FARM AREAS TO VISIT​

We suggest a selection of 2 areas to explore; however, you may select up to 3. Please keep in mind that if you select 3, this may require an abbreviated lesson for some topics. Instead of booking 3, consider having 2 field trips with us during the school year. During the booking process, you will see the tour options and be able to make your selections. Select experiences such as:

YAK PASTURE-Students will learn interesting facts about these incredible animals along with the benefits of their very special wool. They will enjoy giving them a pet in order to feel their very soft wool. 

OLDE ENGLISH BABYDOLL SOUTHDOWN  SHEEP-Babydoll sheep are primarily used as pets, companion animals and for their wool. Since these sheep prefer weeds over grass, they are excellent natural weed eaters and "lawn mowers". Students will lean the uses of our sheep and enjoy feeding them a treat and giving them a quick pet to feel their soft wool.

PECAN ORCHARD-Although pecan trees are native to Indiana; they are not a common site. Our pecan orchard is special because it contains more than pecan trees, we also graze our yaks and sheep in our orchard. This practice is called silvopasture and it's very exciting while providing environmental benefits. During this tour, students will learn how pecan trees are fertilized. We will explain why we have partnered with bats for pest reduction.  We will discuss the benefits of grazing yaks and sheep in our 7-acre pecan orchard. 

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PAWPAW ORCHARD-Pawpaw trees are native to Indiana, yet most people in Indiana have never heard of them! Let's change that. Pawpaw trees highlight the importance of native species in ecosystems. Our orchard has 157 pawpaw trees with 27 different varieties. We will explain the challenges and rewards of fruit cultivation. These tropical looking trees are quite the site to walk by and touch. Let's explore pawpaw growing together! 

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PERSIMMON TREES-American persimmon trees, native to Indiana, are known for their wild-life attracting fruit. Environmental factors, such as drought or nutrient deficiencies, can induce changes in flowering behaviors, potentially leading to the production of flowers that are different from what would be expected based on the tree's genetic makeup. This fact makes a persimmon tree very unique and interesting to study. 

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POND EXPLORATION-Our one-acre pond includes a micro ecosystem which is a fascinating educational tool. This ecosystem is self-sustaining while maintaining its own equilibrium. We have a small sandy area so students can access our pond water to see what is going on. This exploration will give students a hands-on, immersive learning experience about aquatic ecosytems, wildlife, and scientific concepts.

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PURPLE MARTIN BIRDS-We are home to over 100 of the most fascinating birds (end of March until July). Purple Martin birds will only eat flying insects which means they put on aerial acrobatics show daily. These unique birds do not build their own nests; it's one of the many things that we do for them. We perform nest checks (these cool birds don't mind the interaction with people) and are able to view their eggs and hatchlings. This experience is fun and educational for students of all grade levels.