Green Chimneys Animal Programs

Back to School: A Parent’s Perspective

September 21, 2020

From the day Green Chimneys Farm for Little Folk opened, children have had the unique experience of interacting with and caring for animals. Green Chimneys continues to provide a dynamic, experiential learning environment with meaningful ways for people to connect with nature through the Farm & Wildlife Center.

The Farm & Wildlife Center supports therapeutic education and treatment for Green Chimneys’ day and residential students, serving as an adjunct to classroom academics, vocational activities, and clinical support.

The Farm & Wildlife Center is also a public attraction, hosting thousands of visitors for open weekend hours and favorite annual events such as Little Folk Farm Day, and the spectacular Birds of Prey Day each June.

There are many ways to experience — and support — the animals of Green Chimneys:

Cricket

Say hello to Cricket! Born May 15, 2019 to mama Maya, this mini horse foal was the apple of our eye before she even arrived. For students who may struggle with human relationships, communicating or regulating emotions, preparing for Cricket’s birth provided learning opportunities and life lessons. “Watching a new life begin and seeing the foal’s connection to its mother – these experiences are not only priceless, but they can also be therapeutic”, says Michael Kaufmann, Director of Green Chimneys Farm & Wildlife Director and Head of The Sam and Myra Ross Institute.