New Pond Farm: A Living Classroom

Imagine a place where a child can meet a calf, explore what’s living in a pond, learn where food comes from, try their hand at cooking or theater — and simply have the freedom to be curious.

That place is closer than you might think.

Just minutes from Weston, New Pond Farm Education Center is 102 acres of pastures, wetlands, woodlands and working farmland in West Redding. Here, nature isn’t something you simply observe — it becomes a living classroom and a place for people of all ages to learn, explore and connect.

For more than 40 years, New Pond Farm has connected the community with the natural world through agriculture, education and conservation. Today, more than 10,000 children, teens, adults and seniors visit annually, making the farm a place where generations come together and new experiences are always waiting.

Find Something New This Fall

Fall is one of the most exciting times to experience New Pond Farm — and registration is now open for a full lineup of classes and programs for children, teens and adults.

Young children can get their hands dirty, meet the farm animals and discover the natural world, while elementary and middle school students can take part in favorite after-school farm programs. Farm to Table Kids brings agriculture into the kitchen, helping children make the connection between what grows on the farm and what ends up on their plates.

This fall also brings new theater and improv opportunities for elementary and middle school students, offering creative ways to build confidence, encourage self-expression and have fun with others.

And the learning isn’t just for kids. Adults can explore cooking and other enrichment programs that bring people together around shared interests and new experiences.

With programming for ages 18 months to 80+, more than 3,300 annual registrations and over 1,000 hours of enrichment learning each year, New Pond Farm truly offers something for every generation.

Whether you’re looking for an after-school activity, a new experience for your child or a class of your own, fall is the perfect time to discover what’s happening at the farm. Registration is open now, so explore the lineup and find the program that’s right for you or your family

Run, Explore & Celebrate

Classes are just one reason to visit this fall.

On Saturday, September 26, New Pond Farm welcomes the community for the Hayfield Hustle & Family-Friendly Oktoberfest. The Children’s Sap Run begins at 9:30 a.m., followed by 5K and 5-mile races winding through the farm’s scenic hayfields, rolling pastures and trails.

Then, beginning at 1 p.m., the celebration continues with live music, hayrides, food, children’s activities and an afternoon of family fun. Not a runner? No problem — come for Oktoberfest and enjoy the farm.

Learning Comes to Life

Throughout the year, New Pond Farm serves more than 5,000 students through field trips and special programs that bring science, agriculture, nature and history to life. More than 1,000 of those students come from underserved communities, with programs reaching schools throughout Fairfield, New Haven, Litchfield and Westchester counties.

And because New Pond Farm is a real working farm, those lessons are happening all around them.

Each year, the farm produces approximately 6,000 gallons of milk, 700 gallons of yogurt, 800 dozen eggs and 3,000 bales of hay. Its dairy operation has earned recognition as a Connecticut Dairy Farm of Distinction.

These working fields, barns and animals give visitors a firsthand look at where food comes from while helping them understand the connection between agriculture, conservation and caring for the land. It’s an experience at the heart of New Pond Farm’s mission to inspire and educate each generation to become stewards of the land.

Make New Pond Farm Part of Your Year

For those who want to stay connected beyond a single class or visit, membership provides another way to become part of the New Pond Farm community while supporting its educational, agricultural and conservation work.

Come for a class. Run through the hayfields. Meet the animals. Cook something new. Try theater or improv. Spend an afternoon outdoors. Or simply discover a place you didn’t know was right around the corner.

New Pond Farm is a working farm, an outdoor classroom and a community gathering place — all on 102 beautiful acres being cared for today and protected for generations to come.

This fall, come discover New Pond Farm — and find your reason to return.

New Pond Farm Education Center
101 Marchant Road, West Redding, Connecticut

Fall registration is now open, and popular programs can fill quickly. Explore the full lineup of classes and programs, register for the Hayfield Hustle and learn more about membership at NewPondFarm.org.