Summer Programs Registration Opens!

MASSARO COMMUNITY FARM

Our CSA Awaits You

Yes, there is still snow blowing in and our of our lives in April, but our greenhouse and high tunnels are filling up with organic vegetable seedlings!  The garlic has started to sprout and new seeds are being planted everyday. If you're new to our vegetable subscription, try our flexible 10 week CSA, new this season.

 

Now is the time for you to secure your spot in Massaro's 2018 subscription CSA and join other like-minded people around the country who are committed to:

 

  • eating healthy foods and preparing them for their families
  • supporting farmers
  • buying local, and
  • investing in community.

Signing up NOW is an essential aspect of the CSA model.  By doing so you provide the necessary fund to support the growing operation, then you get to enjoy the bounty as it is harvested throughout the season.

 

Download the Registration Form or sign up online for the Massaro Farm CSA to get our certified organic produce, June through October, grown right here at Massaro.


Register for Summer Programs

Field Trip Season

We're also taking bookings for farm-based educational field trips April through June and September through November. Call the farm office (203-736-8618) or email our education director to reserve a day for your class to visit the farm. Scholarships available.

 

Woodbridge Rec Camp @ the Far

Registration is now open for Summer Camp at the Farm. Campers ages 6-9 are invited to the farm during the weeks of August 6-20 for this annual half-day program. Attendees participate in all aspects of farm operations including caring for the farm garden, exploring the nature trail, and new this year - care of the farm's small animals. Discounts available for multiple siblings and multiple weeks. Download a registration form HERE.

 

Returning Soon -  Open Farm Days

Starting in June we'll begin holding weekly Open Farm Days that allow parents with younger children to drop into our Learning Garden and take part in activities around planting and harvesting in the garden. This year Open Farm Days will also involve farm chores around small animal care of our composting worms, bees, chickens and others. Keep an eye out for an upcoming announcement about Open Farm Days.

 

If you have an idea for a farm program - for youth or adults - please call the farm office at (203) 736-8618. We'd love to hear your ideas!


Massaro and Woodbridge Library Wrap Series

Join us at the Woodbridge Town Library Wednesday, April 25 at 6:00pm as we wrap up the fourth installment of our partnership series with  'Uncommon Thoughts on Common Herbs.'

 

Bring a friend to explore interesting ways to use the everyday herbs oregano, thyme, basil, dill and parsley.  Herbs are often available before and after garden produce is ready for harvest; learn to make the most of them!

Get growing tips, preservation how-tos, as well as uncommon culinary and alternative uses.  Farmers Caty Polle and Becca Toms will delve into how these often overlooked plants can be invaluable in your everyday life.

 

These events are FREE but space is limited. Please sign up in advance online or call the Woodbridge Town Library (203-389-3433) to hold your spot.


Springtime Fun with JCC @ Massaro

Massaro Farm is partnering with the Jewish Community Center of Greater New Haven to bring you a springtime day of exploration and crafting for adults and their children ages 6-10.  We'll be exploring the farm, looking for signs of spring along the nature trail, and returning to the learning garden for a hands-on craft. Pack a lunch to enjoy out in the learning garden after our activity is finished. Last year's event was full; advance RSVP is strongly recommended as space is limited!

 

Sunday, May 6, 2018

10:00am-12:00pm

Member: $12/$24 Family

Community: $15/$30 Family

SIGN UP TODAY!


Coming Soon: Food Discussion Circles

Are you interested in learning more about the many cultural, social, and ecological implications of what you eat? Curious about the connection between food and sustainability? If so, consider joining one of several Food Discussion Circles that will be forming soon.

 

The framework for these discussions is "Menu for the Future," a self-guided curriculum created by the Northwest Earth Institute (NWEI) which has constructed discussion materials used by over 185,000 people worldwide. By joining a discussion circle, you will have an opportunity to read a variety of articles about food, and discuss them with others locally in the context of your personal experience.

 

Food Discussion Circles is just one of a number of opportunities the Woodbridge Sustainability Task Force is making available to area residents who are passionate about making an impact on efforts towards sustainability and climate change, in partnership with Massaro Community Farm and Woodbridge Town Library. Growing food under 'factory' conditions is believed to be one of the largest contributors to greenhouse gases. Please RSVP by calling the library at (203) 389-3433.

 

Introductory Session:

Monday, May 7, 2018

6:30-7:30pm

Woodbridge Town Library*

 

*Attendees are encouraged to bring a calendar if interested in future meetings, and and method of payment if interested in taking advantage of a group discount offer to purchase self-guided course materials. Materials from the NWEI can also be purchased by interested individuals on their own. 


FoodCorps Service Update

Seven Ansonia students competed in Asian Fusion cooking competition March 20, 2018. The winner goes on to compete in a Valley wide cook-off in May.We are a little over half way through the farm's fifth year in hosting a FoodCorps service member, and the impact of this outreach effort continues.

 

FoodCorps service member Natalie Glidden, in her second year of service, is bringing nutrition education into classrooms in Ansonia and Derby as well as at the Boys & Girls Club. Ms. Glidden also led the recent student cooking competition hosted by Ansonia High School which challenged fifth and sixth graders to come up with a healthy Asian Fusion-themed recipe. The winner of the Ansonia competition will go on to compete against other Valley town winners in a regional cooking competition that will take place at Griffin Hospital later this spring. Natalie is also getting students ready for spring by planting herbs in the classroom and renewing school gardens with cold-hardy plantings of peas, beets and other spring greens.

 

Hands On Beekeeping Under Way

Massaro Farm's collaboration with Connecticut Beekeeper's Association continues in 2018.Mark your calendar for the hands-on series taking place throughout the season in Massaro's apiary.

 

FARM WORKSHOP SERIES: each day at 9:00am, repeating at 11:30am. Worshops will be held unless weather cancellations are posted on our site 24 hours ahead of time. No advance registration required. Suggested donation of $10/pp.

 

April 21 - Spring Inspection

May 5 - Supering and Inspection

May 19 - Nucleus Hives & Summer Management

July 21 - Starting Fall Preparation

September 15 - Winter Preparation

 

Join the Massaro Melonheads for Rock to Rock

PreparationSeptember 15 - Winter PreparationJoin the Massaro Melonheads for Rock to RockJoin the Massaro Melonheads this spring as we cruise across New Haven in the annual Rock to Rock Earth Day Ride.  Man our table at the Green Fair, assist in event day registration or ride with our team. Join fellow Earth enthusiasts who come out to support the farm and other environmentally-focused organizations all working to make Greater New Haven a greener, healthier community. Our goal is to raise $25,000 this year.  Help us make this happen!Raise $250 and get a free Massaro Farm bike shirt.  Raise $500 and get a Nutcase Melonhead helmet.REGISTER HERE  for the ride and don't forget to choose the Massaro Melonheads as your team.

 

Warmer Weather is Coming!

Mark your calendar today for this year's annual Celebrate Spring event and seedling sale, Sunday,May 20, 2018 12:00-5:00pm (rain or shine!).  We will wrap our maypole, have live music, food for purchase, vendors and and workshops, including -- Farm to face natural skin care- Owning backyard chickens- Starting a worm binand more!Check our website for a full schedule of the day's events.

 

 

 

The farm thanks its event & program supporters.

Community Foundation of Greater New Haven
Valley Community Foundation
The MFUNd *  William & Jeannie GrausteinThe La Tronica Family
(Fair Winds Farm, Lock Stock & Barrel & The UPS Store)The Crippled Children's FundPepsiCoPaul & Judith DeCoster *  Southern CT State University
Buckley, Wynne & Parese *  Laticrete International  * Griffin Hospital
Real Living-Wareck D'Ostillio *  The Kayne FamilyThe Valley Community Foundation *  Stihl
BIC Corporation *  Coldwell Banker Real EstateHocon Gas, Inc. *  Schaefer Inspection Services
Wells Fargo
A-1 Toyota * Ciola Excavation LLC *  Guido & Anne Calibrese *  Nancy DaoudEncon *  Jacobi, Case & Speranzini PC *  Serv-Pro of Milford-Orange-Sratford
Marcus Insurance *  Stop & Shop