VERNON — Snow may still be on the ground, but spring is in the air at the Strong Family Farm, which is rolling out a number of seasonal events for the public to enjoy.
The farm, located at 274 West St., has been in the Strong family for more than seven generations. Incorporated as a nonprofit historical agriculture and education center in 2013, the farm is known for their classes, lectures, and other such learning opportunities.
On April 7, the farm will host a volunteer workday focused on “spring cleaning” to prepare the farm for visitors and get ready for the annual Chicken Run. Volunteers will work from 9 a.m. to noon and finish the day with a potluck lunch. Volunteers are asked to bring their favorite dish to share.
The cleanup will leave the farm in prime condition for its 5th annual Chicken Run, which takes place the following day, on April 8. The 5K run also offers a 2-mile walk, and a ¼ mile children’s race.
Also on April 8, the baby chicks for the farm’s annual Backyard Chicken Program will arrive and be introduced to the community.
The program — formerly known as the adopt-a-chicken program — is a weekly class that aims to teach children about chicken care and understand where food comes from. It was born out of the realization that many children think grocery stores produce eggs.
While the chicks arrive in April, the program doesn’t actually begin until June and runs through to September. Enrollment is limited, so those interested should sign up by May 19.
For those who want to support Strong Farm, but are not interested in a hands-on experience, the farm will be selling produce and holding a raffle at the Greater Vernon Holistic Health Fest, April 7 and 8, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., at Vernon Center Middle School, 777 Hartford Turnpike.
More information about the farm and its programs can be found at:
Jackie Nappo 