SUMMER 2023
Dear friend of Shelburne Farms, Our working farm campus has a special feeling in the summer. The Farm Barn is filled with the voices and laughter of campers and visitors. Educators gather in thoughtful discussion, exchanging ideas. Tractors rumble across the fields harvesting hay. Dishes clink in the restaurant as farm fresh food is enjoyed by guests at the Inn. The list of possible experiences here goes on. Shelburne Farms is being transformed into a beautiful and powerful place for learning. It’s a place for exploring together what sustainability means. It’s a place that welcomes educators from across the globe for renewal and inspiration. 1
Thank you for making this possible and for being part of our community: the place we steward, the programs we offer, and the products we craft. With deep gratitude,
Alec Webb, President
Stewarding & sharing place We care for our working farm campus as a living classroom, inviting you to learn, grow, and be inspired by the big ideas of sustainability.
SUSIE MARCHAND, SARAH WEBB, HOLLY BROUGH
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1 Expanding silvopasture: In May, we planted 59 trees in a pasture south of the dairy as a pilot project in our climate action plan. The native tree species—adaptable, fast growing, and safe for livestock—will sequester carbon while allowing cows and sheep to graze beneath them. 2 Renovating the historic Coach Barn, home of our Institute for Sustainable Schools. The work is just beginning to repair windows, install a geothermal heating system and fire and life safety improvements, and construct a teaching kitchen. Supported in part by a Save America’s Treasures grant. 3 Filling the Farmyard: Sicilian Miniature Donkeys, Brawny and Franco, joined our Children’s Farmyard in early June. The “team” also includes new Nigerian Dwarf goats, and French Angora rabbits. It’s a farmyard United Nations! They’re all here to engage you with how we are all dependent on food and fiber from farms.