Common Ground | For the Community

FOR THE COMMUNITY

This year, more than 7,000 community members join us at Common Ground. They come to dig in the dirt, harvest local food, go on a hike, learn about sustainable living, buy vegetable seedlings, ask garden advice, and enjoy the life on the farm.

Beyond offering a chance to get your hands dirty, our programs reveal 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? Practices modeled at Common Ground offer suggestions and solutions. Come learn and take action with us.

This Month

Every Saturday through November 26: Open Farm Day

Fri, Nov 11 (Veteran’s Day): West Rock Family Hike, 10:30 AM
Sat, Nov 12: End of Season Volunteer Crew, 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Sat, Nov 12: Indoor Food and Flower Gardening, 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Sun, Nov 13: West Rock Family Hike, 10:30 AM
Sat, Nov 19: How To Be a Pie Ninja, 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Sun, Nov 20: West Rock Family Hike, 10:30 AM
Friday, Nov 25 (Thanksgiving Break): West Rock Family Hike, 10:30 AM
Sat, Nov 26: Guided Hike to West Rock Summit, 12:30 PM - 2:00 PM
Sun, Nov 27: West Rock Family Hike, 10:30 AM
Sun, Dec 4: West Rock Family Hike, 10:30 AM

Fall Open Farm Days
Every Saturday, September 3 through November 26, 2011, 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Enjoy Open Farm Day at Common Ground every Saturday until the end of November. See www.commongroundct.org for additional special events, family activities, and workshops for adults during Open Farm Day. Fall is a great time to experience locally grown food. Explore our beautiful urban, organic farm, sample veggies from our children’s garden, and ask farm staff your backyard gardening and composting questions. The animal yards are open for visitors to meet our chickens, ducks, turkeys, goats, sheep, and pigs. Trail maps are available for self-guided hikes in West Rock Park, including the family-friendly Old Oak Nature Trail. This is a free event; donations welcomed.

Fall special events and workshops during Open Farm Day:
Every Saturday is Open Farm Day (see description above). In addition, join us for these events:

Saturday, November 12: End of Season Volunteer Crew, 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Garden lovers and hard workers are invited to join us on a volunteer crew that will work on getting our farm ready for winter. Projects are intended for adults; children ages 12 and up may participate with a parent. This is a free event.

Saturday, November 12: Indoor Food and Flower Gardening, 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Sad to see the fall harvest ending? Learn to grow your own greens, herbs, and flowers indoors all winter long! We will cover recommended plants and varieties, choosing a container and a site, harvesting techniques, and materials needed (including re-used and re-claimed containers you may already have at home!). $10 per person, RSVP to www.ctnofa.org.

Saturday, November 19: How To Be a Pie Ninja, 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Master the skills needed to bake fabulous pies with Tagan Engel, chef and creator of the New Haven Cooks cookbook. Learn new techniques and tricks while baking pies to donate to the Downtown Evening Soup Kitchen -- helping local families enjoy a full and tasty Thanksgiving meal. Leave with dough and recipes ready for your own Thanksgiving pies. $20 per person, space is limited. RSVP to rholcombe@commongroundct.org.

Saturday, November 26: Guided Hike to West Rock Summit, 12:30 PM - 2:00 PM
Enjoy a hike to the Summit of West Rock Park which offers a stunning view of New Haven and Long Island Sound. Hike is moderate difficulty, about 30 minutes of mostly uphill ascent (steep in some parts), and about 20 minutes to go back down. Hikers of all ages and abilities are welcome. This is a free event, donations welcomed.

Fall Forest Events
West Rock Family Hikes
Meet new friends and enjoy the company of fellow families who value active, outdoor adventures through our West Rock hiking series! We will explore familiar trails and favorite places as well as venture to parts of the park that you have probably never seen. Explore all sorts of trails, including long hikes and plenty that are accessible to less experienced hikers and small children. Friendly dogs welcome, too! Read more about each hike’s departure time, destination, length and difficulty. Hikes are free, donations welcomed!

Sunday, September 25
Monday, October 10 (Columbus Day)
Sunday, October 16
Sunday, October 23
Sunday, October 30
Sunday, November 6
Friday, November 11 (Veteran’s Day)
Sunday, November 13
Sunday, November 20
Friday, November 25 (Thanksgiving Break)
Sunday, November 27
Sunday, December 4
Sunday, December 11
Sunday, December 18
Sunday, January 1 (New Year’s Day)

Feast from the Fields

Saturday, September 24, 5:30 PM
The best of the fall harvest from Common Ground’s gardens and local farms. New Haven’s most creative chefs. Organic wines and local beers. Tastings and cocktails, followed by a beautiful family-style dinner. Music and theater. Live and silent auctions. All outdoors, on Common Ground’s site at the base of West Rock Ridge State Park. Join us to celebrate community, sustainability, and the harvest season—and to support Common Ground’s vital mission and programs. Tickets are $50 per person, and sell out quickly; RSVP to jtolman@nhep.com or 203.389.4333 x1214. Learn more.

Winter Special Events
Saturday, December 10: Wreath Making from the Farm and Forest, 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Celebrate nature’s ornaments with a beautiful wreath made from fresh greens, vines, pinecones, and other natural materials from the farm and forest. Hot beverages, soup, and snacks from our organic farm will be shared with all. Wreath or swag: $8, all tools and materials provided. Pre-registration not required.

Saturday, February 18: How To Plan For A Bountiful Vegetable Garden, 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM
CT NOFA and Common Ground will cover the basic principles of planning for organic vegetable and flower gardens. Choosing the site and style, soil testing and improvements, choosing the right vegetables for the season, crop rotation and companion planting will be covered. $10 per person. RSVP to www.ctnofa.org.

Saturday, March 10: Starting Seedlings, 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
CT NOFA invites you to learn about starting your own vegetables and flowers from seed. Demonstrations for both planting and transplanting, plus a list of which plants are set out by seedlings and which ones are directly sown by seed into the ground. $10 per person. RSVP to www.ctnofa.org.

Saturday, March 17: Soils and Compost Workshop, 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM
CT NOFA and Common Ground will cover the basics of building great soil in our gardens and in the compost pile. Demonstrations of composting skills as well as great hand outs will be available. $10 per person. RSVP to www.ctnofa.org.

Saturday, March 24: Maple Syrup Festival and Pancake Brunch, 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Just as winter begins to give way to spring, the New England forest gives us the sweetest of gifts-- maple syrup! We invite families to join us for a celebration of the end of winter, and to learn about all about maple sugaring. See our tapped trees, taste raw sap, and sample fresh maple syrup. Learn about our wood-fired evaporator and warm up by a campfire in the woods. A delicious brunch will be served featuring locally made maple syrup, pancakes, and Common Ground raised eggs and bacon. Admission is $8 per person for ages 4 through adult; ages 3 and under are free. Pre-registration not required, all activities are ongoing from 11 AM - 2 PM.

Saturday, March 31: Homebrewed Beer, 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Pair your favorite locally grown meal with your own homebrewed beer! This workshop will cover the basics of homebrewing, including materials, methods, and some great beginner recipes. $15 per person, RSVP to rholcombe@commongroundct.org.

Spring Open Farm Days
Every Saturday, April 7 through November 24, 2012, 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Enjoy Open Farm Day at Common Ground every Saturday until the end of November. See www.commongroundct.org for additional special events, family activities, and workshops for adults during Open Farm Day. Spring is a great time to learn about growing your own food and to meet young animals on the farm. Explore our beautiful urban, organic farm, help dig and plant in the children’s garden, and ask farm staff your backyard gardening and composting questions. The animal yards are open for visitors to meet our chickens, ducks, turkeys, goats, sheep, and pigs. Trail maps are available for self-guided hikes in West Rock Park, including the family-friendly Old Oak Nature Trail. This is a free event, donations welcomed.

Spring special events and workshops during Open Farm Day:
Every Saturday is Open Farm Day (see description above). In addition, join us for these events:

Saturday, April 7: Seed Starting and “Ask the Farmer,” 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Farm staff will answer garden questions and provide tips on anything from planning and planting to tricky garden pests. We welcome beginner gardeners and seasoned green thumbs to join us. A wide variety of seeds and organic soil will be available for starting your own vegetables, flowers, and herbs to take home. Event and advice are free. Start your own seed trays for $10. Pre-registration not required, all activities are ongoing from 10 AM - 2 PM.

Saturday, April 14: Urban Chickens! Keeping a flock of your own, 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Learn the basics of raising chickens in your own backyard. Breed selection, chick care, feeding, housing, and herbal and home remedies for optimal health! Day-old chicks will be for sale at Common Ground in May. $10 per household, RSVP to rholcombe@commongroundct.org.

Saturday, April 14: Building Your Own Coop, 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Learn to build your own chicken coop! We will cover appropriate sizes, predator proofing, outdoor yards, perches and nest boxes, and sourcing local and reclaimed materials to create your coop. $10 per household, RSVP to rholcombe@commongroundct.org.

Saturday, April 21: Guided Hike on the Old Oak Nature Trail, 12:30 PM - 2:00 PM
Celebrate Earth Day weekend with a visit to the farm and a hike on Common Ground’s interpretive nature trail! At 12:30, farm staff will lead a hike on the Old Oak Nature Trail, stopping to highlight some of its interesting natural and historic features. The hike is easy and family friendly for children as young as 4 (or younger with parental help!). This is a free event, donations welcomed.

Saturday, April 28: Farm Volunteer Crew, 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
With the arrival of spring comes many important farm jobs! Learn to prepare your own garden as you help us add compost, dig and turn garden beds, mulch pathways, and plant early spring crops. 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. This is a free event.

Saturday, April 28: Cheesemaking, 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Learn to make fresh cheese with locally produced milk! The art of cheesemaking will be demonstrated and participants will go home with skills and recipes to make cheese at home. $35 per person, space is limited. RSVP to rholcombe@commongroundct.org.

Saturday, May 5: Chicks & Chickens Day, 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Just like eggs, baby chicks come in many different colors! We invite families to visit 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. A variety of heritage breed chicks (females only) will also be for sale. We suggest attending our Backyard Chickens workshop on April 14 to make sure you are ready to bring your new chicks home! Chicks Day is a free event, chicks are $8 each.

Saturday, May 5: NOFA Organic Gardening Workshop, 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
CT NOFA offers instruction and seasonal tips on what can be planted in your garden now and what must wait for warmer weather. Learn how to prep your garden beds, plan your plantings, deal with early garden pests, and improve soil fertility using organic methods. $10 per person, RSVP to www.ctnofa.org.

Saturday, May 19: Farm Festival and Organic Seedling Sale, 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Enjoy Common Ground’s annual ORGANIC SEEDLING SALE and SPRING FARM FESTIVAL! We raise a variety of strong, healthy seedlings for your home garden. Choose from heirloom and hybrid tomatoes, hot and sweet peppers, broccoli, kale, parsley, basil, cucumbers, eggplant, flowers, squash, beans, lettuce, melons, and more. Seedlings are priced from $1.00 - $4.00. At the Farm Festival, celebrate community and the beginning of a new growing season. Festivities include tractor-pulled hayrides, music, face-painting, ice cream making, games, and live sheep shearing! Admission to all events is FREE!

Saturday, June 2: Guided Hike to West Rock Summit, 11:30 AM - 1:30 PM
Join a hike to the Summit of West Rock Park which offers a stunning view of New Haven and Long Island Sound. We will take the blue trail and stop at historic Judge’s Cave on the way to the Summit, returning to the farm via the steeper red trail. Hike is moderate difficulty, about 45 minutes of ascent (steep in some parts) including a stop at Judge’s Cave, and about 30 minutes to go back down and return to the farm. Hikers of all ages and abilities are welcome. This is a free event, donations welcomed.

Saturday, June 9: Urban Beekeeping Basics, 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Bees are an essential part of our food chain, even in the city. Learn some bee basics, including how to welcome them and how to get started with your own bee hive for honey and improved food production in your own backyard! All ages welcome at this family friendly workshop, $10 per household. RSVP to rholcombe@commongroundct.org.

Rock to Rock Earth Day Ride

Saturday, April 21
Join several hundred cyclists, park lovers, friends and families on a bike ride across New Haven, connecting East Rock and West Rock, raising funds to support our parks and local environmental organizations. See www.rocktorock.org

for registration and event details.

Spring Forest Events
Thursday, May 10 and Thursday, June 7: Campfire and Night Hike, 6:00 PM - 8:30 PM
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. Campfire from 6 - 7 PM (arrive anytime), hike departs by 7:15 PM. Please bring a flashlight. This is a free event, donations welcomed.

Friday, June 15 - Saturday, June 16: Family Camping, 6:00 PM Friday - 10:00 AM Saturday
Camping out at Common Ground is a great way to connect with nature without leaving the city. Bring a picnic dinner, roast marshmallows over the campfire, and take an optional guided night hike through West Rock. On Saturday morning you and your family help feed the farm animals and enjoy a farm fresh breakfast including eggs from our chickens and other seasonal foods from the farm. Camping experience not necessary, and all ages are welcome! $85 for a private lean-to that holds up to 10 people, $35 to rent a tent that holds up to 4 people, $5 per person ages 4 and up if you bring your own tent. Pre-Registration required; please call 203-389-4333 ext 1213 or email rholcombe@commongroundct.org.

West Rock Family Hikes
Meet new friends and enjoy the company of fellow families who value active, outdoor adventures through our West Rock hiking series! We will explore familiar trails and favorite places as well as venture to parts of the park that you have probably never seen. Explore all sorts of trails, including long hikes and plenty that are accessible to less experienced hikers and small children. Friendly dogs welcome, too! Read more about each hike’s departure time, destination, length and difficulty. Hikes are free, donations welcomed!

Sunday, April 8
Sunday, April 15
Sunday, April 22
Sunday, April 29
Sunday, May 6
Sunday, May 13
Sunday, May 20
Sunday, May 27
Sunday, June 3

Coming in Summer 2012
Join us in Summer 2012 for on-site farmstands, Open Farm Days, and on-farm workshops. Late summer is the best time to plan and plant your fall garden! In August 2012, watch for our workshop on planning your fall garden and our FALL SEEDLING SALE featuring broccoli, greens, brussel sprouts, and other cool weather crops. Details can be found at www.commongroundct.org in spring 2012!

Each summer, campers ages 4 – 13 roam the farm and forest at Common Ground, picking radishes, searching for salamanders, learning about local food, making friends, playing games, caring for farm animals, and hiking throughout West Rock Park. Details will be posted on our website in February, and registration begins in March. Spaces fill quickly; email camp@commongroundct.org to be placed on a list that will receive notice when camp registration is open (previous campers will automatically receive notification).