PLAN YOUR VISIT
Learn hands-on at a farm that never stops running.
Walnut Pond Agricultural Discovery Center provides opportunities for groups of all ages to learn about production, preservation and conservation. We have hands-on learning experiences, customized to your curriculum for elementary through high school groups. Adult and community groups are welcome, too.
Tue-Thur 9:00a.m. - 5:00p.m.
Saturdays 8:00a.m. - 12:00p.m.
Not a petting zoo. A real day of learning.
WHY BRING YOUR GROUP HERE
Hands-on experience
Real animals, real soil, real tools. Every station is something to do, not just watch.
Built around your curriculum
Pick a program that ties to your unit - conservation, production, animal science and more.
A working homestead
This farm runs every single day. Visitors see the real decisions, wins, and setbacks up close.
Right size for your group
Age-based ratios and short, rotating stations keep everyone engaged and accounted for.
WHAT YOU’LL EXPLORE
Signature programs tailored to your group.
Each visit to Walnut Pond is designed to provide an enriching educational experience for your group. Below are some examples of the curriculums we provide.
A Day in the Life on the Farm
When you are in charge of living things the day never ends, and there are really no days off. What does it take to be a farmer? Decisions, decisions, have we made the right one? Consequences for our choices and actions. The joy of farming and the heartbreak. All will be discussed in age appropriate terms. Take home items available.
From Seed to Plant to Produce
Planning for a crop is an 11 month job that involves ordering seed, building soil blocks, and starting seeds. There’s a right way, a wrong way and our way. Learn all about our process: When to transplant into larger pots, what does it mean to be organic, how we identify our plants, what is the role of a greenhouse, how to prep a garden.
The focus of this program is all on our 4 legged and 2 legged friends. Each animal has a job and serves a purchase. Learn how we prioritize animal welfare and take care of the animals from genetics and responsible breeding practices to the risks and rewards of raising livestock. A great experience for those interested in a career in animal science.
Focus on Animals
Homesteading: How do I do that?
We are a homestead on steroids. What does that mean, and how can others do that? What does being self-sufficient mean today versus what our ancestors did? Is it a good idea? Is it even possible? We will discuss all of those questions and more. Homesteading can be quite a risk, but it can also be rewarding. Real life examples are everywhere.
Great program for winter months.
Great program for winter months.
REQUEST A VISIT
Let’s get your day on the calendar
Tell us about your group and what you’re looking for. We’ll follow up to confirm your date, the modules that fit and what to expect on the day of.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Walnut Pond available for drop-in visits?
1
No. Visits are by booking only, in the windows listed above. We host 1-2 groups per week, so booking ahead matters. Please fill out the form above and we will reach out to coordinate scheduling.
How far in advance should we book?
2
The earlier the better - at least two weeks in advance. We take requests first come, first served as space allows. Once timing is locked in, we confirm by email with the logistics for the day,
About how long does a visit last?
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Typically, a visit lasts around two and a half hours. If your group desires more or less time, please let us know.
What is the largest and smallest group size?
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Our minimum group size is seven. For larger groups, the maximum depends on the season and the activities planned, so please reach out and we'll let you know what we can accommodate.
How many adult chaperones do we need?
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The number of adults required depends on the children's ages. For ages 4 to 8, one adult per 6 children; for ages 9 to 12, one adult per 8 children; and for ages 13 to 18, one adult per 10 children. These ratios keep every child well supervised and help our hands-on activities run smoothly.
What ages do you serve?
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Children ages 4 to 8, 9 to 12 and 13 to 17, and adults. We group children by age so the activities match what they can do. Four is the youngest we recommend. Younger siblings can come along, but each needs their own adult with them the whole time.
Who can visit?
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We welcome just about everyone: schools, homeschool groups, scouts, 4-H clubs, churches, adult groups, and families are all invited to visit. One note for any group of children: visitors need to be within the same age range, so our programming can be tailored to their level.