Dear Friend of Shelburne Farms,

As a mother of six and a grandmother to nine, I know how important it is to get children out into their world. (And at all phases of their life!). Here in Vermont, there is no better way to expose my grandchildren to the wonders of farming and nature than at Shelburne Farms. From its early childhood programs to the summer camps, the Farm encourages children to connect with, learn from, and find joy in the world around them. But in this economy, unfortunately, many children aren't able to share in these experiences. That’s why, this year, I decided to give regularly to help fund Farm scholarships. It's one of the most important things I can do to see that all children can share in the wonders of the land and the Farm's magic.

Joan Duane
Member of Shelburne Farms and scholarship supporter

Summer's for teachers, too!

Marsha Lucas, a native of Savannah, Georgia, is one of 21 educators attending our "Community Works Summer Institute on Service Learning" at the Coach Barn this week.

An environmental science and chemistry teacher in Savannah, Marsha is looking to transform her school's curriculum to integrate service-learning. "This is the place to be," she says. "I've been pleading for four years to come here. Now I'm finally here!" At her school, she's launching a composting system, and transforming a "shortcut" dirt path into a Shakespeare Garden, working with an English and art teacher.

This is Marsha's first time in the Northeast. "I'm loving this place. Even the rocks are cool!" she says.

The Farm offers professional development for educators throughout the summer:

• Project Seasons for Preschool Educators, July 26-28
• Education for Sustainability Institute, August 2-4
• Principles & Promising Practices of Place-based Education (in June).
  

Where are all the cattle egrets?

Sam Dixon hasn't seen many this year. Retired UVM professor of Wildlife Biology Dave Capen thinks he knows why. "There was a rapid expansion of this species in the U.S. from the 1950s through the 70s, which thrust the range well up into New England. I think it's simply a predictable relaxation of populations into the best habitats, mostly in the southeastern United States." Dave has recorded only one breeding pair on Four Brothers Island this year. "They are nearly extinct as a breeding species in the Champlain Valley," he says. Tell that to the cows.

20 Years of the Children's Farmyard!

  Granny                  Duke & Buffy                Jaba               Penelope & Sylvester          Clover

This summer marks the 20th anniversary of the Children's Farmyard! A lot of kids (and animals) have grown up here over those years. Above are just a few of our old farmyard friends. If you've got a favorite memory or photo of our pigs, chickens, and sheep, email it to Holly at hbrough@shelburnefarms.org, or consider posting it on our Facebook page!

Grant for farm to school from Green Mountain Coffee

Green Mountain Coffee Roasters just awarded a $100,000 grant to Shelburne Farms to advance statewide Farm to School efforts of Vermont FEED (Food Education Every Day). Strengthening local food systems is a key interest of the Vermont-based company. “The leadership, trainings and materials that VT FEED provides schools in communities throughout the state are helping to improve the health of students and their families, making Vermont a wonderful place to live and work,” said Karen Yacos, Director of Domestic Community Outreach.” GMCR contributes 5% of pre-tax profits to socially and environmentally responsible initiatives each year.

VT FEED is a partnership of Food Works at Two Rivers Center, NOFA-VT, & Shelburne Farms.

Farmers Markets

If you're in the area, don't forget to visit us at the Shelburne Farmers Market on Saturdays and/or the Burlington Farmers Market (We're there every other Saturday. Our next Saturday is July 30). We've been experimenting with offering different children's activities at the Shelburne Market. Come check them out.

At it again in the formal gardens

The final round of Phase 2 work on the formal gardens began in late June. By the fall, the overlook balustrade will be back in place and the lily pond restored, thanks to the support of many generous donors. When complete, there will be no place else quite like these gardens along the shores of Lake Champlain. Here's a recent Burlington Free Press story on the gardens to tell you more.

Breaking down the (Jersey) barriers

Those high waters seem like a long time ago, but we only just removed the concrete barriers on the north seawall that literally helped hold back the lake and keep our main road open this spring. Masons will now evaluate the condition of the seawalls. And we've all regained that unobstructed lake and mountain view!

August vacation

Like a lot of you, we'll be taking August off. Our next enews will be in September. You can still keep in touch on Facebook, and of course, by visiting!

 Shelburne Farms cultivates a conservation ethic for a sustainable future. We are a nonprofit
education center, 1,400-acre working farm, and National Historic Landmark.
1611 Harbor Road • Shelburne, Vermont • 05482 • www.shelburnefarms.org • 802-985-8686