Garrett Williamson’s New Agricultural Education Department: Connecting Learners to our Natural Environment

by Sheila Turner-Hilliard

Photos courtesy of Rebecca McCafferty

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 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 fl owers, and has served as an educational space for organizations like the 4-H program.

35-year-old Flash, the Arabian Gelding enjoys meeting visitors on the farm

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.”

Ruby, Roxie and Gerty are favorites on the farm

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.

“They learn about how some animals provide us with the food we eat and others are sheared to give us clothing.” She said that another valuable lesson they learn is about how fruits and vegetables grow. Children go to the garden, plant their seeds, watch them sprout, harvest their crop and then sit down to taste what they grew.

Plans are underway to not only expand camp and learning center programs, but to offer opportunities for residents of all ages to get involved. Some programs on the horizon include outdoor playdates for toddlers and their caregivers with activities on the farm, on the trails and in the garden; group tours for youth, adult and senior organizations; and volunteer opportunities to help care for the animals and the farmland. Rebecca said that they are anxiously awaiting word about a recent grant application that will allow them to build an indoor, interactive observation space for groups to view exhibits and participate in demonstrations.

A ewe and her lambs

The first event to celebrate the new Agricultural Education Department will be the Garrett Williamson Harvest Festival; 11am–3pm on Saturday, October 16th (rain date: Saturday, October 23rd). This event will be an afternoon of fun for the whole family. Visitors will enjoy hayrides, pumpkin decorating, barn tours, children's activities, garden tours, nature hikes and select seasonal vendors. Admission is $20 per family and $5 per person for hayrides. Refreshments will also be available for purchase.

Garrett Williamson is located at 395 Bishop Hollow Rd, Newtown Square. For more information about how to get involved, please call 610-353-7690 or visit their website at www. GarrettWilliamson.org.