By Larry Claflin Jr.
Staff writer
May 09, 2008 12:39 am Visit Appleton Farms in Hamilton on Sunday and take a Farmstead Tour from 3 to 5 p.m. Tour guides will lead visitors through the 259-acre reservation's meadows and historic barns. According to Trustees of Reservations, Appleton Farms is America's oldest working farm. This and other facts of the farm's rich history will be woven throughout the program. Program participants will visit the farm's dairy, which is ordinarily closed to the public, during milking time, and visit the newest spring calves, which number 18 so far this season. The program meets at the Waldingfield Road parking area in Ipswich (off Route 1A). The two-hour walk covers approximately 2 miles of dirt-road terrain. Register at 978-921-1944, ext. 8815, or e-mail needucation@ttor.org. Cost is $5, $4 for members of the Trustees. Minimum age is 8. Can't make it Sunday? Appleton Farms has plenty more summer programs: Young Farmers "Become a young farmer as you dig in the dirt, compare compost, plant seeds, grow crops, churn butter, spin wool, care for cows and more." Ages 9-11 Tuesdays, May 13 to June 10, 4 to 5:30 p.m. Members $72, nonmembers $90 Farm & Forest Explorers "As an explorer, you'll lend a hand with farm chores, uncover secret farm tales, learn traditional arts and explore the farm and forest." Ages 6 to 8: July 8 to 10, Aug. 5 to 7 Ages 9 to 11: July 22 to July 24, Aug. 19 to 21 (All sessions, 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.) Members $90, nonmembers $120 Call 978-921-1944, ext. 8815, to register.
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Appleton Farms in Hamilton is considered America's oldest working farm.