The Organization
The Joppa Hill Educational Farm is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to preserving and sharing our region’s rich agricultural heritage. Situated on 35 acres of public land leased from the Town of Bedford, N.H., the Farm operates as a working farm and community hub, open to the public every day.
Through a variety of programs and services, the Farm engages people of all ages in hands-on agricultural experiences. We offer school field trips, summer camps, agricultural fairs, community events, and educational resources that cultivate an understanding of farming and sustainability. The Farm also provides community garden plots and serves as a trailhead for hikers, horseback riders, and outdoor enthusiasts exploring the woods between Bedford and Amherst. We even host birthday parties!
Since 2005, our summer camps have been a community favorite, and we’ve since expanded to include a farm stand and a range of year-round programming. The Farm’s day-to-day operations are managed by dedicated staff and supported by over 100 volunteers who help with animal care, gardening, and maintenance of our historic buildings and grounds. Governed by a Board of Directors, the Farm is also part of a larger conservation effort, with the land protected under easements and connected to an extensive trail system maintained by the Piscataquog Land Conservancy.
Year in Review
Annual Report
Mission
To preserve a working farm that provides enriching educational experiences, fosters community connection, and cultivates a shared appreciation for New Hampshire’s agricultural heritage and natural environment.
Pillars
Community Connection: Foster a sense of community for visitors, staff, and volunteers.
Education and Enrichment: Provide enriching, hands-on learning experiences that deepen appreciation for agriculture and our environment.
Sustainability and Stewardship: Commitment to protecting and preserving the Farm’s land, buildings, animals, and natural resources.
Core Values
Community First: We prioritize building a welcoming environment that engages with the local community, creates a sense of belonging, and is a space for people to gather, learn, and share the Farm’s mission. Preserve and Protect: We are dedicated to upholding our promise to the Town of Bedford to preserve the land and natural resources entrusted to us. This ensures the Farm remains a thriving space for future generations to enjoy and learn from. Learn by Doing: We believe in the power of hands-on learning and work to inspire a deeper understanding of agriculture and the environment. Grow Together: We embrace growth and innovation, learning from challenges, exploring new ideas, and continuously improving our programs and operations. By growing together as a community, we can work to expand the Farm’s positive impact. Respect in Action: We’re cultivating a culture of respect, inclusion, and kindness in every interaction. This value guides how we treat each other, our visitors, volunteers, animals, staff, and property – ensuring that The Farm as a whole is treated with care.
A Brief History of the Farm
The Farm was incorporated as a non-profit organization in 2004. The land is owned by the Town of Bedford and leased to the Farm. We signed a 30-year lease with the town in 2015, with the option to renew through 2065! The approximately 35-acre farm was formerly a working dairy farm and is now home to horses, goats, sheep, chickens, ducks, bunnies, alpacas, a donkey, and cows.
According to historical records, the Farm had been in the Flint family for more than 70 years, dating back to 1833. The land was inherited by Lewis Edmund Hodgman from his uncle, Milton Flint.
The house you see in this photo was originally across the street from the farm you now know. The original home was destroyed in a fire and rebuilt in this location.
Nathaniel Flint (born 1810) was the father to Milton Flint. In this historical passage you can read a little about him and his father Captain Nathaniel Flint. Captain Nathaniel Flint fought in the Revolutionary War and is buried in the Joppa Hill Cemetery.
The Farm was then sold to Lester Shapiro. A 1956 Nashua Telegraph article references the Farm as being owned by Alex Shapiro and managed by Clyde Blakely. Blakely managed crops such as corn and had 59 registered Holsteins, which averaged 11,942 lbs of milk in one year.
