Summer at Hilltop Farm

Each Summer, FOFAH has hosted its major activities and programs.

This year, this summer everything is different... for us all.

Renovations Progressing at Hilltop Farm

Since there will be none of our regular events or programs at Hilltop this summer, our volunteers have been focusing on needed repairs and renovations. We will miss you, our guests, this summer and look forward to seeing you next year.

- FOFAH is preparing the Barn for the installation of the Fire Suppression

System.

- A Fence! A big project is underway- installing a

new fence on the south side of the entrance. This

will allow for securing the gate and preventing vehicles from driving in the fie lds. A parking area

will be designated for cars with handicap plates,

and members of the Community Garden.

Volunteers are needed to help with the installation.

- The Chicken Coop

At the western end of the Chicken Coop has been restored and now occupied by a project that

is lead by a Suffield High School Agri- Science

student. Other repairs are underway to

stabilize this building.

- The Creamery & Farm Store

Cleaning and painting in the interior of the lower level of the barn is underway for the preparation of the future commercial area of the barn.

Work Day - This Saturday

Workdays start at 8:00 am and runs until Noon. Bring your own work gloves and perhaps a friend!

Some of the projects this summer include installing new fencing along the south roadway, painting the areas of the future Farm Store. The gardens need constant attention.

The regular Volunteer Work Days are scheduled for the second Saturday of each month.

T here are plenty of jobs where you can help and that allow for social distancing. If you are unable to come on a regular work day, FOFAH volunteers are there each Saturday by 8 am. There are projects for all skill and confidence levels.


Beekeepers Class

Beekeeping at Hilltop

FOFAH has developed a partnership with the Hampden County BeeKeepers Association. There have been hives owned by the Jones Apiary for several years in the area of the red barns. About a dozen hives have been added in Orchard area. These partnerships allow for agricultural partnerships and for offering additional educational programs.

Grants- An Historic Sign and More!

FOFAH was fortunate to have been awarded a grant from The William G. Pomeroy Foundation for the placement of a bronze marker for Hilltop Farmstead being placed on the National Register. Look for this Marker at the Mapleton Ave entrance.

A special thanks to the Hartford County Audubon Society. FOFAH was awarded a grant to replant the buffer area with bird friendly and buffering plants, and shrubs in the Open Space near the footbridge over the wetlands.

A CT Historic Preservation Grant for the fire suppression system is in the approval process for the partial reimbursement of the cost of installation.

Yoga at the Farm

Sunday Yoga on the Lawn will resume on July 12 at 9:00AM. Back by demand, Allison Zakinski will again the program that will promote health and wellness while including social distancing.

Support a Local Artist and Preservation- Hilltop Farm

Board member and professional photographer, Ray Pioggia has submitted a photo of the Barn at Hilltop to Preservation Connecticut. Photographers have been invited to submit works featuring the interior or exterior of barns for its juried photography show, "Picturing History: Historic Barns of Connecticut." The photography show will be in October of 2020. See Ray's beautiful photo and vote at https://www.gogophotocontest.com/preservationconnecticut .


Gardens in June

The Hilltop Community Gardens

Again this year, the Hilltop Community Gardens is flourishing. About 30 plots have been planted with vegetables and flowers for the gardeners' personal use. The variety of produce is amazing!

Help Wanted: Partner Orchardist

FOFAH is looking for a Partner-Farmer to work with us to better manage our orchard. Individuals with a background in orchards of farming preferred. Please call 860-758-0668 for more information.

FOFAH is an all volunteer, non-profit organization dedicated to restoring Hilltop Farm into an educational and recreational resource for the community. All donations go to the improvement of the farm. Many thanks to the volunteers for their dedication and community support that has allowed FOFAH to advance the restoration of the Hilltop Farmstead.