Tag Archives: drumlin farm

Drumlin Farm Friday to Friday: September 9–23

Posted on September 9, 2016 by Staff

Fall is fast approaching. We’re already noticing some leaves turning, and baby snapping turtles are making their way to our ponds. With the end of summer comes the start of school, and the urge to get outdoors and enjoy the cooler air and brilliant fall hues.

Here’s how you can soak up the new season:

Wednesday, September 14

Parents Outdoors! | Adult+Backpack Baby | 9:30 am
Get outside with your child and connect with other like-minded parents. We will walk and talk and learn about the world we live in and how truly fascinating it is.

Thursday, September 15

Fall Hawk Migration: Lecture| Adult | 7 pm
Hawks provide a number of identification challenges. Luckily, we can use general shape and behavior to categorize types of hawks. Field trip to follow on Saturday, September 17.

Friday, September 16

Kimchi at Home | Ages 12+ | 7 pm
Learn how Asian communities preserve their food using salt, garlic, and spices, sample our Drumlin Farm kimchi, and take home your own fermented project to carry you through the winter months.

Saturday, September 17

Fall Hawk Migration: Field Trip | Adult | 8 am
We’ll travel to the hawk watch on 2290-ft Pack Monadnock in Peterborough, New Hampshire. Thursday lecture recommended.

Teen Birders: Hawk Watch Birding Weekend | Teens | 9 am
We’ll head to Mt. Watatic in New Hampshire for a hike and hawk watch, then head to Wildwood for a canoe trip, birding, dinner, and smore’s. On Sunday, we’ll drive to Pack Monadnock for a hawk watch with New Hampshire Audubon.

Naturalist Walk | Adult | 1 pm
These excursions will focus on observing, exploring, and appreciating the world around us. Email [email protected] to be added to the mailing list and receive details on each walk!

Sunday, September 18

Sunday Morning Birds at Drumlin | Adult | 8 am
Drumlin Farm has a great variety of habitats and gets a mix of migrants and residents every fall. These walks are ideal for beginning birders.

Thursday, September 22

Thursday Morning Bird Walk | Adult | 7:30 am
Join us as we explore Drumlin Farm and other local hotspots in search of fall migrants.

Friday, September 23

Apple Honey Harvest | Family | 3:30 pm
Visit the bees and taste delicious honey-and-apple combinations! We’ll share stories and songs, then finish the afternoon with apple crafts.

Teen Night at Drumlin Farm | Teen | 7 pm
Explore Drumlin Farm’s trails by moonlight, stargaze at the top of the drumlin, and listen for owls and night creatures. Learn about natural history, play games, listen to music, and bring a snack to share by the fireside.

For all of our upcoming programs, visit massaudubon.org/drumlinprograms.

Summer Crops Update: Special Water Zombies Edition

Posted on August 9, 2016 by Staff

Crops Updates are written by Drumlin Farm Crops Manager Matt Celona.

Photo by Pei Ren

Call Us Water Zombies
All day long and into the night we haul barrel after barrel of the precious ichor to our plant overlords, and yet they are forever thirsty. We became Water Zombies on Saturday, when yet another round of thunderstorms decided we could do without it: “They have so much organic matter at Drumlin Farm, they can get by on humidity! Let’s go rain on a place that really needs it.” (While it’s true that our soil is very rich, we still need at least some rain to keep our crops healthy!)

We’ve started watering the tomato patch to keep this important crop from flagging. In these relentlessly sunny and hot conditions, the precipitation we had last Tuesday didn’t go far. We’re encouraged by the forecast for thunderstorms over the next several days, but we will continue to water and seed until we get a real rain.

First Watermelons in Two Years
We will begin harvesting storage onions and watermelon this week. We never watered these crops, but they still look good! The electric fence has so far kept the coyotes out of the melons. We are excited by the prospect of our first watermelon harvest in two years. We are now harvesting larger quantities of husk cherries, cherry tomatoes, and heirloom slicing tomatoes. Tomato flavors are intense this year as a result of the weather, so, if you’re a tomato lover, come to the stand today to sample one positive side of the drought.

See you in the field,
Your Water Zombies

Summer Crops Update: August 4

Posted on August 4, 2016 by Staff

FlowerinRain

Rain!
Hooray! The light rain this past weekend amounted to only 0.1 inches in Lincoln, so Monday morning’s steady rain was a welcome sight. It appears the rain has worked its way below the soil surface. We had been watering via bucket brigade and by raising the transplanter above crops and driving over the plants with the water streaming down. We’ll see how the crops hold up this week!

Bucket Brigades Brought To You By
Volunteers helped us water beans and chard last Tuesday between harvesting potatoes. Food and Farm Educator Emma led groups of campers in hand-watering flowers and string beans in the front field. The whole team, with help from many volunteers, has been working hard to water melons, strawberries, eggplant, and peppers during the drought and heat wave. Thanks to all of them for their dedication and good cheer during this stretch of extreme weather!

Living with New England Wildlife
Now it’s time to catch up on other pressing jobs like stringing tomatoes and battling pests. We installed an electric fence around our watermelon patch to keep the coyotes out. Last year, they damaged almost every watermelon! The deer have been swiftly eating sweet potato vines, too, so we’ve sprayed garlic oil on the leaves to keep them away.

_MG_6731

Flower Harvest
Farmer Jessica has been doing a fabulous job leading the Friday flower harvest and making beautiful bouquets at the Union Square Farmers Market. Many thanks to last year’s CSA coordinator Katerina for taking the time to give Jessica pointers in flower arranging. For those who remember Katerina, she is now the head flower grower at Allandale Farm.

Drumlin Farm on WBUR
Reporter Andrea Shea of WBUR is a fan of our produce and frequents the Union Square Farmers Market. It was there that she made a connection with us and reported on the effects of the drought in Massachusetts. It’s a great story to read and hear, and paints a picture of how farmers across the state are handling the dry weather.

The Farm Stand: Designed by Farmer Katie
Farmer Katie has been responsible for setting up an attractive veggie display at the farm stand, and today you can find white corn, melons, and heirloom tomatoes. Note the impressive size of the corn and tomatoes! We were never able to water these crops by hand, so all that growth is the result of minimal rain and healthy soil maintained by our sustainable growing practices.

See you in the field,
Your Farmers

Patio Dining + Drumlin Farm = Perfection

Posted on July 14, 2016 by Staff

One of the best perks of summer is when all of our favorite restaurants open their doors and break out the patio dining, serving up grilled eats, ice-cold drinks, and all the twinkle lights you can handle.

Did you know that nearly 20 restaurants in the Boston area receive produce from Drumlin Farm? And oh yes, some of them even have patio seating.

Here are four local spots that combine (what we think) is the best of summer: Patio dining and fresh Drumlin Farm produce!

The Independent | Somerville
Brunchers, get ready for an Irish breakfast, roasted beets, and baby kale salad. Sunscreen optional.

Bronwyn | Somerville
If you’re looking for a cozy, casual patio experience, stop at Bronwyn for some knödel with hakurei turnips, radicchio salat, and pickled eggs with beets.

Cambridge Brewing Company | Cambridge
The pizza specials at Cambridge Brewing Company are amazing: fig and arugula or peach and dandelion greens? One of each, please!

Brass Union | Somerville
People-watch your way through a meal at Somerville’s new Brass Union. Their brunch menu features roasted veggies, and chorizo with scallions. Pair that with coffee and orange juice and you’ll be set for the weekend.

Can’t get enough Drumlin Farm produce in your life? Feast at Moon Over Drumlin, where some of Boston’s top chefs will prepare our produce and meat to perfection. Tickets are going fast!

Drumlin Farm Beet Yogurt Dip

Posted on June 22, 2016 by Staff

Recipe by Emma Scudder, Drumlin Farm Food and Farm Educator

_MG_3203

Beet Yogurt Dip

2–3 medium cooked beets (see note)
1 cup Greek yogurt
1 garlic clove
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon maple syrup
1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
Black pepper to taste

Combine all ingredients in a food processor and blend until smooth. This dip is great with kale chips!

Note on cooking beets: Emma’s favorite way to cook beets is to wrap each beet individually in foil and roast on a sheet pan at 400 degrees for about 1 hour, or until soft. Let the beets cool before peeling.

Drumlin Farm Friday to Friday: May 20–27

Posted on May 17, 2016 by Staff

drumlin1

What a busy week ahead of us! Fill up your calendar with what’s coming up.

View the full online catalog here

Friday, May 20

Friday Evening Hayride and Campfire
4 and 6 pm | All ages
Join us for a hayride as spring moves into summer. Watch for birds flying at dusk and evening fireflies before stopping at our campfire for stories, s’mores, and a special nighttime visitor.

Teen Night at Drumlin Farm
7–10 pm | Teens
Explore Drumlin Farm’s trails by moonlight, stargaze at the top of the drumlin, and listen for owls and night creatures.

Saturday, May 21

warbler

Birding by Ear Field Trip: Wompatuck State Park
6:30 am–1:30 pm | Adults
Spring migrants and returning breeders establishing territories offer wonderful opportunities for a tremendous variety of sounds to learn and practice.

Discovery Day: Birds, Birds, Birds
10 am–4 pm | All ages
What is it about birds that makes them so fascinating? Visit our new Wildlife Blind, practice backyard bird ID with a teacher-naturalist, and meet some of our songbirds and raptors!

Sunday, May 22

Bird Banding at West Hill
7:15 am–1:30 pm | Ages 9+ w/Adult
Join us at the bird banding station at West Hill Park in Uxbridge. We will walk the net lanes and hopefully catch a variety of warblers, vireos, thrushes, flycatchers, and sparrows.

Sunday Morning Birds at Drumlin Farm
8–9:30 am | Adults
Drumlin Farm has a great variety of habitats and gets a nice mix of migrants and residents in the spring. These walks are for birders of all levels. Pre-registration is not required.

Chickadee Birders: Family Bird Walk
1–3 pm | Ages 7+ w/Adult
This Sunday afternoon offers a special opportunity to enjoy our spring migrants, especially the colorful warblers! Learn about blue bird nesting boxes and banding at Drumlin Farm.

Teen Know Your Food: Cows and Cheese
2–5 pm | Teens
During this workshop, we will visit the dairy barn to milk the cow, then return to kitchen make and sample fresh cheeses, including ricotta and mozzarella.

Tuesday, May 24

Rock-a-bye Babies
3:30–5 pm | Ages 2+ w/Adult
Make a nest-helper for our feathered friends, listen to their songs, and search for the best places to build a spring home for the birds.

Wednesday, May 25

violet2

Wild Edibles Walk
6–9 pm | Adults
Join Russ Cohen, expert forager and author of Wild Plants I Have Known…and Eaten, for a walk around Drumlin Farm to learn about at least eighteen of the tastiest wild plant species in our midst.

Thursday, May 26

Thursday Morning Bird Walk
Time TBD | Adults
Call 781-259-2200, ext. BIRD (2473) the Wednesday before each program for a recorded listing of the exact time and location. Pre-registration is not available.

Turtle Time
10–11:30 am | All ages w/Adult
Discover what these ancient creatures have to teach us. We’ll meet several of New England’s turtles and learn of their habits and habitats.

Warblers 101: Lecture
7–9 pm | Adults
More than 30 species of warblers can be found in Massachusetts during spring migration, and more than 20 regularly breed in the state. This lecture will provide a logical framework for ID and offer tips on making the most of quick, limited views. Sign up for Warblers 101: Field Trip here.

Drumlin Farm Nesting Boxes: Spring Update

Posted on May 12, 2016 by Staff

Written by Drumlin Farm intern Elizabeth R., a high school senior learning about what makes our wildlife sanctuary tick!

eggs_blog

It’s nesting season here at the farm! We have two types of nesting boxes: one made from PVC pipe and the other from wood. Trained bird monitors have been checking the boxes and seeing the nests coming along wonderfully.*

Nesting right now, we have the tree swallow in the PVC boxes—beautiful birds with green plumage that are infamous for dive bombing those that pass by (I experienced this first-hand!)! We also have eastern bluebirds nesting—their vibrant blue-green eggs make them easy to spot in the nests.

Bird boxes 2016 PS 007

Speaking of birding, yes, you guessed it—the annual Mass Audubon Bird-a-thon is coming up this weekend! Help Drumlin Farm’s team win the very prestigious title of “most species spotted in 24 hours” among Mass Audubon sanctuaries for the 11^th year in a row! Support Drumlin Farm and our birders by donating here! Ready. Set. Bird!

*Visitors shouldn’t approach the boxes, as it could be harmful for the baby birds if their nests are disrupted.

The Perks of Series Programs at Drumlin Farm

Posted on March 24, 2016 by Staff

Do you think you’re ready to take the next steps in your Drumlin Farm experience? Our series programs, which are for all ages, bring another level of immersion. How so? Well, let Carrie, one of our awesome program coordinators, tell you.

What separates a series class from a single-session class?

wildlifecaretakers Series programs allow a group to form a sense of community that’s linked to our landscape, animals, and staff. Over the course of a program, these participants start to learn Drumlin Farm’s rhythms. They work with the farm animals or wildlife, collect citizen science data, plant and harvest vegetables, eat the food we grow, and get a real sense of ownership of this place. These are the kinds of connections that make people into life-long environmental stewards.

Why is this level of immersion important?

It’s so great to explore a subject from different angles! With our Farm Apprentices program, the group focuses on the different parts of the farm and learns how they all connect—the manure from the cow’s stall becomes compost for the vegetables, the garden weeds make a great snack for the pigs, and so on. The participants also get a chance to see how things change throughout the seasons and build on their understandings from one class to the next.

Upcoming Series Programs at Drumlin Farm

Family

Family Explorations
Starting April 4 | 10–11:30 am | Ages 2+ w/Adult

Hand in Hand
Starting April 5 | 11 am–12 pm | Ages 3–4 w/Adult

Polliwogs and Frogs
Starting April 5 | 9:30–10:30 am | Ages 2 w/Adult

Tales and Trails
Starting April 5 | 10–11:30 am | Ages 3+ w/Adult

Farm Family
Starting April 5 | 3:30–5 pm | Ages 2+ w/Adult

Old MacDrumlin’s Farm
Starting April 7 | 11 am–12 pm | Ages 2+ w/Adult

Youth/Teen

Wild in Massachusetts
Saturdays starting April 2 | 10 am–2 pm | Ages 10–14

Barnyard Buddies
Tuesdays starting April 5 | 3:30–5 pm | Ages 4–6

Drumlin Detectives
Wednesdays starting April 6 | 3:30–5 pm | Ages 6–9

Afternoon Kids’ Club
Thursdays starting April 7 | 3:30–5 pm | Ages 4–6

Farmer’s Helpers
Fridays starting April 8 | 3:30–5 pm | Ages 4–6

Farm Apprentices
Fridays starting April 8 | 3:30–5 pm | Ages 10–14

Adults

Working with Wool
March 30, April 6 | 6:30–9 pm

Watercolors in the Garden
Thursdays starting June 2 | 10 am–12:30 pm

Have any questions? Give our registrar a call: 781-259-2206.