Fostering an Appreciation for the Land
Welcome to Stratford Ecological Center
Stratford is currently closed to public for the safety of scheduled program participants.
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!
Stratford’s Fall
Sweet Sale:
Saturday, October 24
9 am – 1 pm
At Stratford Ecological Center
· Pure local honey from this summer
· Stratford’s Pure Maple Syrup – 2020 harvest
· Select grass-fed meats
· Free range Eggs, while they last
· Other seasonal vegetable/fruit products
Apiary Fundraiser
Your partnership in Stratford’s Beekeeping initiative will benefit the environment, children and your family!
Our goal is to share the amazing world of honey bees with children and adults through experiential activities and programs at Stratford Ecological Center.
Your Sponsorship support will help our apiary team purchase supplies, equipment and to help develop educational materials for teaching youth and families about beekeeping.
Find full details here>
Learning Pod Self-Guided Experience
Bring your group of 10 or less and use Stratford’s living classroom to help facilitate your learning goals. You will be able explore the land, hike the 4 miles of nature trails, view the livestock, tour the gardens and greenhouses, explore the creek, pond, prairie, and swamps of the State Nature Preserve. The many diverse ecosystems provide endless opportunities for education. This is a self-guided experience.
Please Note: Stratford is still closed to the public for the safety our of program participants.
Full Details Here>
Good Reading:
Farm Connection
“Farm Campers Visit Stratford Ecological Center”
By Pauline Scott,
Farm & Nature Guide & Board of Trustees
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>
What Stratford is All About
video by Above the Light Photography
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.
“Stratford”
“Winter’s Warmth”
“Seasons transitions”
“Nature’s Symphony”
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.