Managed by the Friends of
the Farm at Hilltop
Greetings! 
After a long wait, Summer 2021 is finally here! There is so much happening at Hilltop Farm- Something for Everyone. Come and Join Us!
A Taste of Bluegrass -Music at Hilltop-June 26

There is an exciting event coming up THIS Saturday at Hilltop.

We will be hosting a bluegrass concert on Saturday, June 26th featuring Michael Cleveland and Flamekeeper, The Kevin Prater band, Rock Hearts and The Ruta Beggars. Gates open at 10am with music starting at noon. The event is planned to wrap up at 8pm. Tickets are selling for $40.
https://podunkbluegrass.com/a-taste-of-bluegrass
Also , we are looking for some volunteers to help out with parking!
Eagle Scout Project at Hilltop Benefits Birds
Troop 66 Suffield Eagle Scout candidate, Jack Fitzgerald chose to work with FOFAH volunteers on his Eagle Scout project.

The project was to plant bird- friendly bushes in the area around the boardwalk in the Hilltop Farm Open Space. For his project, Jack learned about the plants, mapped out the area and put in stakes where the plants would go.

On a very rainy May Sunday, he organized his fellow scouts in Troop 66 and accompanying adults. He directed the project and got all the plants installed. The Scouts braved the weather and chest-high weeds, and carefully tucked the plants in the ground. Then, Jack and his crew installed landscape fabric and mulch around each plant. Thankfully, Mother Nature cooperated and supplied rain to get them off to a great start.

Creating an environment that protects and nurtures birds is a priority for FOFAH. Many people come to see the bald eagles and their offspring in their nest. Please remember, visitors are required to remain at least 600 feet away from the nesting Bald Eagles.

FOFAH received a grant from the Amiel P Zak Fund at the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving to purchase a National Parks viewing scope that was installed on the boardwalk and allows visitors to clearly see the bald eagles from a safe distance. FOFAH was also awarded several grants to buy bird-friendly plants for the wetland area from the Hartford Audubon Society and the Ct Ornithological Association.

FOFAH and residents are very grateful to Jack Fitzgerald and these organizations that help to create a more bird-friendly area at Hilltop Farm.
Summer 2021 Nature Kids Programs at Hilltop Farm 

Again this summer, children and families will have the opportunity to learn about nature. Children will spend time outdoors, discover the natural world, meet new friends, and have fun! Children, ages 4-12+, explore the wildlife at Hilltop through through STEM based activities. Bugs, birds, trees, water and farming will be discovered.

For Ages 4-6 there are two programs.
Little Bugs This is an introduction to nature in the outdoors with an adult and child.
‘Lil Chicks Our instructor’s agricultural project is to raise chickens at the Farm, in the "backyard chickens" demonstration the raising chickens and how eggs develop are examined.

The Conservation Explorers is for ages 6-10.
Explorers learn to identify plants and animals and their role in the environment. they will develop a stronger connection to the farm and the origin of their food.Each session offers different activities including chores around Hilltop.

The Hilltop Adventurist is for ages 10-12+
Hilltop Adventurists will explore a different aspects of how nature, wildflowers, composting and hay have been important influences on this former Suffield dairy farm.

Opportunities currently available for camp counselors. Program registration, scholarships or additional information see https://www.HilltopFarmSuffield.org/programs .
Antique Motorcycles and Vintage Cars on Hendee Day - July 24 th
Come on down to this is a celebration of antique motorcycles and vintage cars at George Hendee's beloved Hilltop Farm on July 24 from 10AM to 2PM.
Always a fun day!

A $10 donation for parking is requested and will benefit Composite Lodge #28 and FOFAH.
Yoga At the Farm - Sunday's and Wednsday's
yoga_class_pose.jpg
Join Allison Zaczynski on Sundays at 9:00 a.m. and Wednesdays at 6:00 p.m. at Hilltop Farm for vinyasa Yoga class. Yoga season is May 23 until September 28. We will meet in the barnyard, on the lawn behind the white barn.

By request, Allison is also leading Chair Yoga on Sunday’s at 10:30. Dates are July 11, August 15, and September 12. Weather can be unpredictable, so pay attention to the Fit-Bliss with Allison Facebook page for any updates regarding cancellations. For additional information and fees, go https://www.hilltopfarmsuffield.org/yoga.
Bald Eagle Golf Outing- Thanks!
Thanks to all our golfers and wonderful sponsors who made the 8th Annual Bald Eagle Golf Outing a huge success. The annual outing was held June 5 at the Suffield Country Club and benefitted FOFAH. Thanks you... Golfers and Sponsors. See you next year on the links in June!
Dog Training Classes
Heather Hitchcock of The Essential Canine will be offering the summer session.
From 7/27- 8/31 (6 classes) from 9-10 AM. Fee is $110. For further details- email hjhtg01001@yahoo.com or 413-218-2367 or https://www.facebook.com/essentialcanine.net
Final Words
  • Go to our website and see the video made by SHS rising Senior, Jack Burke. Outstanding!
  • Celebrate National Pollinator Week- June 21- 27.
  • Farm Fest 2021 will return on September 6!
  • Community Fence Painting Weekend- Late September - more details to follow!
  • Please rate your experience at Hilltop Farm on the Google page.
  • You can be part of the fun for any of these events by being a Volunteer or Sponsor. Details on these events on the website or call 860-758-0668.
PO Box 372
Suffield, CT 06078-0372
860-758-0668