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REDDING, Conn. New Pond Farm in Redding is a working farm that produces everything from dairy products to maple syrup and honey. But it is also a learning center where families can learn about the environment, the arts, American Indian history and even astronomy.
The 102-acre farm on Marchant Road features 25 acres of pasture and an expanse of woodlands. It hosts a variety of activities, from a summer camp for children from inner cities and local towns to a Shakespearean theater program, where children perform Taming of the Shrew and other plays on a tree island stage. Visitors learn about American Indian history from an authentic encampment that features a barked wigwam and thatched longhouse.
There are 2.5 miles of hiking trails where visitors can appreciate the woodlands as they hike past the stone farm walls amidst the oak, history, spruce and pine trees.
The farm also has an observatory perched atop a knoll on its pastures and hosts monthly programs for budding astronomers, who can use the farms telescopes to view distant planets in Reddings dark night skies. The observatory serves as a field station for Joel Barlow High School's astronomy classes.
Annual spring and fall festivals and live music events from the Paul Winter Consort and other groups take place on the farm.
Ann Taylor, executive director of the New Pond Farm Education Center, said the goal of the farm is to provide environmental education to connect people to the land so they want to protect it.
New Pond Farm offers family and individual memberships and seeks donations to support its activities. Visit www.newpondfarm.org for more information.
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