ROCKPORT – This March, Maine Coast Heritage Trust (MCHT) invites youth ages 10 to 18 to work hands-on with Belted Galloway calves at Aldermere Farm, a historic saltwater farm preserve located at 20 Russell Avenue in Rockport.

Starting March 1, Aldermere Farm will host a three-week long session of Farm Hands (3:30-5 p.m. every Monday and Wednesday), a free program for youth to practice haltering, grooming, and leading young calves. Participants will learn about agriculture and best practices for handling livestock while providing an important community service to the farm by helping train calves, so they are easier to manage when they full-grown.

In keeping with health officials’ recommendations, facemasks are required, and space is limited to 4 participants so appropriate social distancing can be maintained. Participants must dress for being outside for an extended period in the cold and are responsible for bringing their own gloves, boots, and facemasks. 

Registration is on a first come first served basis, is available online (aldermere.org/programs/farm- hands) and closes on February 19.   

Generous support from donors makes this educational program free for every participant, according to MCHT, in a news release.

More information about Maine Coast Heritage Trust and Aldermere Farm is available online at www.mcht.org and www.aldermere.org.