Programs & Camps
Fall 2026 Adult Education Classes This fall, grow your skills at Arethusa Farm Foundation's Adult Education Series. These engaging classes are designed to inspire, educate, and connect our community with agriculture in a meaningtul way. Whether you're eager to learn something new or deepen an existing passion, join us for an unforgettable season of hands-on learning on the farm.
Food Preservation Class: Jams, Jellies, and Preserves Tuesday, 9/15/26 7:00 pm to 8:30 pm
Topics covered to include:
- Equipment needed for safe canning (thermometers, PH meters, funnels, hot jar handling equipment)
- The role and function of Pectin as a gelling agent for Jams & Jellies, and how to choose the correct pectin for varying fruits or vegetables if needed.
- The role and function of sugar in Jams and Jellies (it’s not just for sweetness!)
- The roll of naturally occurring acidity of fruit or the addition of citrus or other acids and how both sugar quantity and acid affect the firmness of the jelly, the food safety, and shelf-life stability of the finished products.
- How to read your batch of jam, what visual indicators to look for when making jam.
- Standard practices and steps for filling, capping, and cooling the jars, and how to store them.
Cost per class: $60.00 (includes supplies needed to make and bring home a jar of jam for each person)
Limit of 25 participants
Food Preservation Class: Vegetables, Pickling and Sauces Tuesday, 9/22/26 7:00 pm to 8:30 pm
Learn about end of season preserving, such as tomato puree, tomato sauce, salsa, pickled green beans, pickled green tomatoes, vinegar pickles, and others.
Topics covered to include:
- Food safety requirements for the PH & acidity of the finished products, temperature/cooking requirements.
- Understanding higher food safety risk veggies that are known to contain botulism (root veggies, onions, garlic, carrots) and what steps must be taken for safe canning.
- Equipment needed for safe canning (thermometers, PH meters, funnels, hot jar handling equipment)
- The role and function of salt and salinity as a food safety parameter, and how to choose the correct salt for each style of canned vegetable.
Cost per class: $50.00
Limit of 25 participants
Instructor Information for Food Preservation Classes: Laura Montesi-Miller is the owner of Premiere Packaging Partners and Delavignes Gourmet Foods in Waterbury, CT. Laura is a longtime Litchfield County resident and is a Farmer, Chef, Baker, Cheesemaker, and Specialty Food Manufacturer. In addition to her agricultural pursuits, Laura and her team at Premiere Packaging work with many local and national farmers and producers to create exceptional specialty food products. Laura regularly offers hands-on classes at her facility teaching the fundamentals for authentic Italian style and sourdough bread making, artisanal cheese making, handmade pasta, and more.
Small Ruminant Artificial Insemination — Part I: Anatomy, Physiology & AI Foundations Friday, 9/18/26 7:00 pm to 8:30 pm
Explore the science behind artificial insemination in small ruminants and how it can be used to improve genetics, increase genetic diversity, and make strategic breeding decisions. This class will introduce participants to the reproductive anatomy and physiology of the goat, estrous cycles, synchronization protocols, reproductive hormones, and the importance of proper timing. Participants will also become familiar with the equipment and supplies used during the artificial insemination process. This course provides the foundational knowledge needed to better understand and successfully perform artificial insemination.
Cost per class: $40.00
Limit of 25 participants
Small Ruminant Artificial Insemination — Part II: Hands-On Techniques & Application Friday, 9/25/26 7:00 pm to 8:30 pm
Build on the concepts introduced in Part I with a hands-on look at the artificial insemination process in small ruminants. Participants will learn proper animal preparation, semen handling, sanitation, equipment use, insemination techniques, and semen placement while applying their knowledge of reproductive anatomy and timing. Emphasis will be placed on developing practical skills and understanding the steps necessary to establish a successful AI program. Participants could also have the option to pre-order a complete artificial insemination kit for $250 for continued use with their own herd.
At-Home Dog Grooming — Part I: Coat Types, Tools & Grooming Basics Monday, 9/14/26 7:00 pm to 8:30 pm
Learn the fundamentals of maintaining your dog’s coat, skin, and overall grooming needs from home. This one- hour introductory class will explore common canine coat types, how grooming requirements differ between breeds, and how to select the appropriate brushes, combs, clippers, shampoos, nail-care tools, and other grooming supplies. Participants will learn how coat length, texture, and shedding patterns influence the type and frequency of grooming needed. This class is designed to give dog owners the knowledge and confidence to develop a safe and effective at-home grooming routine.
Cost per class: $40.00
Limit of 25 participants
At-Home Dog Grooming — Part II: Hands-On Grooming Techniques Monday, 9/21/26 7:00 pm to 8:30 pm
Put the fundamentals into practice during this hands-on introduction to routine dog grooming. Participants will learn proper brushing and combing techniques, bathing and drying, nail trimming, ear care, and basic clipping and trimming techniques that can be safely performed at home. The class will also cover proper handling, recognizing signs of stress or discomfort, and making grooming a positive experience for both the dog and owner. Participants will leave with practical skills they can use to maintain their dog’s health, comfort, and appearance between professional grooming appointments.
Cost per class: $40.00
Limit of 25 participants
Preparing Your Horse for Winter: Nutrition, Blanketing & Seasonal Management Wednesday, 11/11/26 7:00 pm to 8:30 pm
Winter brings a unique set of management challenges for horse owners, from colder temperatures and changing nutritional needs to blanketing, hydration, footing, and shelter. This class will cover the key considerations for preparing horses for the winter months, including how and when to blanket, choosing the right type of blanket, monitoring body condition, adjusting feed and forage, maintaining adequate water intake, and supporting horses through colder weather. Participants will also discuss winter turnout, hoof care, shelter, exercise, and recognizing when individual horses may need additional support. This course is designed to help horse owners make informed, practical decisions that keep their horses healthy, comfortable, and well managed throughout the winter season.
Cost per class: $40.00
Limit of 25 participants
Fall Gardening Thursday, 10/15/26 7:00 pm to 8:30 pm
With temperatures dropping and days shortening, the main growing season is winding down—but fall is actually the most critical time to set your yard up for a thriving spring. In this comprehensive class, you will learn how to prepare your landscape for winter and take full advantage of autumn’s ideal planting window. We will cover essential end-of-season tasks including strategic flower bed cutbacks, clean outs, and autumn mulching. You will discover methods for boosting soil health through amendments and improvements, alongside proper winterization routines for turf grass, hand tools, and power equipment. Finally, we will dive into fall planting strategies, focusing on optimal timing and depth for spring-flowering bulbs like tulips and daffodils. By taking the right steps now, you will successfully tuck your garden in for winter and give it a powerful head start for the upcoming spring.
Cost per class: $40.00
Limit of 25 participants
Winterizing Lawn Mowers Thursday, 10/22/26 7:00 pm to 8:30 pm
As the last mow of the season approaches, it is time to put away your lawnmower and pull out the snowblower—but improper storage can lead to expensive repairs and equipment that refuses to start when you need it most. Through interactive, hands-on demonstrations using actual power equipment, this course teaches you the essential steps to winterize and maintain your equipment for long-term reliability. We will cover step-by-step routine service procedures, including oil and filter changes, blade sharpening and balancing, belt inspection, greasing fittings, and interpreting owner manual service intervals. You will also learn proper fuel management techniques, including fuel stabilization versus draining carburetors, battery care, and winter storage best practices. Come prepared to roll up your sleeves, inspect real equipment up close, and gain the practical skills needed to keep your lawn mower or snow blower running smoothly for years to come.
Cost per class: $40.00
Limit of 25 participants
Backyard Poultry Basics Monday, 10/19/26 7:00 pm to 8:30 pm
Join us for an educational evening discussing proper nutrition and care for your backyard chickens. Our hen- tastic topics will include maximizing egg production, coop care best practices, predator prevention, getting ready for winter, and more. There will be free samples and giveaways for all who attend. This class is co-sponsored by Agriventures Agway in New Milford.
Cost per class: $40.00
Limit of 25 participants