Joppa Hill Educational Farm

Mission: To preserve a working farm that provides enriching educational experiences, fosters community connection, and cultivates a shared appreciation for New Hampshire’s agricultural heritage and natural environment. Pillars: Community Connection: Foster a sense of community for visitors, staff, and volunteers. Education and Enrichment: Provide enriching, hands-on learning experiences that deepen appreciation for agriculture and our environment. Sustainability and Stewardship: Commitment to protecting and preserving the Farm’s land, buildings, animals, and natural resources. The Farm was incorporated as a non-profit organization in 2004. The land is owned by the Town of Bedford and leased to the Farm. We signed a 30-year lease with the town in 2015, with the option to renew through 2065! The approximately 35-acre farm was formerly a working dairy farm and is now home to horses, goats, sheep, chickens, ducks, bunnies, alpacas, a donkey, and cows. According to historical records, the Farm had been in the Flint family for more than 70 years, dating back to 1833. The land was inherited by Lewis Edmund Hodgman from his uncle, Milton Flint. The house you see in this photo was originally across the street from the farm you now know. The original home was destroyed in a fire and rebuilt in this location. Nathaniel Flint (born 1810) was the father to Milton Flint. In this historical passage you can read a little about him and his father Captain Nathaniel Flint. Captain Nathaniel Flint fought in the Revolutionary War and is buried in the Joppa Hill Cemetery. The Farm was then sold to Lester Shapiro. A 1956 Nashua Telegraph article references the Farm as being owned by Alex Shapiro and managed by Clyde Blakely. Blakely managed crops such as corn and had 59 registered Holsteins, which averaged 11,942 lbs of milk in one year.

At Joppa Hill Educational Farm, our mission is to preserve a working farm that provides enriching educational experiences, fosters community connection, and cultivates a shared appreciation for New Hampshire’s agricultural heritage and natural environment. Through a variety of programs, we offer hands-on opportunities for people of all ages to engage with the land, animals, and sustainable farming practices. The Farm is a place where curiosity is nurtured, community is strengthened, and a love for nature and farming is cultivated. Our summer camp program offers children a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in farm life while getting outside and learning about animals and agriculture. Children learn about the animals on the farm with hands-on experiences like feeding, collecting eggs, and learning about sustainable farming practices. The camp provides a fun and educational environment where kids can connect with nature, develop new skills, and make lasting memories. Our farm features a variety of gardens that foster both community engagement and environmental stewardship. We offer a community garden space where local members can grow their own produce, alongside a certified Native Plant & Pollinator Garden that promotes biodiversity and sustainability. Our high tunnel is used to cultivate flowers and fresh produce year-round, with all gardens managed by a dedicated team of UNH Extension Master Gardener Volunteers and community volunteers. These gardens are a place to connect with nature, learn, and grow together. Field trips: Bring your class or group to Joppa Hill Educational Farm for a fun, hands-on field trip experience! We offer interactive educational farm tours. Field trips are appropriate for all ages, and can be customized to integrate your classroom curriculum, New Hampshire education standards, and desired learner outcomes. Additionally, Lets Grow Outside NH is the operating manager of the JFFS School and offers a child-led play school rich in nature immersion. The operating manager Ellen Grudzien is also the founder of The Amherst Preschool (TAP). TAP is a nature based play school in Amherst founded in 2009 and offering programs to children ages three to five years old. Let’s Grow Outside is on a mission to offer outdoor programs to families while educating parents and educators on the benefits of outdoor learning.