Happy 4th Birthday Songyard Farms
It has been four years since I first walked the woods and fields of what is now Songyard Farms. In celebration of our birthday, I would love to share our story …
To say my first walk through the Songyard Farms property was love at first sight is nothing short of truth. I could not wait to get to know this land, to understand what it needs to flourish, what grows here, what lives here. What did it need more of, or less of? The possibility of caring for this land-pouring love, sweat and labor into it felt just like falling in love. I was giddy with ideas. Beyond being a steward of the land itself, I could see immediately how it could be a haven for our community: A space to grow beautiful flowers, fresh food, and even medicine. A space to raise animals for eggs and dairy to feed us and who would provide compost to feed our soil. A space to play. A space for children of all abilities to explore and learn in nature, in the gardens and with the animals-and a space to make friends. A space for teenagers to explore possible vocations through volunteering. A space for adults who are differently abled to find meaningful work. A space someday for healing through nature based meditations and therapy.
As a Behavior Therapist, I have worked with children for over 25 years. As a nature enthusiast and self taught homesteader I am enthralled with the healing powers of nature and animals, and with the ways nature and animals can provide us with opportunities to laugh and connect with each other. And I have deep passion for sharing this with others!
Over the years I have known hundreds of children with autism, ADHD, and anxiety, and I have experienced and lived with a neuro-divergent way of experiencing the world first hand. As Temple Grandin says, being neuro-divergent is “different, not less.” You do not desire to be understood less, or want to feel comfortable in your surroundings less. You do not crave a creative outlet, fun or joy less. You do not want quality relationships less. You do not want meaningful vocation less. You certainly do not deserve friends, comfort, understanding or a career less. One could argue these things are needed even more! Yet, for many children and adults who are differently abled, their opportunities are in fact less. We need more spaces like Songyard Farms in our communitiea to change this.
Songyard Farms has grown so much in the past four years! We have built homes for our animals, and rescued and raised a few as babies right here on the farm. We have created trails for hiking and foraging. We have cultivated a wildflower labrynth, nature play space with art and music nooks and a storybook trail for connecting with nature through creativity and mindfulness. We have planted, weeded, watered and guided the growth of berries, veggies, cullinary herbs and medicinal herbs. We have studied the patterns of growth, of the shade and sun, the rain, the seasons, and even what calls our woods and fields home. We have eradicated invasive plants and researched how to eradicate more. We have made many mistakes. And we are stronger for it.
We have hosted camps, festivals, vocational opportunities and volunteers. We have baked, canned and created for our visitors.
Most importantly, we have laughed and struggled and felt deeply. We have made new friends and neighbors, and have connected with our community. We have so much more planned for this space. But I must remind myself often that we are young. The years ahead will bring changes and continued growth. They will bring more food, more animals, more laughter, healing, friendships and opportunities. They will bring the establishment of our non profit. We hope you visit often and remain a part of our journey!
If you are looking for a meaningful way to connect with agriculture, have a family member who would benefit from our space and programs, or simply want to learn more about what we do, please visit our website at www.songyardfarms.com or email us at songyardfarms@gmail.com
Happy birthday to us! Thanks for reading our story and for being a part of our journey.
With much gratitude,
Stacy
