A Season of Growth
Reflecting on the Future | by Kristin Sullivan
WHEN MY FAMILY AND I MOVED TO BRATTLEBORO LAST FALL, IT REMINDED ME OF ONE OF MY FAVORITE THINGS ABOUT THIS PART OF THE WORLD — THE SEASONS.
I feel so much more connected to nature when I see and can experience its changes: the warmth and abundance of summer, the beauty and preparations of fall, the quiet restoration of winter, and around the corner, all the possibilities and new beginnings of spring.
Over the last few months, I’ve learned about Retreat Farm’s (metaphorical) seasons — from its rich history, to its incredible ongoing programs, to the challenges and changes of recent years. Hundreds of thousands have fallen in love with Retreat Farm at different times and during various iterations. Now, there are a lot of questions about what comes next. Today is a time of renewal and possibility as we again find ourselves in spring.
After years of hard work, it’s incredible to see these transformational projects take shape.
The two most visible projects this season are the renovation of the North Barn into a community gathering space, and the creation of a regional food center in the former Grafton Village Cheese factory. After years of hard work, it’s incredible to see these transformational projects take shape. Both facilities will serve as anchors for Retreat Farm, helping to support the Farm’s mission by connecting more meaningfully with our community.
We’re also counting on the North Barn and future Food Center to generate revenue to support free access and exciting programming at the Farm and to help amplify the mission of farmers, producers, partners, and nonprofits.
As a place for people to gather, the North Barn will host public art exhibits, lectures, special events, and festivals for nonprofits and partners — as well as private events and weddings. With renovations starting in April, the North Barn will be available for events in the spring of 2024.
The Food Center will allow us to be part of the regional food system in a new way by supporting and showcasing local farmers and producers who contribute to our community’s health and vibrancy. With an interactive retail experience, commercial kitchen, and experiential education, the Food Center will play an essential role in helping visitors understand what they’re consuming, and to connect to the cultural importance of food.
With all this activity, we’re still committed to making Retreat Farm a public common and resource for the community. This year we’re focusing on deepening our connections with local organizations and engaging volunteers at the Farm.
The Boys and Girls Club utilizes the Forest Playground as home base for their Kids Club program. Photo Credit: Boys and Girls Club Brattleboro
For example – we’re excited to continue supporting outstanding outdoor education through our partnership with the Boys and Girls Club of Brattleboro. Together, we’re dreaming up new features to enhance our Forest Playground to expand resources for the Kids Club after-school program.
This summer, we’re bringing creative kids programming to the Farm in collaboration with the Brattleboro Museum and Art Center, the River Gallery School, and Brooks Memorial Library. Plus, we’re connecting with local artists and culture bearers to develop ideas for art and interpretive elements that invite visitors to engage with the landscape — to pause, take another look, and be fully present for the experience.
Another exciting partnership is with Big Picture Farm. We’re thrilled to celebrate Big Picture Farm’s commitment to high-quality and life-long animal husbandry by hosting a rotating cast of their iconic goats at Retreat Farm.
Past their milking days, Meridien, Noon, and Solaris will be the first Big Picture Farm legends to enjoy the Goat Playground and bask in the affection of thousands of animal lovers like you.
In addition, we can’t wait to meet new folks who love Retreat Farm as much as we do and reconnect with our dedicated volunteers. There will be volunteer opportunities to tend the Hope Garden as a place of tranquility and discovery, to maintain the expansive trail network, to help keep our summer event season thriving, and more.
It’s a quiet time from the outside here—snow-covered and still. But we’re planting seeds. It’s an exciting time to watch the seasons unfold, and I hope you’ll join me at the Farm to watch this new season of growth.