A new class designed for adults 18+ who want to grow their skills, connect with others, and learn in a hands-on, supportive environment. The Farm Friends program is an opportunity to engage in meaningful, nature-based learning while building friendships and exploring new interests.

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Led by EquiCenter's trained staff, participants will:

• Grow together: Work as a team to cultivate food crops on our teaching farm, both in the field and the greenhouse.

• Explore seasonal activities: Get involved with projects like maple syrup production, food preservation, flower growing, and beekeeping.

 

Each week, students will enjoy a variety of themed learning activities, offering unique experiences every day. Through group work and hands-on projects, participants will not only develop practical skills but also enhance their social-emotional learning and connection with others.

 

The program is designed to be flexible and inclusive, with sensory-friendly spaces and activities that can be adapted to meet each participant’s needs. Whether new to gardening, farming, or working with animals—or looking to expand knowledge—Farm Friends is a perfect way to learn, grow, and enjoy the outdoors.

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Who is this program for?

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Adults 18+

Cost: $100 / day​​

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Click here for more information

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Connect to the growing world around you even during the cold winter season!  Winter Wellness is an all-abilities friendly community class that incorporates nature-focused mindfulness & craft activities using items from our onsite farm.  Class will be held primarily indoors with short excursions outdoors during each class, so be sure to bring weather-appropriate shoes and outerwear.  Each class will include a take-home item for you to keep that will help you connect to nature throughout the week.

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Part 1: Growing a Healthy Body - Focus on the benefits of growing a garden and getting outdoors in natural spaces for your physical health. 

 

Part 2: Planting the Seed for a Healthy Mind - Plant microgreens in an active meditation focused on setting intentions and gaining awareness of our surroundings.  

 

Part 3: The Ecosystem as a Healthy Community- Consider how symbiotic relationships within natural habits contribute to a thriving ecosystem similar to how making social connections can increase our sense of community and belonging.  

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Part 4: Connecting to the Growing World Around Us - Dive deeper by practicing ways to be mindful in nature throughout the seasons and share the experience with others. 

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Who is this program for?

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Veterans ONLY​​

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Did you know EquiCenter makes maple syrup in the late winter?  You can learn about the entire process of small-scale maple sugaring including tree identification, tapping and sap collection, syrup boiling and sugaring, and maple history through the ages. 

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Part 1: Tree Identification & Tapping - Introduction to the practice and history of maple sugaring in the region, a tour of the maple stand, and demonstrations focused on tree identification and tapping.  

 

Part 2: Sap Collection-  Discussion on sap collection methods and how the weather impacts sap runs.  The group will assist with a day’s sap collection.

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Part 3: Outdoor Boiling, Reverse Osmosis, & Troubleshooting Tapping at Home - Demo and discussion of the sap boiling process with a focus on techniques to make the sugaring process more efficient.  

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Part 4: Finishing Syrup & Maple Stand Clean Up - Demo of the filtering and finishing process that makes maple sap into syrup and a syrup tasting.  

 

Part 5: Grading, Labeling, & Candy-Making - Discussion about the grading and NYS labeling requirements for syrup that is sold or distributed.  

 

Part 6: Cooking With Maple - End-of-the-season gathering will include a cooking class and lunch highlighting a variety of ways to use maple syrup in both savory and sweet recipes.

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Who is this program for?

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Adults 18+

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Cost: $300 for the series / Veterans No Charge

Learn how to select and set up an at-home growing space of any size in this 3-part workshop series.

 

Part 1: Site Selection, we'll focus on all the things to consider when picking out the location of your new growing space.

 

Part 2: Plant Selection, we'll cover considerations for selecting plants that will thrive in your unique growing space.

 

Part 3: Design & Layout, we'll introduce design theories and layout practices that can be used to maximize your growing space.

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Who is this program for?

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Adults 18+

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Cost: $150 for the series / Veterans No Charge