STRONG FAMILY FARM MEMBERSHIP DRIVE BEGINS

The Strong Family Farm historic agricultural and education center is launching its membership campaign.

The Strong Family farm is that yellow Dutch barn with the white Victorian farm house on West Street in Vernon. The farm has been home to all manner of farm animals, including dairy cows and turkeys, as well as seven generations of the Strong family. The farm is now being converted into a nonprofit, historic agricultural and educational center where children, individuals, families and community groups can experience an authentic family farm environment.  The community is overwhelmingly in favor of saving this beautiful farm and now is the time to demonstrate that commitment.

Membership will help support both the preservation of the farm and its activities.  The Strong farm is the only remaining, intact, family farm in Vernon. The first order of business is to preserve the barn and other animal structures and to put a new floor in the hay barn so that groups can use the barn for educational and other community events.

There have already been several events to introduce the community to the farm such as the  spring farm animal day in May accompanied by a successful “Adopt a Chicken” program.  Planned for October 2013 is another open farm day with animals, activities, vendors and locally grown produce for sale.  The fall open farm day will be held in conjunction with the second annual Strong Family Farm scarecrow contest.

Membership brochures may be downloaded at http://www.strongfarm.org  The brochures will also be available for pick up around town at various businesses and town offices.  For more information you can visit the website, email info@strongfarm.org or leave a message at (860) 874-9020.