Ardenwood Historic Farm

The East Bay Regional Park District in California has operated Ardenwood Historic Farm since 1985. The farm still grows the same kind of produce that was grown in the region in the last 100 years, utilizing agricultural practices from the 1870s to the present, demonstrating the transition from horse-powered to horsepower farming. The interpretive staff and volunteers, attired in Victorian clothing, guide guests through the Victorian house, demonstrate farm chores, and explain what life was like in the early 1900s. Since Ardenwood is a working farm, the daily activities change from season to season so no two visits will be exactly alike.

Among the activities offered:

• Hay Harvest
• Corn Harvest
• Wheat Harvest
• Ongoing workshops and naturalist-led programs
• Small organic garden
• Working organic farm operated by Perry's Farms - produce available for sale at farmstand. Perry's Farm also offers an annual pumpkin patch.

Through Ardenwood's educational programs, visitors can see and participate in many activities common to a turn-of-last-century farm. Weekdays, naturalists provide programs for school classes and other groups by reservation.

Non-reservation weekend programs include the planting, tending and harvesting of Ardenwood's organic crops, farm chore demonstrations, and hands-on experiences for the whole family.

There is an entry fee for the park, see web site for details as the fee varies by season and day of the week.