Join us on the Farm this Fall!
Fall is a wonderful time to visit Gifford Farm. The leaves are turning on the beautiful drive through Fontenelle Forest to reach the Farm. The crops are high and ready for harvest. The farm gardens are full with pumpkins on the hill, gourds in the tunnel, green beans on the bean tipi and tomatoes, peppers, onions, garlic and herbs in pizza garden.
There are so many activities to engage our students and to provide opportunities for families to share the farm experience!
School field trips in the fall not only show children the animals on the farm and help them to learn about the role of the farmer, they have the opportunity to experience an old-fashion family farm. Each class enjoys a fall hayride as well. The tractor pulled hayrack takes them into the cropland to see just what is growing out there and what the uses of that corn or soy bean crop will be.
Other field trips include; The Outdoor Nature Classroom wherein our younger students play and learn in nature. Students in 3rd through 6th grade enjoy our Friends of Discovery program as they walk in the footsteps of Lewis and Clark in our 1804 encampment visiting the tipi, cabin, fort and Discovery Center, as well as a hands-on lesson in our one-room schoolhouse on the important discoveries made during that historical journey. More history is experienced by 2nd through 6 graders in our program, The Living History of the Plains. Students become the children of the pioneer era, performing chores in the cabin, loading the family wagon at the fort, taking a journey on the Underground Railroad, learning about the lives of Native American children, and sharing a one-room classroom experience using chalk and slate. The Animals on The Go program shares both the small exotic animals of our world and the farm animals with students of all ages. Team Challenge, our low ropes challenge course is set in place to help students, 3rd grade through High School, or adults, to build teamwork skills.
Beyond field trips for students, families can visit the Farm! Our Fall Festival, September 16th and 17th, treats families to pony rides, hayrides, animal visits, our STARLAB Planetarium, Fontenelle Nature Center Raptors, old time vendors, raffles, food booths and more. Again on October 21st, we invite families back to the farm to trick or treat with the animals. Wear your costumes!
So, put on those boots and overalls and come on down to the farm for a day of old-fashioned farm fun!
