Outdoor Classes

Animal Husbandry

In this class, you will explore the essential role animals play on the farm and learn how to care for cows, sheep, and chickens at Duryea Farm. The instructor provides hands-on demonstrations of daily care routines, including feeding, grooming, and checking animal well-being. You will practice organizing the cow barn, cleaning spaces, and observing signs of animal health under guided supervision. The class also teaches you how horses are integrated with other farm animals through step-by-step explanations of grazing rotations that support both soil health and crop fields. You will be encouraged to build confidence through repeated practice and close observation.

Farming and Gardening – Biodynamic Farming

In this class, you will learn the foundations of biodynamic farming through guided fieldwork and seasonal tasks. The instructor introduces each activity—whether sowing, transplanting, weeding, or harvesting—with clear demonstrations and practical walkthroughs. You will work at locations such as Duryea Farm, The Pfeiffer Center for Biodynamic Training, the Greenhouse Program, and the Medicinal Garden program. As you cultivate crops and herbs with hands-on practice, the instructor helps you understand why each task matters, showing how harvested materials connect to culinary and production classes. Expect to develop practical skills through repetition, observation, and reflective discussion.

Hike

In this class, you will enjoy easy hikes across the 200-acre campus while learning the fundamentals of outdoor preparation. Before each hike, the instructor teaches you how to choose a route, pack appropriate food and water, and apply basic safety practices. During the hike, you will receive guidance on pacing, trail awareness, and observing nature, helping you deepen your appreciation of the environment. The class builds endurance gradually, with the instructor offering supportive reminders and practical tips as you walk.

Hike and Gardening

In this class, you will explore local landscapes through guided hikes, learning to observe plants, terrain, and ecological relationships. The instructor leads you step-by-step in identifying features of the land and understanding how they relate to gardening. You will also work in several gardens—including those at Duryea Farm, Threefold Community Farm, The Pfeiffer Center, and the Medicinal Garden—where the instructor gives hands-on demonstrations of seasonal gardening tasks. You will practice these tasks yourself, receiving gentle guidance and practical feedback, and learn how the plants you grow connect to culinary and production classes. This combined approach helps you experience nature through both movement and cultivation.

Advanced Hike

In this class, experienced hikers tackle more challenging trails with guided preparation and route planning. The instructor teaches you how to read maps, assess terrain, pack for longer distances, and manage safety in complex environments. During the hikes, you will practice navigation skills, steady pacing, and mindful observation of natural surroundings. The instructor provides coaching on endurance, footwork, and decision-making, helping you build confidence in independent outdoor exploration. The class emphasizes developing a deeper relationship with nature while taking on a rewarding physical challenge.

Outdoor Skills

In this class, you will follow clear instruction to learn essential outdoor skills. The instructor shows you how to prepare gear, tie basic knots, and use simple tools safely, then guides you to practice each task yourself. You also learn how to make a fire safely: gather appropriate materials, set up a safe fire area, and practice supervised ignition using approved methods. You will learn to create comfortable surroundings outdoors by organizing your space, choosing a suitable location, and adjusting to weather conditions. In addition, the instructor teaches you how to look closely at the surrounding nature and enjoy what you see, using prompts for noticing plants, animals, and natural features. Through demonstrations, reminders, and guided practice, you build confidence working outdoors while developing safe and responsible habits in nature.