NORTHVILLE, Mich. (WXYZ) — “It’s about the community. It’s about seeing what it’s like to be on a working farm,” said Diana Wallace.
Diana Wallace is the executive director of Maybury Farm, a non-profit fully functional working farm in the heart of Northville.
Wallace was born in Northville, moved away, and returned with her husband to raise their family here in the late 1980’s.
“For us, this community is what Northville is all about. We need to give back to the community,” said Wallace.
Maybury Farm’s mission is to be a family friendly educational destination for everyone in metro Detroit.
“I think there are a lot of children that don’t get out, said Wallace. “They don’t know where their food came from, they don’t know what animals produce food, they don’t know what plants produce their food.”
For $3, the kids can enjoy Story time, a hayride, pick from the vegetable garden and see farm animals, all in a day’s visit.
“This place really shows you the importance of the whole farm aspect, and it’s that you experience it and have hands on with it” said Michelle Peterson.
Michelle Peterson and her family come to the farm once a month and her son Eli wants to be a farmer when he grows up.
“Actually, we don’t live around here, we drive 40 minutes to come here, because we love it that much,” said Peterson.
“There’s peacocks, pigs, chickens, goats, sheep, horses, cows,” said Eli Peterson.
“Everyone should understand the work that goes into feeding our community, so this is just a great opportunity to come out to an educational farm, see lots of different types of livestock and get some educational programming opportunities,” said Rachel Moran from Michigan State University Extension Program.
Rachael Moran is livestock instructor for the M.S.U. Extension program and she cares for the health and well being of the farm animals.
“Farmer’s feed people so I think it’s really beneficial. Bucky thinks so too. That the kids learn about agriculture," said Moran.
One thing’s apparent, the team along with the volunteers feel fortunate to be a part of this farm.
“I think part of being around animals, what you learn, is they keep you humble, and you are always learning more, said Moran. “It’s a great reward to put your time and effort into whatever you do with animals.”
"It’s fall here on the farm so let’s get out and enjoy it, said Wallace.
For great events at Maybury Farm all year long mayburyfarm.org
