I’m interested in leasing (and possibly the eventual purchase of) 5-20 acres in Western Hunterdon County to conduct Wildcraeft Works Fiber and Craeft Farm, starting in the Spring 2025.  Access to woodlands, a small area for small-crop horticulture, a small pasture (with fencing) and access to water would be ideal.  Use of the woodlands and an area for growing fiber plants, herbs and teas, and dye plants would be the initial priority. I plan to launch programs in the Summer of 2025 as week-long camps, with on-going weekly programs through the Fall and resuming again in the Spring.  Alpacas will be transported to the farm for day programs as needed.

The mission of Wildcraeft Works Fiber and Craeft Farm, rooted in research, will address the needs of local children with learning challenges through farm-based activities and families seeking nature-based sensory play and holistic creative experiences for their children.  I’ve been a practicing pediatric Occupational Therapist for 30+ years, licensed in NJ and PA, and have a certificate in Animal-Assisted Therapy, Level 1 certification in Hippotherapy, and training in the humane alpaca handling through CamelidDynamics, along with a life-long obsession with the fiber crafts. Wildcraeft Works Fiber and Craeft Farm is an experiential program utilizing the fiber farm environment, animal husbandry, regenerative small-scale farming, and traditional skills (gardening, woodworking/Sloyd, cooking, farm work, fiber crafts, etc.) in the context of child-led play, craft, and meaningful tasks.

In addition to enrichment and therapy services, Wildcraeft Works Fiber and Craeft Farm will produce alpaca and angora fiber and products, fiber and natural dye plants, and herb/tea crops.  Farm products will be sold through CSAs, subscriptions, and a farm stand.  Experiential farm stays and craeft classes for adults will eventually be explored.

This could be a very good fit for a farm owner interested in leasing/selling a smaller part of their larger farm and/or those interested in having their farm involved in alternative agricultural-related pursuits that will have a direct impact upon the children in the community.

P.S.: In Old English, the word Craeft signified “an indefinable sense of knowledge, wisdom, and resourcefulness. Rediscovering craft will connect us with our human past, our sense of place, and our remarkable capacity to survive in the harshest of landscapes.” (Langlands)