Adult and Family Programs - Natick Community Organic Farm

Adult and Family Programs at the Farm

Learning on the farm isn’t just for kids!

Whether you’re looking to grow your own food, care for your own livestock, or craft using organic and natural materials, come explore our Adult Program offerings.

We started this latest effort with a series of workshops in fall 2022, including weaving with natural materials, wreath making, and flower pressing. The Suburban Farmer Workshop Series, aimed at folks looking to sustainably and regeneratively produce more from the land they live on, will run in Spring 2023 and feature a wide range of subjects.

We plan to launch more adult programs throughout the year; to stay up to date with all farm activities, join our newsletter.

NEW IN 2023: Family Programs

Help the farmers with weekend chores or take a goat for a walk after school; we’re working to provide educational and fun opportunities at the farm for the whole family, on a schedule that works for everyone!

Family Programs

Family Farm Chores

Join our farmers on Saturday mornings and help bring breakfast to our animals. We might collect eggs, bring hay to our sheep, or feed veggies to the rabbits and pigs. Exact chores will vary based on the day, but all are designed to give families an up-close and hands-on experience caring for our livestock. We will also spend time visiting with our animals!

This program is recommended for families with children ages 5-13, and we ask that at least 1 adult attend for every 2 children. Families should wear sturdy, closed toe shoes, long pants and long sleeves that can all get a little wet and muddy. Bring work or gardening gloves if you have them, we will have some loaners available, too.

*This program is currently only available to Farm Members. Memberships start at $50 and can be purchased here: Memberships — Natick Community Organic Farm (givecloud.co)

After School Goat Hikes

UPDATE: Goat Hikes are on a brief hiatus as we get through birthing season 🙂 Check back for more dates soon!

The Natick Community Organic Farm is home to a herd of goats, plus some amazing walking trails…. its about time we put them together!

Join one of our Farmers as we take our goats on a walk through the woods, up along the aqueduct trail, and back to the farm. Learn all about what it takes to care for our flock, and how walking a goat can be very different than walking a dog!

This experience is limited to 5 guests at a time, and we ask that at least 1 adult attend for every 2 children. Groups should wear sturdy, closed toe shoes, and clothing that could get a little muddy.

*At this time, this experience is limited to Farm Members. Memberships start at $50 and can be purchased here: Memberships — Natick Community Organic Farm (givecloud.co)

Suburban Farmer Workshop Series

Soil Preparation and Health

Date & Time: Wednesday March 15, 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm

Registration: $45 per member / $50 per non-member. Class limit 20 participants

Age: All participants over 16 yrs will require their own ticket, anyone attending under 16 must be accompanied by an adult. Please note this course is not designed for children.

Location: Natick Community Organic Farm, 117 Eliot St. Natick MA 01760

When it comes to growing your own vegetables, herbs, and flowers, the health of your soil is key. In this course, Executive Director Casey will provide insight into how we test, amend and maintain healthy soil for growing, as well as how we build and produce compost. This course is a must-have for anyone who is looking to grow on their land sustainably and regeneratively!

Vegetable and Herb Growing MasterClass

Date & Time: Saturday, March 25, 9am – 10am.

Registration: $45 per member / $50 per non-member. Class limit 20 participants

Age: All participants over 16 yrs will require their own ticket, anyone attending under 16 must be accompanied by an adult. Please note this course is not designed for children.

Location: Natick Community Organic Farm, 117 Eliot St. Natick MA 01760

Growing vegetables at home is a great opportunity to work outside, connect to the land, and eat a bit healthier. Our Vegetable growers will take participants through everything they need to know to start growing healthy delicious vegetables and herbs at home, from preparing areas and starting seeds to choosing which varieties are right for you, to feeding, caring, and harvesting your plants as they grow!

Flower Growing Masterclass

Date & Time: Saturday, April 8, 9am – 10am.

Registration: $45 per member / $50 per non-member. Class limit 20 participants

Age: All participants over 16 yrs will require their own ticket, anyone attending under 16 must be accompanied by an adult. Please note this course is not designed for children.

Location: Natick Community Organic Farm, 117 Eliot St. Natick MA 01760

What sorts of things does one need to consider as they plan out their flower gardens? Learn from Flower Manager Mike as he takes participants through the process of growing beautiful and organic flowers, including cutting, harvesting and arrangements.

Backyard Birds

Date & Time: Saturday, April 29, 9am – 10am.

Registration: $45 per member / $50 per non-member. Class limit 20 participants

Age: All participants over 16 yrs will require their own ticket, anyone attending under 16 must be accompanied by an adult. Please note this course is not designed for children.

Location: Natick Community Organic Farm, 117 Eliot St. Natick MA 01760

For all those who have been curious about raising and keeping their own backyard chickens, this is the course for you! Learn from Farmer Haley as she discusses chicken breeds, brooding, raising and the ideal setups to keep your chickens happy and healthy.

Pre-orders for chicks are available on our website if you would like to start or expand your coops with Chicks after this class. Chick Pre Order Here.

Integrated Pest Management

Date & Time: Saturday, May 6, 9am – 10am.

Registration: $45 per member / $50 per non-member. Class limit 20 participants

Age: All participants over 16 yrs will require their own ticket, anyone attending under 16 must be accompanied by an adult. Please note this course is not designed for children.

Location: Natick Community Organic Farm, 117 Eliot St. Natick MA 01760

Pests (and how to deal with them) are something that all food and flower growers come across. In this course we’ll discuss some of the methods we use at the farm, especially for our certified-organic vegetable and flower programs, to discourage and prevent pest infestations.