ROCKPORT — Maine Coast Heritage Trust, a statewide land conservation, invites the public to Aldermere Farm and Erickson Fields’ Fall Celebration on Saturday, Oct. 15 (rain date October 16). This free, family-friendly event will be held from 1 to 4 p.m., at Erickson Fields Preserve, 164 West Street, Rockport. 

“It’s fall harvest time and there’s a lot to celebrate!” according to Heidi Baker, General Manager of Aldermere Farm and Erickson Fields Preserve. “September through early November, the Teen Ag Crew typically harvest 60+% of their food bank garden’s annual yield at Erickson Fields. At Aldermere Farm, the fall calves are being born.”

During the Fall Celebration, attendees will take a self-guided tour at Erickson Fields and learn about the agricultural programs run at Aldermere Farm and Erickson Fields. They will be greeted by an Aldermere Belted Galloway cow and invited to explore the Teen Ag Crew’s 4-acre garden, which last year produced 22,996 lbs. of fresh produce for food pantries, share tables, free farm stands, and public school lunches. 

The Knox County Gleaners and Teen Ag Crew will give hands-on demonstrations of how the produce is harvested, washed, and packed for delivery. 

There will be local fare for sale including ice cream from Stone Fox Farm Creamery, grilled veggies from the garden, and burgers made from Aldermere beef. 

Attendees will also learn about the Aldermere and Erickson Campaign that Maine Coast Heritage Trust has launched to raise at least $3 million for critical new infrastructure and equipment at Aldermere Farm and Erickson Fields.

“These improvements will enable us to better serve the Midcoast community for decades to come,” says Baker. “We’re planning a new Visitor’s Center at Aldermere Farm, trail upgrades, infrastructure improvements for Erickson Fields, and more. We’re excited to share our plans with the community and answer their questions.” 

For more information about this event, Aldermere Farm, Erickson Fields, and Maine Coast Heritage Trust, visit mcht.org and aldermere.org or call 207-236-2739.