ROCKPORT — This October, Maine Coast Heritage Trust invites youth ages 10 to 18 to get up close and personal with the Belted Galloway calves at Aldermere Farm, a historic saltwater farm preserve located at 20 Russell Avenue.

Starting October 8, Aldermere Farm will host a three-week long session of Farm Hands, a free, experiential 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 become full-grown.

Farm Hands will run every Tuesday and Thursday, from 3:30 - 5 p.m. Space is limited. To register, contact the Aldermere Farm office at 236-2739 or email jalbury@mcht.org.

Generous support from donors makes this educational program free to every participant. More information about Maine Coast Heritage Trust and Aldermere Farm is available online at mcht.org and aldermere.org.