Common Ground | For the Community

Beyond offering a chance to get your hands dirty, our programs reveal the deeper messages of the farm and forest. These places have stories to tell about the environmental challenges we face as a people. How will we reduce our ecological footprint in order to preserve the splendor and sustenance of nature here at home and across the globe? Practices modeled at Common Ground offer some suggestions and solutions. We hope you’ll come learn and take action with us.

Register for a community program.

November
Full Moon Campfire & Night Hike (Thurs, Nov 13, 6:00 – 8:30)
West Rock Ridge is a large and diverse state park with many opportunities to explore and appreciate nature in the city. Experience the sights and sounds of the nocturnal forest as we stargaze, roast marshmallows, and take a guided hike. Campfire is appropriate for all ages; guided night hike is recommended for ages 6 and up. Please bring a flashlight. This is a free event.

December

Wreath Making and Holiday Gathering (Sat, December 13, 10:00 – 2:00)

A warm and festive celebration using renewable and recyclable materials! Activities are appropriate for children through adults, and light refreshments will be provided. Weave a wreath or garland from fresh evergreen branches cut in Connecticut, decorate farm animal shaped cookies to make tasty treats, and save a tree by making your own wrapping paper using nature-themed stamps on recycled paper goods. All tools, instruction, and materials provided; no experience necessary! Tickets will be sold for each activity; admission is free.

March

Winterfest (Sun, March 8, 11:00 – 2:00)

New England forests are rich in natural resources, the sweetest of which is maple syrup! Families are invited to enjoy nature in the winter and learn about the sap to syrup process. See tapped trees, taste raw sap, and participate in a maple syrup taste-test. Watch the wood-fired evaporator at work and warm up by a campfire in the woods. Finally, head inside for brunch featuring locally made maple syrup, pancakes, and Common Ground raised eggs and bacon. Families are encouraged to explore the forest trails independently and to bring sleds to use on nearby slopes. Admission is $5 per person for ages 6 through adult; ages 5 and under are free. In the event of SEVERE weather, this event will be re-scheduled for Sunday, March 15. Please call for weather updates.

Organic Garden Planning (Sat, March 28, 10:00 – 3:00)

Your backyard garden can provide you with fresh, healthy food and minimize your personal environmental footprint by reducing your dependence on products imported from far away. In this beginner to intermediate level workshop, learn about the importance of healthy soil and how to create it, seed starting methods, planting and transplanting schedules, recommended heirloom and hybrid varieties for growing in our area, and tips and techniques for pest and disease control. This workshop will teach organic methods and participants will leave with a started tray of seeds as well as lots of inspiration for the coming growing season. $20 per person; includes lunch. Children welcome to attend with parents. Pre-registration REQUIRED.

April

Open Farm Day and “Ask the Farmer” Opportunity (Sat, April 4, 10:00 – 1:00)

Greet springtime on the farm! Enjoy the greenhouse full of seedlings, search for emerging perennials in the garden, visit the farm animals, and find out what early spring crops you can prepare to plant in your garden. Farm staff will be available to answer your gardening and composting questions. If it is a sunny day, bring your own picnic lunch to enjoy on the farm. $3 per person ages 6 and up; ages 5 and under are free.

Where Does Your Trash and Recycling Go? (Sun, April 5, 1:00 – 3:00)

In this workshop for adults, learn about our local waste stream, what is in it, and why it matters. Participants will learn exactly WHAT they can recycle at the curb, WHERE it goes, and WHAT HAPPENS to their trash and recycling after the truck takes it away. $10 per person; pre-registration required. Free childcare available (please indicate when you register).

Full Moon Campfire & Night Hike (Weds, April 8, 6:00 – 8:30)

West Rock Ridge is a large and diverse state park with many opportunities to explore and appreciate nature in the city. Experience the sights and sounds of the nocturnal forest as we stargaze, roast marshmallows, and take a guided hike. Campfire is appropriate for all ages; guided night hike is recommended for ages 6 and up. Please bring a flashlight. This is a free event.

Volunteer Day (Sun, April 19, 12:30 – 3:30)

Spring arrives with many jobs to be done on the farm. Learn to prepare your home garden for planting as you help us to add compost, dig and turn garden beds, mulch pathways, and plant early spring crops. A simple farm snack will be provided for all. Please come dressed to get dirty; gloves and tools will be provided. Projects are intended for adults; children ages 12 and up may participate with a parent. Pre-registration appreciated. In honor of Earth Day (April 22), volunteers who work 3 hours will receive a free native tree seedling to plant at their home or in their community!

May

Hens & Chicks (Sun, May 3, 12:30 – 2:30)

Did you know that not all chicks are yellow? Visit to the farm and meet our mother hens and their new baby chicks. Learn about the amazing journey from egg to chick and take home information about free-range, humanely raised poultry and eggs. $3 per person ages 6 and up; ages 5 and under are free.

Full Moon Campfire & Night Hike (Tues, May 12, 6:00 – 8:30)

West Rock Ridge is a large and diverse state park with many opportunities to explore and appreciate nature in the city. Experience the sights and sounds of the nocturnal forest as we stargaze, roast marshmallows, and take a guided hike. Campfire is appropriate for all ages; guided night hike is recommended for ages 6 and up. Please bring a flashlight. This is a free event.

Seedling Sale & Farm Festival (Sun, May 17, 10:00 – 3:00)

Enjoy Common Ground’s annual ORGANIC SEEDLING SALE and SPRING FARM FESTIVAL! The organic seedling sale features strong, healthy seedlings for your home garden. Choose from heirloom and hybrid varieties of tomatoes, hot and sweet peppers, broccoli, kale, parsley, basil, cucumbers, eggplant, and more. Seedlings priced from $1.00 - $3.00. At the Farm Festival, celebrate community and the beginning of the growing season as you enjoy tractor-pulled hayrides, music, face-painting, ice cream making, games, visits to the animals, live sheep shearing, and our 3rd annual school-wide tag sale and bake sale. Admission to all events is FREE!

Family Camping (Fri, May 29 – Sat, May 30, 6:00 PM – 10:00 AM)

NEW for ‘08/’09: enjoy camping on our raised wooden tent platforms, built by Common Ground students in summer 2008. Camping at Common Ground is a great way to connect with nature in the city. Bring your own picnic dinner, roast marshmallows at the campfire, and participate in an optional guided night hike through West Rock. Saturday morning, help with farm chores and enjoy a farm fresh breakfast including eggs from our chickens and other seasonal foods from the farm. Pre-Registration required; space is limited. $15/person ages 6 and up; ages 5 and under are free. $10/person if you bring your own tent.

Home Composting Basics: Backyard Bins and Wiggly Worms (Sat, May 30, 12:30 – 2:30)

In this workshop for adults, we will cover several methods and systems for home composting. Learn to set up a backyard compost bin, what to put in it, and how to manage it. We will also talk about vermicomposting, or composting with red worms! Vermicomposting happens in small, self-contained bins that are kept indoors, so access to a backyard is not necessary. Participants will observe and learn about our on-site worm bins and take home information and resources for starting their own worm family! $10 per person; pre-registration required. Free childcare available (please indicate when you register).

June

Full Moon Campfire & Night Hike (Tues, June 9, 6:00 – 8:30)

West Rock Ridge is a large and diverse state park with many opportunities to explore and appreciate nature in the city. Experience the sights and sounds of the nocturnal forest as we stargaze, roast marshmallows, and take a guided hike. Campfire is appropriate for all ages; guided night hike is recommended for ages 6 and up. Please bring a flashlight. This is a free event.

Family Camping (Sat, June 20 – Sun, June 21, 6:00 PM – 10:00 AM)

NEW for ‘08/’09: enjoy camping on our raised wooden tent platforms, built by Common Ground students in summer 2008. Camping at Common Ground is a great way to connect with nature in the city. Bring your own picnic dinner, roast marshmallows at the campfire, and participate in an optional guided night hike through West Rock. Saturday morning, help with farm chores and enjoy a farm fresh breakfast including eggs from our chickens and other seasonal foods from the farm. Pre-Registration required; space is limited. $15/person ages 6 and up; ages 5 and under are free. $10/person if you bring your own tent.

BYO Picnic Lunch & Open Farm Day (Sun, June 21, 12:00 – 3:00)

Celebrate Father’s Day with a trip to the farm! The gardens and animal yards will open for self-guided exploration, and farm staff will be available to answer your questions. A covered picnic area is available for use if you bring your own lunch. Optional guided hike in West Rock will depart from the farm at 2:00.

July & August

July at Common Ground is filled with the daily discoveries of our summer ecology camp and the growing bounty of our gardens.


	For the community FOR THE COMMUNITY Over the next year, Common Ground will present a diverse slate of public programs to celebrate the wonders of the farm and the forest. We hope you will join us here at our 20 acre haven on the edge of the city. Come participate in the life of the farm, enjoy the beauty of the New England landscape, and explore the science of the natural world. Beyond offering a chance to get your hands dirty, our programs reveal the deeper messages of the farm and forest. These places have stories to tell about the environmental challenges we face as a people. How will we reduce our ecological footprint in order to preserve the splendor and sustenance of nature here at home and across the globe? Practices modeled at Common Ground offer some suggestions and solutions. We hope you’ll come learn and take action with us. Register for a community program. November Full Moon Campfire & Night Hike (Thurs, Nov 13, 6:00 – 8:30) West Rock Ridge is a large and diverse state park with many opportunities to explore and appreciate nature in the city. Experience the sights and sounds of the nocturnal forest as we stargaze, roast marshmallows, and take a guided hike. Campfire is appropriate for all ages; guided night hike is recommended for ages 6 and up. Please bring a flashlight. This is a free event. December Wreath Making and Holiday Gathering (Sat, December 13, 10:00 – 2:00) A warm and festive celebration using renewable and recyclable materials! Activities are appropriate for children through adults, and light refreshments will be provided. Weave a wreath or garland from fresh evergreen branches cut in Connecticut, decorate farm animal shaped cookies to make tasty treats, and save a tree by making your own wrapping paper using nature-themed stamps on recycled paper goods. All tools, instruction, and materials provided; no experience necessary! Tickets will be sold for each activity; admission is free. March Winterfest (Sun, March 8, 11:00 – 2:00) New England forests are rich in natural resources, the sweetest of which is maple syrup! Families are invited to enjoy nature in the winter and learn about the sap to syrup process. See tapped trees, taste raw sap, and participate in a maple syrup taste-test. Watch the wood-fired evaporator at work and warm up by a campfire in the woods. Finally, head inside for brunch featuring locally made maple syrup, pancakes, and Common Ground raised eggs and bacon. Families are encouraged to explore the forest trails independently and to bring sleds to use on nearby slopes. Admission is $5 per person for ages 6 through adult; ages 5 and under are free. In the event of SEVERE weather, this event will be re-scheduled for Sunday, March 15. Please call for weather updates. Organic Garden Planning (Sat, March 28, 10:00 – 3:00) Your backyard garden can provide you with fresh, healthy food and minimize your personal environmental footprint by reducing your dependence on products imported from far away. In this beginner to intermediate level workshop, learn about the importance of healthy soil and how to create it, seed starting methods, planting and transplanting schedules, recommended heirloom and hybrid varieties for growing in our area, and tips and techniques for pest and disease control. This workshop will teach organic methods and participants will leave with a started tray of seeds as well as lots of inspiration for the coming growing season. $20 per person; includes lunch. Children welcome to attend with parents. Pre-registration REQUIRED. April Open Farm Day and “Ask the Farmer” Opportunity (Sat, April 4, 10:00 – 1:00) Greet springtime on the farm! Enjoy the greenhouse full of seedlings, search for emerging perennials in the garden, visit the farm animals, and find out what early spring crops you can prepare to plant in your garden. Farm staff will be available to answer your gardening and composting questions. If it is a sunny day, bring your own picnic lunch to enjoy on the farm. $3 per person ages 6 and up; ages 5 and under are free. Where Does Your Trash and Recycling Go? (Sun, April 5, 1:00 – 3:00) In this workshop for adults, learn about our local waste stream, what is in it, and why it matters. Participants will learn exactly WHAT they can recycle at the curb, WHERE it goes, and WHAT HAPPENS to their trash and recycling after the truck takes it away. $10 per person; pre-registration required. Free childcare available (please indicate when you register). Full Moon Campfire & Night Hike (Weds, April 8, 6:00 – 8:30) West Rock Ridge is a large and diverse state park with many opportunities to explore and appreciate nature in the city. Experience the sights and sounds of the nocturnal forest as we stargaze, roast marshmallows, and take a guided hike. Campfire is appropriate for all ages; guided night hike is recommended for ages 6 and up. Please bring a flashlight. This is a free event. Volunteer Day (Sun, April 19, 12:30 – 3:30) Spring arrives with many jobs to be done on the farm. Learn to prepare your home garden for planting as you help us to add compost, dig and turn garden beds, mulch pathways, and plant early spring crops. A simple farm snack will be provided for all. Please come dressed to get dirty; gloves and tools will be provided. Projects are intended for adults; children ages 12 and up may participate with a parent. Pre-registration appreciated. In honor of Earth Day (April 22), volunteers who work 3 hours will receive a free native tree seedling to plant at their home or in their community! May Hens & Chicks (Sun, May 3, 12:30 – 2:30) Did you know that not all chicks are yellow? Visit to the farm and meet our mother hens and their new baby chicks. Learn about the amazing journey from egg to chick and take home information about free-range, humanely raised poultry and eggs. $3 per person ages 6 and up; ages 5 and under are free. Full Moon Campfire & Night Hike (Tues, May 12, 6:00 – 8:30) West Rock Ridge is a large and diverse state park with many opportunities to explore and appreciate nature in the city. Experience the sights and sounds of the nocturnal forest as we stargaze, roast marshmallows, and take a guided hike. Campfire is appropriate for all ages; guided night hike is recommended for ages 6 and up. Please bring a flashlight. This is a free event. Seedling Sale & Farm Festival (Sun, May 17, 10:00 – 3:00) Enjoy Common Ground’s annual ORGANIC SEEDLING SALE and SPRING FARM FESTIVAL! The organic seedling sale features strong, healthy seedlings for your home garden. Choose from heirloom and hybrid varieties of tomatoes, hot and sweet peppers, broccoli, kale, parsley, basil, cucumbers, eggplant, and more. Seedlings priced from $1.00 - $3.00. At the Farm Festival, celebrate community and the beginning of the growing season as you enjoy tractor-pulled hayrides, music, face-painting, ice cream making, games, visits to the animals, live sheep shearing, and our 3rd annual school-wide tag sale and bake sale. Admission to all events is FREE! Family Camping (Fri, May 29 – Sat, May 30, 6:00 PM – 10:00 AM) NEW for ‘08/’09: enjoy camping on our raised wooden tent platforms, built by Common Ground students in summer 2008. Camping at Common Ground is a great way to connect with nature in the city. Bring your own picnic dinner, roast marshmallows at the campfire, and participate in an optional guided night hike through West Rock. Saturday morning, help with farm chores and enjoy a farm fresh breakfast including eggs from our chickens and other seasonal foods from the farm. Pre-Registration required; space is limited. $15/person ages 6 and up; ages 5 and under are free. $10/person if you bring your own tent. Home Composting Basics: Backyard Bins and Wiggly Worms (Sat, May 30, 12:30 – 2:30) In this workshop for adults, we will cover several methods and systems for home composting. Learn to set up a backyard compost bin, what to put in it, and how to manage it. We will also talk about vermicomposting, or composting with red worms! Vermicomposting happens in small, self-contained bins that are kept indoors, so access to a backyard is not necessary. Participants will observe and learn about our on-site worm bins and take home information and resources for starting their own worm family! $10 per person; pre-registration required. Free childcare available (please indicate when you register). June Full Moon Campfire & Night Hike (Tues, June 9, 6:00 – 8:30) West Rock Ridge is a large and diverse state park with many opportunities to explore and appreciate nature in the city. Experience the sights and sounds of the nocturnal forest as we stargaze, roast marshmallows, and take a guided hike. Campfire is appropriate for all ages; guided night hike is recommended for ages 6 and up. Please bring a flashlight. This is a free event. Family Camping (Sat, June 20 – Sun, June 21, 6:00 PM – 10:00 AM) NEW for ‘08/’09: enjoy camping on our raised wooden tent platforms, built by Common Ground students in summer 2008. Camping at Common Ground is a great way to connect with nature in the city. Bring your own picnic dinner, roast marshmallows at the campfire, and participate in an optional guided night hike through West Rock. Saturday morning, help with farm chores and enjoy a farm fresh breakfast including eggs from our chickens and other seasonal foods from the farm. Pre-Registration required; space is limited. $15/person ages 6 and up; ages 5 and under are free. $10/person if you bring your own tent. BYO Picnic Lunch & Open Farm Day (Sun, June 21, 12:00 – 3:00) Celebrate Father’s Day with a trip to the farm! The gardens and animal yards will open for self-guided exploration, and farm staff will be available to answer your questions. A covered picnic area is available for use if you bring your own lunch. Optional guided hike in West Rock will depart from the farm at 2:00. July & August July at Common Ground is filled with the daily discoveries of our summer ecology camp and the growing bounty of our gardens.