Teachers bring classes from pre-school to 6th grade for field trips to help kids connect with the outdoors, learn hands-on how their food is grown, and learn about science and environmental issues. They walk quiet and
lovely rolling hills like the lake above. State Science Standards are incorporated of Ohio and Indiana, and the Archdiocese of Cincinnati.
36,000 children have been served over the past twelve years. The operation was co-founded in 1995 as Papaw’s Farm by George and Rose Hummel, who own and manage the 80 acre farm, and Chris Ferguson, who developed the patron base and education component. Formerly proprietorships, in 2005 Ferguson formed a Board of Directors, incorporated and became approved non-profit in late 2006. The capital campaign endeavors to purchase and preserve the teaching farm.
Dearborn Community Foundation, Inc. has agreed to a $100,000 grant subject to Open Sky Preservation being able to raise the remainder in the neighborhood of $300,000 to complete the purchase.
At this time of oil and energy shortages, shouldn’t education be reinforcing the science of life on a regular basis? Children are disconnected from nature, as substantiated in the national best seller, Last Child in the Woods, by Richard Louv. This is best done hands-on in the outdoors. Hummel Heritage Farm is an innovative teaching project located on a true small family farm, with acres of wooded green space and wetlands.
This is a heritage place: a continually operating small family farm from the early pioneers to the present. The first settler to Sparta, Jason Chilson and his two sons, are buried here within a beautiful maple and hickory woods. (See 5th grade photo at gravesite below.) The magnificent red wooden barn is 130 years old. Children wash their hands at the antique well.
The problem is that Mr. and Mrs. Hummel are older and their health is compromised. They need to sell the farm in the very near future to raise cash for their health needs and general living expenses. An individual offered to buy it at their asking price 4 years ago. Several times they could have sold to developers. Discontinuing the educational farm is not their wish. More capital donors are needed. Grantseeking by non-profits is more competitive than ever. Our need is immediate.
In a three to four hour field trip, educators choose from academic programs of three types, or a mix: Life Science & Ecology, Farming & Food, and Native American Culture & Pioneer Life. Pastures and woods are divided by a healthy stream that children delight in exploring. Parents are reminded to enjoy the outdoors with their children, to appreciate farmers for providing their families’ food, and to recycle at home.
A panel presentation of more details could be provided. Please give this request your careful consideration. Anything you could do to link the organization’s efforts with like-minded individuals would be earnestly appreciated.
Contact Persons:
Chris Ferguson, Executive Director
HHF 513 821-2011
Craig Rebich, Board President Open Sky Preservation, Inc. 317 727-0277
Larry Benken, Board Member and Real Estate Appraiser 513 662-3355
