Winter at Hilltop Farm

This Winter has been an unexpected mix of old man winter and a tease of springtime!

Just like the weather, there are many things happening at Hilltop Farm.

Annual Appeal Update

Our heartfelt thanks for your generous response to our annual appeal. Your donations not only support us financially but they are a clear indication that FOFAH is on the right track and that we make a valuable and meaningful contribution to you and our community.

Thank You! Thank You!

The Annual Great Backyard Bird Count

You are invited to participate!

For at least 15 minutes on one or more days of the count, February 15-18, 2019, you and your friends can add to scientific knowledge of migratory birds. You simply tally the numbers and kinds of birds you see, from any location, anywhere in the world, for as long as you wish!

Scientists use information from the Great Backyard Bird Count, along with observations from other citizen-science projects, to get the "big picture" about what is happening to bird populations.

FOFAH challenges birders of all levels of skills and experience to come to Hilltop or go to your own back yard. Simply log on to http://gbbc.birdcount.org and register. Then, tally the numbers and kinds of birds you see for at least 15 minutes on one or more days of the count, February 15-18.

The Great Backyard Bird Count was the first online citizen-science project to collect data on wild birds and to display results in near real-time.

Suffield photographer and birder, Libby Lord has captured the images of over 35 different birds at Hilltop! You will see her photographs in a poster,

The Birds of Hilltop, at the entry kiosk. Help make this the most successful count ever by participating this year in the Great Backyard Bird Count!

Get the Buzz on Native Bees

We invite you to join FOFAH, the Suffield Land Conservancy and the Green Team of the Second Baptist Church to attend a workshop to learn about the importance of bees in our gardens.

On Sunday, March 3, 2019 at 3:00 pm the program will be hosted at the Second Baptist Church on Main Street in Suffield. Participants will learn about the non-stinging, pollinator bees and how we can help them survive in today's world. Participants will be able to build bee hotels to provide essential shelter for them and their young.

If you would like to attend the workshop on March 3, please register at:http://www.hilltopfarmsuffield.org. For more information about native bees and how you can help them, please check out: www.pollinator.org or www.nativebeesofnewengland.com, or NAPPC.

FOFAH Needs Your Help!!

How are you doing with your New Year's Resolution? Were you interested in becoming more involved in the community? Do you want to meet new people ? Come and volunteer at Hilltop Farm.

FOFAH needs your help to develop, prepare and offer events and programs at Hilltop Farm. FOFAH is group of interesting individuals dedicated to keeping Hilltop Farm open for programs and events.

Are you interested in attending a class or looking for an opportunity to lead a workshop or class? Be part of a work crew? Share your knowledge of flowers or growing vegetables?

FOFAH is an all volunteer non-profit organization and looking for new people and ideas. Please contact at (860) 758-0668. We would love to have your input.

Attention Vegetable Gardeners! Time To Plan Your Garden

The Old Farmers Almanac has great information about when to start seeds for your garden. See

https://www.almanac.com/gardening/planting-calendar# for detailed information for your zip code.

Just enter your zipcode and it will provide all kinds of useful information about the vegetables you are planning for your garden. Learn when to expect the last frost date, when to start the seeds for each kind of vegetable and when to transplant them into the ground in the Hilltop Community Garden or your own backyard!

2019 Upcoming Programs at the Farm

Hilltop Work Days-

T he Second Saturday of the Month, i n March - weather permitting

Tinkergarten at Hilltop Farm- Winter and and Spring Sessions see www.tinkergarten.com

April 23 Spring Garden Party- April School Vacation

April 27 Earth Day Celebration with the Suffield Girl Scouts

Late May Community Gardens opened and ready for planting Check the FOFAH Website for application.

May-Sept Sunday Morning Yoga at the Farm

May-Sept Tuesday Evening Yoga at the Farm

July & Aug Nature Kids at Hilltop - Outdoor Programs for ages 4-14

July & Aug Yoga for Kids Camp

Sept 2 FarmFest 2019

More Information will follow or check www.HilltopFarmSuffield.org

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.