This article appears as part of Hawthorne Valley’s 2024 Annual Impact Report: The Biodiversity Edition. We invite you to explore the full report and learn more about our work to renew soil, society, and self through the integration of education, agriculture, and the arts here.
Hawthorne Valley Farm thrived as a hub for education, community building, and environmental stewardship. In 2024, the team reflected on their efforts to connect with learners of all ages, welcome the community, and steward the land for future generations.
The farm played a vital role in cultivating agricultural knowledge and career pathways for youth and adults alike. High school students from Hawthorne Valley School were integral to daily operations. Thomas, for instance, started as a volunteer three years ago and eventually transitioned to a paid role. He was occasionally spotted cracking garlic—not as part of his job but simply because he enjoyed being part of the farm’s environment. Similarly, Mateo and Oliver began through practicum and community service opportunities, exploring roles across the farm. By the end of the year, Oliver worked in livestock, demonstrating the range of skills young participants developed.
The farm’s reach extended beyond local youth. Kaela, a Bard College student in Environmental Studies, worked on Fridays at the farm, while earlier in the year, Williams College students participated in a winter elective on dairy farming. The Climate Farm School, an adult education initiative, brought individuals transitioning into agriculture to learn and contribute. These partnerships highlighted the farm’s role as a center for lifelong learning and mentorship. Notably, three apprentices returned for a second year, and two transitioned into staff roles, continuing a tradition of fostering careers in sustainable agriculture.
The farm’s connection with the local community remained a cornerstone of its mission. Through an open-campus policy, visitors walked laneways, visited the herd, or simply spent time outdoors, fostering a sense of belonging. Events like the annual Chatham Area Farm Tour invited locals to learn about our farming practices, often drawing people who had lived nearby their whole lives but were visiting the farm for the first time.
Hands-on “community days” provided another way to connect. Families and individuals helped with tasks like harvesting squash, clipping garlic, and planting crops, leaving with boxes of produce and a deeper appreciation for the rhythms of farm life. These days were particularly popular with new parents from the HVS school community, offering a meaningful way to engage beyond traditional routines.
This year brought significant progress in biodiversity management and climate adaptation. The team planted trees along laneways to create hedgerows, enhancing habitat restoration and reducing erosion. Improved rotational grazing strategies balanced animal welfare with sustainable land use, while eco-friendly upgrades like new laneways, cow brushes, and stanchions optimized workflows and cow health.
Soil health also saw remarkable improvements. By emphasizing cover cropping and allowing more land to rest, the farm enhanced fertility and moisture retention. These efforts earned high marks in a Cornell Soil Health Assessment. Deer fencing installed earlier in the year bolstered crop yields, significantly improving harvests and team morale.
High tunnels for vegetable production optimized water use and boosted yields per square foot, aligning with National Conservation Practice Standards (NRCS). Collectively, these initiatives strengthened the farm’s commitment to sustainability and resilience.
Hawthorne Valley Farm cultivated not only crops but enduring relationships and a shared sense of purpose. Through education, community outreach, and environmental stewardship, the farm wove a vibrant narrative of collaboration, learning, and sustainability. Each initiative, from planting trees to mentoring new farmers, reinforced the farm’s place as a vital part of the region’s cultural and ecological fabric.
by The Farm Team
