Orchard Farm
Orchard Farm Organics has long been an important part of the Waldorf School of Princeton. Bob and Caroline Phinney, founders of our School, have operated the 61-acre for decades. In that time there has been a close relationship between the School and the Farm with students regularly participating in activities there. As the Phinney’s looked towards the future they wanted to create a legacy where this relationship could endure.
In Autumn 2023, the Waldorf School of Princeton acquired the Farm. This ensured that the students had continued access to so many valuable places like Brown Wood and Bedens Brook and it has opened up new opportunities for the School for student learning, community programming, and revenue generation. It also ensures that we are able to conserve this valuable agricultural and natural landscape. Guided by the School’s Orchard Farm Task Force, the School is currently transitioning into farm management and planning for its future.
Whats Happening Now?
Farm Week! March 17-22
To help shape the vision for the Farm we are seeking input from our community and have a special week of activities planned for March 17-22. We’d love to hear your stories of the farm and your thoughts on its future. Here’s how to get involved:
- Join a Story Circle: Story circles are a fun way to share your own memories of the farm and your ideas for its future. Participants are welcome to bring a dish and a story to share. Circles will be held Wednesday, March 19 from 9:00 to 11:00am, Thursday, March 20 from 5:00-7:00pm and Saturday, March 22 from 3:00-5:00pm. Sign up below to join a Circle.
- Past, Present & Future Exhibit: Visit the Past, Present & Future Farm Exhibit to be held at the School from March 17 to 22. You will get a chance to glimpse into the history of the farm, its present day use and share your ideas for its future. The Exhibit will be open with a Task Force Open House on Monday, March 17 at 3:15pm and then will be open from noon to 2 and 3:15 to 5:00 Tuesday through Friday. If you are unable to visit during these times please contact arianamcbride@gmail.com to find another time.
- Walking Tours: New to Waldorf or the Farm and want to learn more? Join us for a walking tour on Thursday, March 20 from 8:30 to 10:00am or Saturday, February 8 from 1:00 to 2:30pm. Tours will end with a visit to the Exhibit. Sign up for a tour below.
- Coffee Tuesday: Visit Task Force members at Coffee Tuesday, held on March 18 from 8:30 to 9:30am. There will be a chance to visit the Exhibit then too.
- Share your Story: If you can’t make it to an event above we’d still love to hear from you! Please share your stories and ideas below.
Current Projects
Hazelnut Orchard
The School partnered with Rutgers University to plant 100 hazelnut trees in December 2024. The trees will provide a new revenue stream and learning opportunity for our students and will contribute towards the effort to transform the region into a hub for hazelnut cultivation.
School Lunch Program Pilot
The Orchard Farm Task Force is in the planning stages for a Grade School lunch program pilot that will run in Spring 2025. Volunteers kicked it off with a Kids Choice Soup Contest on Friday, February 7 where students got to vote on which soup would be featured during the lunch pilot. Please contact Lindsey Stephenson if you’d like to learn more and help with this exciting new initiative!
Have A Question?
For questions about the farm and the Task Force’s work please contact Ariana McBride.
Sign Up For Farm Week Activities!
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Share You Stories and Ideas!
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