Public Awareness
Stone Barns provides opportunities for 100,000 annual visitors to learn about agriculture and build connections to the food we eat. The farm is the center of our education programs, with its daily operations integrated into every learning experience. We provide opportunities for visitors and volunteers to participate in farm chores, engage with our farmers, and learn through action.
For adults and families looking to deepen their experience at Stone Barns, we offer a variety of public programs, classes, lectures and workshops taught by experts in the field. Topics include everything from cooking with in-season ingredients, to planting deer-resistant landscape, to flower arranging and more. At different points in the year, visitors can taste and learn about honey, tea, cheese and dishes made with fresh seasonal ingredients. Proceeds from all Stone Barns events directly benefit our farm and education programs.
Stone Barns is also participating in the development of a Foodshed Study for the New York metropolitan region in partnership with Columbia University. The project will develop and promote the concept of a “foodshed”—a diversified regional food economy. The foodshed project will encourage collaboration between individuals, organizations, businesses and government to create a sustainable food system.
The goal of our educational programming and public outreach is to connect people to what they eat and awaken them to the consequences of their choices. Over the long term, we expect that this work will help create lasting change beyond the borders of Stone Barns, and beyond Westchester County. We are striving to contribute to an increase in sustainable and productive farmland in the Northeast; a decrease in childhood onset of diabetes and obesity; establishment of a viable, sustainable green market and consumer-supported agriculture business; and the development of more regional distribution businesses for agriculture products.
To learn more about upcoming programs and events at Stone Barns, visit our program calendar.