Benner's Farm workshops for kids, teens and adults
During an open house at Benner's Farm in East Setauket, owner Robert Benner playfully holds the branches of a staghorn sumac tree, which is used to make the spiles, or wooden tubes, that collect maple. (Feb. 26, 2011) Credit: Jasmin Frankel
It's time to start focusing on the outdoors, and getting better educated is always part of the fun. Benner's Farm in Setauket (56 Gnarled Hollow Rd., 631-689-8172) has unveiled a roster of workshops that will get you on your way, help the little ones get involved and even give teens something to look forward to.
Eat Dirt You Worm! (Ages 5 and up, $35) Saturday, April 20, 10 a.m.-noon
Learn about worms: what they eat, how they live, and why they are important. Children will study composting and make their own starter compost with real red wigglers.
Ready, Set, Grow! (Ages 7 and up. $35) Saturday, April 27, 10 a.m.-noon
Children will discover how seeds germinate, and learn the process of photosynthesis and the importance of plants in our world. As soil sleuths, they'll discover living organisms which help plants grow. Children will make several seed-related projects.
Caterpillars & Critters (Ages 3 and up. $35) Saturday, May 4, 10 a.m.-noon
Make and take home a foot-long caterpillar that will grow into a flower garden. Learn about bugs and critters that live in the garden.
Sensational Strawberries! (Ages 4 and up. $40) Saturday, May 25, 10 a.m.-noon and 12:30 p.m.-2:30 p.m..
Hike to the strawberry field, pick ripe fruit and transform farm-grown strawberries into jam, ice cream, cupcakes and more to sample on-site and take home.
Mother’s Day Centerpiece Workshop (Adults and teens. $35) Wednesday, May 8, 4:30 p.m.-6:00 p.m.
Create a unique Mother’s Day Centerpiece using a variety of flowers and natural materials.
Needlefelted Tea Cup Pincushion Workshop (Adults and teens. $35) Saturday, May 11, 10 a.m.-noon.
Learn to dry felt using needles, and take home a one-of-a-kind pincushion.
Gardeners Delight Natural Body Care (Adults & Teens. $15) Wednesday, May 22, 4:30 p.m.-5:30 p.m.
Learn how to heal cuts and scrapes, soothe dry skin and ease aching joints with your garden's bounty.
