Hi Friends,
In last month's newsletter, I showed the treeline above in a wintery frost. This time I present you with the forest in its glory, as I invite you to discover the land and join us for a celebration of a remarkable achievement.
Twelve years ago, I put my name on the dotted line as the president of Swan Conservation Trust to purchase over 1000 acres of hardwood forest. There were seven volunteers on our board, and in that move we had taken on the task of raising $5000 a month in payments to the bank, a daunting endeavor. Now, $1.4 million dollars later, we are excited to announce the land is FREE and CLEAR and we will honor this triumph with a hike on the land, followed by a dinner, music and a party where we will burn the note! You're invited to join us for this momentous occasion!
April 16, 2016 is Discover Big Swan Headwaters Day, and it is also the first Open Air Market Under the Dome for 2016. It is a combination arts and crafts fair, yard sale, farmers market and all about community and good times.
Kids To The Country is simple in concept and big on making a real difference. I urge you to learn more about this project that brings together what The Farm is really about, touching hearts and changing lives.
Peace,
Douglas
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Music will start around 7 PM with the band E5, featuring the Cantrells and the Tashians.
Join us to hike Big Swan Headwaters Preserve, then stick around for dinner and live music as we celebrate paying off the land and burn the note! Arrive early to attend The Farm Market Day under the dome. We'll leave for the hike at 2 PM. Dinner will be at 6 PM at The Farm Community Center. Music will start around 7 PM with the band E5, featuring the Cantrells and the Tashians. We'll burn the note, make some toasts, and then get down with more music. It will be an event you definitely do not want to miss!
Stay tuned on Facebook for updates.
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Kids To The Country
Kids To The Country (KTC) is a program by Plenty International, a nonprofit founded by and based on The Farm, that offers at-risk urban kids the opportunity to take a break from troubled situations and develop a connection to nature through hands-on experience.
Farm School teachers, students and volunteers from around the country serve as staff, counselors and mentors to children who come to The Farm from homeless shelters, refugee centers, and low-income neighborhoods. Nearly 5000 children have participated since the program began. KTC kids spend their time riding horses and bikes, doing arts and crafts and of course, everyone's favorite, cooling off at the Swimming Hole!
KTC brings a richness of culture by forging relationships that can have a lasting effect on the lives of all who participate, including the counselors and volunteers.
Sharing, respect for the earth, and resolving conflicts, are experienced rather than taught.
It's about cooperation, and treating each other with mutual respect.
