Where better to learn about nature, animals, farming, and environmental concerns than here at Stony Kill Farm? Our Mission is to teach children and their families about our rich agricultural heritage, to learn more about the farm to table movement and the environmental challenges we face. Students will engage in activity and inquiry based programs that will foster a better understanding of our mission and the importance of being good stewards of our planet. We offer programs for elementary through middle school children. We have also worked with Girl & Boy Scouts Troops of all ages, pre-schools, and can accommodate children with disabilities.
Our most popular educational experience is Operation Explore, which is open to all schools groups, grades k-6. The activities are tailored to the age of your group. Modules, described below, focus on different elements of our rich agricultural, historical and environmental programs that are conducted year- round. Bring a snack and/or your lunch and have a picnic outdoors or indoors. Please call our Program Director at 845-831-3800 to make a reservation for your school group.
MODULES:There are 4 modules that we offer. For a half-day program you pick 2, and for a full-day program you attend all 4.
Module 1: Barn Tour: Stony Kill is a working farm where students will visit with our resident livestock including our beef and dairy cattle, sheep, chickens, guinea hens, and pigs. This 1860’s barn was constructed to be open to the southeast protecting the animals from the cold north wind while maximizing the energy of the winters’ sun. In some ways the barn is an example of energy efficient technology of its era. Students will learn about our on-site livestock, where our food comes from and enjoy a hands-on interaction with our animals.
Module 2: Nature’s Recycler’s: This hands-on activity will allow students to dig into a compost bin to discover a diverse team of decomposers that work together as nature’s premier recyclers. Earthworms alongside other organisms are an essential part of the farm transforming animal waste into rich fertile soil.
Module 3: Dirty Water Stony Kill Farm is part of the Hudson River watershed and proper farming techniques are instrumental in keeping our watershed clean. Students will learn about various types of erosion, integrated pest management and waste management and how a farming practices can protect and enhance the environment. They will participate in a hands-on activity to highlight various types of water pollution.
Module 4: Honey Bees: One in every three bites we eat is the result of insect pollination. Honey bees though non-native to North America are not only used to pollinate crops but produce their own agricultural product, honey, gathered from the nectar of Stony Kill Farm. Students will learn the inner workings of the hive by observing the bees in action in our observation hive and will taste different varieties of honey.
Alternate Module 4: The Native Americans
In this module, students will learn about the Native Americans that lived at Stony Kill, the Wappinger Indigenous people. Through artifacts and historical references, they will learn about the Native American beliefs and treatment of the animals and the land. This is a perfect module for fourth grade students, as it ties in beautifully with the curriculum. This module is limited to small groups only.
Call or email us to schedule your field trip to Stony Kill Farm today!