Activities
Priscilla Bullitt Collins Field Station
The Priscilla Bullitt Collins Field Station was built in 1995, and is located on a 527.5-acre ecological preserve within the Vassar Farm. The field station is used to study natural history, ecology, botany, and earth science. It contains a library, classroom, laboratory, computers, and a modern weather station. The surrounding area offers a diversity of habitats including streams, wetlands, ponds, old-growth forest, and reclaimed farmland and meadows.
Poughkeepsie Farm Project
The Poughkeepsie Farm Project is a non-profit organization that works toward a just and sustainable food system in the Mid-Hudson Valley by operating a member-supported farm, providing education about food and farming, and improving access to healthy locally-grown food. Contact the Poughkeepsie Farm Project
Athletics
The athletic teams using the farm are men’s and women’s rugby, men’s and women’s cross country, and occasionally the Ultimate Frisbee team hold a tournament there.
Ralph Waterman Bird Group
The Ralph Waterman Bird Club, of Dutchess County, New York, is a local group of about 400 members dedicated to the study and observation of birds and other wildlife, and to promoting research in the fields of ornithology and conservation.
Greenway Environmental
Greenway Environmental is an innovative large-scale composting business that produces organic matter for farms, urban gardens, and municipalities in the Hudson Valley. Contact Greenway Environmental
Community Gardens
Community gardening plots are available at the Vassar Farm. Originally a product of the World War II Victory Gardens project, the Community Gardens continue today with 120 plots available to community members on a first-come-first-served basis. Gardeners are required to follow three simple rules: garden organically, bring your own hose (but unhook it when you leave) and build your own fence (to delineate the gardens and to protect your plants from the deer).
There is a nominal fee for gardening a plot for a season. For more information on a Community Garden plot, please contact Jinny Banks.
Exploring Science at Vassar Farm
The Department of Education offers a one-semester program in science and environmental education at the Collins Field Station on the Vassar Farm property. Vassar students work with faculty to design and implement lessons for local Poughkeepsie elementary students. Children from second and third grade classrooms are invited to spend a morning at the Farm in exploration and discovery. Through nature walks, performing a simple experiment, observing live animals, and using large motor skills in play, children are actively engaged in science. Those interested in participating should contact Ms. Capozzoli, director of the program.