Green Chimneys Animal Programs

Horse Herd Helped by Dedicated Volunteers

November 17, 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 Sam and Myra Ross 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:

Brook Lyn the Sheep

Found abandoned in a box with her brother in Brooklyn, NY, this sheep was rescued as a newborn. After she was stabilized by a wildlife rehabilitator, she was driven up to Green Chimneys Farm where the children hand fed her with bottles of warm milk. The responsibility of becoming a caretaker for a little animal like Brook Lyn gives students a chance to recognize their own ability to make a contribution. Many of the children have been “taken care” of all of their lives by caring parents, concerned teachers and mental health staff, but stepping up and holding a bottle for this little orphan lamb transforms them from service receivers to service providers.