Mott Hashbarger Children's Farm

G-6140 Bray Road

Flint, MI 48505

(810) 760-1795 or 1796

Ron Schnell, Director

Since 1968 the Mott Hashbarger Children's Farm has been providing educational experience and exposure to farm life for students from the Flint Community Schools, Genesee and surrounding counties. This working farm is located on 55 acres adjacent to Historical Crossroads Village, on Bray Road in Flint, Michigan. The farm is located in the very area of Genesee County where so many Genesee County, New York, German farmers chose to locate in the 1850's and 60's. It is not only a beautiful area of the county, it is historically significant. During the regular school year students from the Flint Community Schools, particularly Carpenter Road Community School, enjoy using the Farm as part of their learning experience. The students are bussed to the classroom that is located near the farms lovely oak grove. Often, as our young people get off the bus they are greeted by several farm dogs that stroll with them to the classroom. During the day, students often stop on their way through the farm office to pet or speak with farm dogs Lady or Bud and pet one of the many cats that might adorn the office.

The Mott Hashbarger Children's Farm becomes "an educational learning setting of a lifetime" for children who are three to five years old. Two special summer programs are Head Start, and PPI, which provide a unique and unforgettable learning experience for children lucky enough to be part of the farm. On a daily basis children have animal chores to do. Working with farm animals instills a sense of importance that few responsibilities can offer. Children particularly enjoy gathering the morning eggs that later provides an opportunity for "tallying" when they return to the Classroom. This practical experience demonstrates the importance of many of the skills that they learn in the classroom. Planting, watering and weeding their "own" garden, although hard work, seem to be enjoyable exercises. But the most satisfying task are those having to do with harvesting of garden produce for them to take home to their family, or preparation for a "festival meal" hosted for their families at the farm.

The Mott Hashbarger Children's Farm also operates an alternative school program for "at-risk" third, fourth and fifth graders. With the farm as a living textbook, animal companionship and responsibility as well as gardening and horticulture are used to enhance the general school curriculum. Head Start, elementary, middle and high school students all are able to take advantage of the learning opportunities that the farm offers.

Through its "hands-on" educational programs for children and their families, the Mott-Hashbarger Children's Farm ensures our children remain connected to and aware of their rural heritage and the important source of our nations supply of food. The lessons learned on the farm help these students to develop an understanding of how important it is for all of us to be good stewards of the land and animals that are critical to our existence. Mott-Hashbarger Children's Farm serves as a peaceful setting to learn about and enjoy the natural environment that our ancestors cherished and passed on to our generations.

The Mott-Hashbarger Farm remains the most affordable visit for Flint, Genesee County and surrounding area schools, families and other groups. The two-dollar admission fee for adults buys a world of wonder and experience that cannot be found anywhere else in our region. The "working farm" not only has all typical farm animals, but also raises a variety of farm crops. Visitors will often pause near the fields to watch the plows turning and preparing the soil, or bringing in the lush harvest in the fall.

Besides being of service for schools, the farm also provides facilities and assists in programs or projects for many others organizations including Scouting groups, labor unions, day camps, Tot-lots, family reunions, and church groups. Many businesses, trade and professional organizations find the relaxed farm atmosphere to be the perfect setting for their outings, reunions and staff gatherings.

Many classroom teachers use the farm as a resource for valuable information on farm life and experience. The Farm provides fertile eggs for incubating in the classroom as well as products or produce not available anywhere else. Animals are also provided for school functions or lessons.

The Mott-Hashbarger Children's Farm seeks to connect yesterdays farming methods and culture with our present day experience. Though that education and presentation, the future of farming and farm life will be preserved in the experience of the students and visitors that pass through the Farm. We strongly believe in helping the public understand that a nations food supply should never be taken for granted. But even as important are the values of harmony, responsibility and ingenuity that have been passed down through generations of farm families and friends. It is the feeling of family that most people come away with from their visit to Mott Hashbarger Children's Farm, which is why we refer to the farm as "Our Family Farm."