Fostering an Appreciation for the Land
Welcome to Stratford Ecological Center
Stratford is currently closed to public.
The Stratford Ecological Center is a non-profit educational organic farm and nature preserve on 236 acres in Delaware County, Ohio. When open, visitors are welcome to explore the land, hike the 4 miles of nature trails, visit the livestock, tour the gardens and greenhouses or explore the creek, pond, prairie, swamps or State Nature Preserve. Farm products are available for sale seasonally, based on availability.
Stratford offers workshops and classes for children and adults, annual festivals, farm tours, school tours, farm camp and family programs.
Stratford will Remain Closed to the Public for the Summer to Prepare for Fall Programming
We plan to proceed by working closely with the Delaware General Health District to ensure best practices before holding onsite programs.
With optimism we are moving forward to plan for hundreds of school children attending Farm and Field Trips and Messages From the Earth programs this fall. As you know, many school districts are still making a plan for this coming year. If schools cancel their Stratford field trips our goal will be to create safe educational programs for groups here by registration.
During these scheduled programs we will stay closed to the public to ensure our ability to maintain a small group and limit exposure to participants. The staff is considering a farm visit day for families by registration.
Keep a close eye on our website, social media and e-newsletter for continued up-dates.
Thank you again for your patience and support!
NEW! Farm School
At Farm School nature is the classroom and the teacher. Children will rediscover their joy of learning as they care for farm animals, tend gardens and explore native Ohio habitats. Lessons are naturally intertwined into hands-on activities exploring concepts that support our food system and our environment. Farm School will support grade level Ohio Academic Standards for Science.
Click for details>
see registration page for dates
Homestead Series for Kids
Join Stratford’s Environmental Education Team for an fun and educational virtual experience on the farm and in the nature preserve. From our home to yours, learn lessons about gardening, chickens, beekeeping, compost, nature activities, cooking and more!
View on YouTube here>
Recipes we used>
Beginner Farmer Growing Collaborative
This new program series on regenerative farming begins Thursday, May 21 and continues every Thursday thru August 6 with a livestream at 4pm. Beginners to experts are welcome!
View the full schedule here>
View on YouTube here>
Good Reading:
Farm Connection
“The Farm is Flourishing at Stratford Ecological Center”
By Pauline Scott
Farm & Nature Guide, Board of Trustees
On behalf of all the children that visit Stratford, thank you for your generous Big Give donations.
What Stratford is All About
video by Above the Light Photography
Stratford’s Historic Cemetery
*Video Clip from the Latest Probing Volunteer Effort
*Stratford Cemetery: Geographic Survey Results
*”Historic Cemetery to Undergo Radar Mapping”
*Watch a compilation of video clips:
Geophysical Survey process at Stratford>
Thank you to our community
supporters and partners!
Support Stratford When you Shop!
Nature’s Whispering –
Here is What I Hear!
Thank you to those who submitted poetry during out spring and summer collection!
Each month we will feature some of the poetry in the newsletter, and then add it on our website.
IMPORTANT NOTICE
Stratford is closed to the public. Our closure includes all Stratford property: the buildings, trails, farm & land.
All programs have been canceled. We will reevaulate and update as appropriate.
Consistent with Ohio Governor DeWine’s announced closure of all K-12 schools in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Stratford Ecological Center will close to the public starting on Monday, March 16, 2020. As this situation evolves, Stratford administrators will closely monitor and comply with both State and Federal guidance. Our intention is to welcome you back to Stratford as soon as it is prudent and in the best interest of our students, families, friends, dedicated staff and generous volunteers.
Even though Stratford will be closed to the public, the farm is alive with activity. The farm animals are being fed and watered, eggs collected, and beehives maintained. Dozens of newborn lambs, chicks, goats, calves and piglets are being tended. Farm fields and machinery are being prepared for Spring planting. Please know that the entire Stratford team is working hard and eagerly awaiting your return.
In the meantime, continue to care for your loved ones, support your community and protect the earth.