Steve Parker’s parents moved their family to the farm in 1953. In 1976, Steve and his wife, Susan Terry along with their children, Sarah and Lon, came back to the farm to live. Steve is engaged full time in the management of the farm. Susan, in addition to some farm responsibilities is a mediator, organizational consultant, and educator.
For over 20 years, it has been their dream to have not only a working farm, but to also have an educational center that would provide the opportunity to explore the concepts and practice of land and human ecology. Today, Today, The Farmhouse at High Reach Farm is the home for that sphere of farm activities that are focused on the educational and apprenticeship aspects of our work.
THE FARM
High Reach Farm is a diversified tree farm, in continuous operation by one family since 1953. The 800 acres of the farm is a working landscape that includes endeavors of forestry and Christmas tree production, landscaping and landscaping plant collection, wildlife protection, reclamation of old structures, recreation and education.
Our mission is to be fruitful and productive without the land being diminished and without exhausting the fertility and resources of the system. Our commitment has been to be good stewards of the land, support those creatures who call it home, be in harmony with our neighbors and the community in which we live, and to offer back to others some of what we have learned in our journey on the land.
High Reach Farm provides:
Saw logs from selective timber cutting
Firewood
Pulp for paper
Christmas trees
Trees for landscaping
Hay for dairy farms
Recreational activities
Consulting services for land owners
Educational programs
Vacation accommodations
Retreats
Apprenticeship opportunities
EDUCATION & TRAINING
For over 30 years, we have planned and carried out learning experiences both on and off the farm. Drawing on the professional expertise of both Steve and Susan, we have offered trainings in a wide variety of topics, including:
Woodlot management
Land stewardship
Methodology of organic Christmas tree farming
Understanding the history and geography of northern New England
Creating collaborative communities
Town officials as consensus builders
Conflict Resolution Skills
Mediation
The completion of The Farmhouse now makes possible a more intense focus on our educational mission. This facility, a rehabilitation of one of the original farmhouses on the land, can host groups of about 20 participants for educational events of varying lengths.
UPCOMING WORKSHOPS: Click web site link on left for more details on specific workshops. Complete the form and print it. Mail it or scan it and send as an email attachment.
RENTALS & RETREATS
For individuals, families and groups wishing to enjoy the exquisite beauty of a rural New England farmscape, The Farmhouse is the ideal environment. The early 1800's building has been completely rehabilitated, keeping both the footprint of the original house and the charm of an old New England farmhouse. It can host groups up to 20 and has overnight accommodations for six. Vacation rentals are for two nights or longer. All of the trails of the farm are available for your enjoyment. Usually Steve can be available for a short tour of the farm property and an overview of our environmental practices.
