Here at The Bedford Mom we love sharing about and celebrating local businesses! This month we are excited to feature The Educational Farm at Joppa Hill (EFJH), a non-profit 35 acre farm in town that offers school field trips, summer camp, family-friendly events, and more. Learn all about EFJH below!
What is The Educational Farm at Joppa Hill?
The Educational Farm at Joppa Hill (EFJH) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that operates a working farm on 35 acres of public land leased from the Town of Bedford, N.H. Open to the public every day, the farm offers a variety of programs and services designed to pass our region’s vanishing agricultural heritage to new generations. They offer garden plots, school field trips, summer camps, agricultural fairs, and other educational resources. They also serve as a trailhead for hikers, horseback riders, runners, and others who want to explore the woods between Bedford and Amherst. And they do birthday parties, too! Stop by the farm to meet the animals, explore their trails, visit the pond, have a picnic, or just enjoy the agricultural atmosphere.
Why Local Families Love the Farm
Some of the reasons families in town (and beyond) love the farm include…
- friendly animals
- scenic hiking trails
- family-friendly events
- educational field trips
- flourishing gardens
- hands-on camps
- fun birthday parties
- lively play area
- free admission
- local farm stand treats
- helpful volunteers
- winter ice skating rink
How to Support The Educational Farm at Joppa Hill
Operating the farm costs approximately $15,000 per month. Wow, that’s a lot! A healthy 1,100-pound horse will eat feed and hay/grain costing from $100 to more than $250 per month. Farm insurance is $375 per month. The dumpster costs about $165 per month. Things do sure add up quick!
The farm is a non-profit organization that relies on generous contributions from people like you to help keep the farm running. Learn about the different ways you can support the farm below!
1. Volunteer at the Farm
The Educational Farm at Joppa Hill is a volunteer endeavor. Their team of more than 50 volunteers feeds and cares for the animals every day, does most of the general upkeep, helps run fairs, and makes the farm a very special place! If you think it would be fun to volunteer at the farm, but you don’t know a lot about animals, don’t worry! They can train you — and kids, too! Learn more about the farm’s volunteer opportunities!
2. Shop the Farm’s Amazon Wish List
A great way to support the farm is to shop the farm’s Amazon wish list, which includes items that the farm currently needs. You’ll find a wide range of items on the list. Check out the farm’s Amazon Wish List!
3. Buy a Membership
In the winter of 2022, the farm brought back their membership program. You can either purchase an individual membership or a family membership. They make great birthday and Christmas gifts and come with lots of great benefits. Learn more about the farm’s membership program!
4. Host a Birthday Party
Does one of your children have a birthday coming up? Consider hosting it at the farm! Learn all about hosting birthday parties at the farm!
5. Attend Family-Friendly Events
Throughout the year, the farm hosts fun family-friendly events. Attending these events at the farm with your children is a great way to support the farm and build memories with your family. Consider inviting friends too!
6. Attend Fundraisers
The farm hosts an annual Snowball Gala, which serves as a fundraiser for the farm. This is a terrific event every year! Check out the upcoming events at the farm to see what fundraisers are coming up!
7. Donate to the Farm
When you make a donation to the farm, 100% of your donation benefits the farm. Donations are tax deductible too!
8. Purchase a Grain Cup During Your Visit
At your next visit to the farm, purchase a grain cup. This is an inexpensive way to support the farm and make your visit even more fun. The goats climb up on the fence withe excitement even just at the sight of seeing a grain cup. It will make your visit more interactive and engaging!
9. Shop in the Farm Stand
Stop by the farm stand during your next visit to explore an assortment of delicious foods and handmade crafts from local vendors. From freshly baked chocolate chip cookies to handmade wool mittens, you are sure to find something!
10. Follow the Farm on Social Media
Follow the EFJH Instagram and EFJH Facebook accounts to stay up to date on what’s happening at the farm!
11. Host a Fundraiser to Benefit the Farm
Support the farm with a small fundraiser of your own. Consider helping your child put together a lemonade stand or asking that friends donate to the farm in lieu of birthday gifts for your child.
12. Shop the Online Store
Check out the EFJH online store for T shirts, sweatshirts, and more!
13. Book an Experience
There are several different fun experiences you can book at the farm: Alpaca Walk, Alpaca Lunch, Bunny Tea Party, and Walk a Goat. We must admit that the bunny tea party is our favorite!
14. Reserve a Garden Plot in the Community Garden
Claim a garden plot in the EFJH community garden. Gardeners typically grow hundreds of dollars worth of vegetables in a season. Take this opportunity to get in the dirt and grow your own fruits, vegetables, herbs, and flowers, while also supporting the farm.
15. Interact with the Farm’s Social Media Accounts
Share farm events on social media and interact with social media posts to help spread the word about what’s happening at the farm. This is a free and easy way to support the farm!
In closing, we hope you found this post about The Educational Farm at Joppa Hill helpful! Head over to The Educational Farm at Joppa Hill’s website for more information!