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Garrett Williamson’s New Agricultural Education Department: Connecting Learners to our Natural Environment by Sheila Turner-Hilliard Photos courtesy of Rebecca McCafferty
35-year-old Flash, the Arabian Gelding enjoys meeting visitors on the farm
Did you know that Newtown Square is home to a not-so-little 240-acre hidden gem on Bishop Hollow Rd? Perhaps you’ve noticed a few cows grazing in a pasture on your way to work. Or you may have seen the sign on the side of the road that says Garrett Williamson. But have you ever wondered what is tucked back around the curve and down that long driveway? The folks at Garrett Williamson are excited to share news that will soon welcome our friends and neighbors to learn, explore and appreciate this priceless community resource. Since the mid 1980s, the Garrett Williamson preserve has been home to the Garrett’s Way Childcare and Learning Center, serving infants 6 weeks of age through kindergarten. And every summer, there’s Camp Garrett, which serves youth ages
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Up until just recently, the farmland had been leased by Penn State University, and the animals and educational programs were managed by 4-H members. 4-H is a program that partners with public universities to provide learning programs that actively engage youth in hands-on activities. While the children attending Camp Garrett and the Learning Center were able to visit the farm from time to time, most of the educational programs offered were only available to 4-H members. But things are about to change in a positive way. While the 4-H will continue to offer programs, Garrett Williamson’s Agricultural Education Director Rebecca McCafferty is excited to announce that the farmland and animals will now be cared for and managed by Garrett Williamson’s new Agricultural Education Department. “This is an opportunity for us to welcome members of our community and beyond to volunteer and learn about all forms of agriculture,” explained Rebecca. “We are planning outreach programs with our area schools and organizations as well as offering tours and many volunteer opportunities.”
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5 through 15 years. These award-winning programs take place on a beautiful 240-acre farm that raises alpacas, horses, pigs, chickens, cows and goats. This land also grows crops of fruits, vegetables and flowers, and has served as an educational space for organizations like the 4-H program.
October 2021
Kids who attend Garrett’s Way for school or camp already know how special it is to be able to visit the animals and learn about the farm. The teachers and staff work together to incorporate this into their curriculum. “We teach children about caring for and respecting our animals and our land,” Rebecca said.
