Appleton Farms

Appleton Farms in Ipswich and Hamilton, Massachusetts is a convert|658|acre|km2|sing=on farm owned and maintained by The Trustees of Reservations (TTOR). Established in 1638 as a land grant to Samuel Appleton, Appleton Farms is one of the oldest continuously operating farms in the United States. Scenic views of rolling grasslands, grazing livestock, ancient stone walls, tree-lined carriage paths, and historic farm buildings are all part of the agricultural legacy. The farm's convert|133|acre|km2|sing=on "Great Pasture" supports one of the largest populations of rare grassland birds in Massachusetts.

Today, TTOR is continuing the farm's progressive agricultural traditions, preserving the property's landscape and farm buildings, and enhancing the ecological values of its woodlands, wetlands, and fields. Operations include a community-supported farming, a retail feed and mulch haying operation, and dairy programs. Livestock includes White Park (a rare and ancient breed of cattle) and Jersey cows.

Visitor Information

Appleton has six miles (10 km) of footpaths, bridle paths, and easily-walked farm roads, some of which are part of the "Bay Circuit Trail". Visitors are asked to stay on marked paths and roads, observing which are for pedestrians and which for equestrians.

Interpretive tours and programs for families and adults are offered throughout the year. Printed trail maps, when available, are distributed free from bulletin boards in parking areas. One may also download a PDF trail map ( [http://www.thetrustees.org/documents.cfm?documentID=99 "click here"] ).

Grass rides

Appleton Farms Grass Rides is an adjacent property owned by the Trustees of Reservations and characterized by the presence of carriage paths through the grass.

References

* [http://www.thetrustees.org/pages/249_appleton_farms.cfm The Trustees of Reservations: Appleton Farms]