplines, we help participants understand the complex, interconnected nature of the natural world. For example, a farm nature exploration might incorporate botany, ecology, Native American history, and creative writing.
Inquiry-based Teaching Methods
Rather than simply lecturing, our educators employ inquiry-based teaching methods that encourage active participation and independent discovery. We prompt participants with thought-provoking questions, guide them through observation and data collection, and facilitate reflective discussions that allow them to make their own connections and draw their own conclusions.
Collaborative Learning Environments
Throughout our programs, we foster collaborative learning environments that emphasize teamwork, communication, and collective problem-solving. Whether it’s designing a pollinator garden, constructing a bird house, or planning a farm-to-table meal, participants learn to work together, share ideas, and leverage the diverse perspectives and abilities within the group.
We hope that through these immersive, experiential learning opportunities, the young naturalists who visit Crooked Pines Farm will develop a deep, lifelong connection to the natural world. By nurturing their curiosity, empowering them with knowledge and skills, and inspiring them to become active stewards of the land, we aim to cultivate the next generation of environmental champions. We invite you and your family to join us on this journey of discovery, wonder, and connection to the land.
