News Archive

News updates from Aldermere Farm and Erickson Fields.

You can also subscribe to our e-newsletter

2023

Celebrate a Beltie holiday at Aldermere Farm, Dec. 2 November 10, 2023 - Visitors are encouraged to don their most festive (or ugliest) holiday sweaters and have their photos taken with a Belted Galloway calf.
Bay View Collection Announces New Partnerships with Local Charities for their Annual “Great Rates for a Great Cause” Giving Campaigns November 9, 2023 - The Bay View Collection is excited to announce four new partnerships with local charitable organizations for an opportunity to give back and show thanks as part of the company’s annual “Great Rates for a Great Cause” giving campaigns available at each of their four boutique hotels in Camden and Rockport.
Thrill of the Hill takes runners, speedy walkers through Beech Hill Preserve, Oct. 28 October 18, 2023 - The 3.7 mile trail race begins and ends atop Beech Hill. Runners will start downhill, make a right onto Coastal Mountains Land Trust’s extension trail that connects to Erickson Field’s Preserve.
Maine Coast Heritage Trust announces major milestone in campaign for Aldermere Farm & Erickson Fields preserves October 13, 2023 - Maine Coast Heritage Trust, a statewide land conservation organization, said Oct. 12 that it will receive a $500,000 gift toward the campaign for Aldermere Farm and Erickson Fields, two landmark preserves that have had a profound multi-generational impact in the Midcoast by providing food, farming, education, and public demonstration of the agricultural way of life.
Harvest Fest in Union celebrates end of growing season, Oct. 28 October 10, 2023 - "We are excited to host this event to celebrate the end of the growing season and to showcase the amazing local farmers in our community," said Aaron Englander, director of Aldermere Farm and host of the event, in a news release. "We hope community members and farmers alike will come out and enjoy an afternoon of fun and festivities."
Aldermere-Erickson Fall Celebration 2023 planned for Oct. 14 September 19, 2023 - September through early November, the Teen Ag Crew typically harvest 60+% of their food bank garden’s annual yield at Erickson Fields. At Aldermere Farm, the fall calves are being born.
Kirk Gentalen to lead guided mushroom walk at Erickson Fields Preserve September 13, 2023 - The walk will focus on mushrooms, but Gentalen will also share his knowledge of birds, tracking, and the animal and plant life of Erickson Fields.
Teen Ag to lead free tours of their food bank garden at Erickson Fields Preserve August 27, 2023 - Attendees will learn about the Teen Agricultural Crew, a social entrepreneurial internship where a crew of teens ages 14-18 raise vegetables naturally for the local food system, including food pantries and public schools. Under the guidance of MCHT staff and with the help of many volunteers, the Teen Ag Crew harvests approximately 20,000 pounds annually.
Volunteers wanted for food security work in Knox County August 6, 2023 - Six community organizations serving residents in Knox County are seeking volunteers for projects to increase access to nutritious food for active and healthy lives.
Union gets a repurposed building to host pop-up farmers’ markets and storage/utility space July 10, 2023 - A new Midcoast Farmers Union site at the former Coastal Blueberry Services facility at 61 Common Road is now open to farmers to set up pop-up retail markets and to use the space for storage and/or other functions.

2022

Aldermere Farm announces raffle winner December 16, 2022 - The Aldermere & Erickson Campaign raised funds for new infrastructure and equipment at Aldermere Farm and Erickson Fields.
Rockport librarian to lead Story Walk at Erickson Fields Preserve November 17, 2022 - Families are invited to join Rockport Public Library’s Youth Services Librarian Stephanie Miller for a story walk through Erickson Fields Preserve.
Camden Herald letter: Giving thanks November 10, 2022 - Aldermere Farm & Erickson Fields Erickson Fields Preserves and Maine Coast Heritage Trust give thanks for community support.
Beltie Holiday at Aldermere Farm November 8, 2022 - Visitors at Beltie Holiday will learn about the Aldermere & Erickson Campaign to raise funds for new infrastructure and equipment at Aldermere Farm and Erickson Fields.
Knox County Food Council presents Knox County Gleaners September 13, 2022 - [Gleaning] is a critical step in responding to food insecurity: gleaning activities both help to reduce food waste at the farming production level, by harvesting food that would have otherwise been left, and to more equitably distribute food throughout the food system.
Happy Wanderers Hike heads to Erickson Fields August 8, 2022 - Join Coastal Mountains Land Trust, Pen Bay Medical Center and Waldo County General Hospital’s Journey to Health program for a Happy Wanderers Hike on Thursday, August 4, at 10 a.m., at the Erickson Fields Preserve in Rockport.
Maine Coast Heritage Trust embarks on $3 million campaign for Aldermere Farm, Erickson Fields improvements May 3, 2022 - “Aldermere Farm and Erickson Fields were originally established as working farms, not as public preserves,” said Kate Stookey, president and CEO of Maine Coast Heritage Trust. “Yet for generations, they have done a remarkable job of welcoming thousands of annual visitors while fostering powerful connections between the food we eat and the land that sustains us."
Maine Coast Heritage Trust expands staff May 2, 2022 - “I believe strongly in fostering the curiosity, work ethic and knowledge needed to thrive out in the world. I have experienced so many kids gain these skills by working, playing, and learning through the lens of agriculture, and there are few better (or more beautiful) places to do that than Aldermere Farm.” - Calder Gladstone
Midcoast Farmers Alliance to discuss collaborative or cooperative for farmers May 2, 2022 - At the KCFC meeting, presenters will be introducing MFA to the broader food collective, talking about local food distribution needs and the collaboration between Maine Coast Heritage Trust, Maine Farmland Trust and Midcoast Farmers Alliance, and brainstorming with participants how the proposed project can increase food security.
Volunteers Sought for Kids Can Grow Program at Erickson Fields Preserve April 8, 2022 - "In a single growing season, people can learn skills and habits that serve them well for life. It’s gratifying to be part of that process.” - MCHT volunteer Marina Schauffler

2021

Beltie Holiday at Aldermere Farm November 23, 2021 - MCHT invites all ages to celebrate Beltie Holiday with the cows at the Aldermere Farm.
Knox County Food Council Discusses Emergency Services & Food Security November 2, 2021 - Knox County Food Council hosts a virtual group discussion with Candice Richards from Knox County Emergency Management Agency.
Aldermere & Erickson Fields to Host Community Listening Sessions – Free and Open to the Public October 14, 2021 - "We want to make sure we’re serving the people in our community to the best of our ability,” says Heidi Baker, Manager of Aldermere Farm and Erickson Fields.
Free Natural Farming Workshop at Erickson Fields July 9, 2021 - Erickson Farm Manager, Aaron Englander, will demonstrate Korean Natural Farming, an agricultural method that encourages self-sustaining, closed loop systems through minimizing external inputs.
Knox County Food Council hosts Green Ellsworth Food & Farming Plan May 19, 2021 - Learn about a citizen's initiative involving businesses, residents, and organizations working together with City officials to make Ellsworth a model green community.
Calf Unveiling May 8 at Aldermere Farm April 14, 2021 - ROCKPORT – Saturday, May 8th Aldermere Farm, a preserve of Maine Coast Heritage Trust, will open its barnyard to introduce the newest members of Aldermere’s Belted Galloway herd. At the top of every hour from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. farm staff and volunteers will lead behind-the-scenes tours of the barnyard at 20 Russell Ave…
Farmers unite to bring Maine’s largest farmers’ market to all of central Maine April 12, 2021 - Central Maine FarmDrop has worked to create something new for Maine’s local food network.
New Off-Leash Hours at Erickson Fields April 9, 2021 - The new off-leash hours will be in effect for a 6-month trial from April through September, 2021.
Paid Ag Internship for Teens at Erickson Fields March 1, 2021 - Interns will gain hands-on experience in sustainable agricultural practices and learn about their local food system from food production, processing and distribution to consumption and waste management.
Penobscot Bay Community Gardens accepting applications February 26, 2021 - Turn gardening dreams into a delicious reality!

2020

MCHT surveys visitors of Erickson Fields Preserve December 11, 2020 - The survey will inform revisions to the existing preserve guidelines to better meet the needs of the community.
Knox County Food Council invites community to endorse Food Charter December 4, 2020 - Hunger in Maine is increasing, not least in Knox County.
Erickson Fields Story Trail features ‘The Fall Fairy Gathering’ November 10, 2020 - Now that the fairies have made the most of spring and summer, shepherding the growing things through the warm months, what do they do when autumn comes, and the growing things begin to settle in to rest? How do the fairies prepare for winter? This fall, visitors of Maine Coast Heritage Trust’s Erickson Fields Preserve…
What it takes to distribute half a ton of squash October 30, 2020 - It takes many hands to get one butternut squash from Erickson Fields into the hands of a client at a food pantry.
Dogs required to be leashed at Erickson Fields October 28, 2020 - The policy regarding dogs and leashes is changing to ensure the health and safety of everyone who visits the Preserve.
Teen Ag Crew donates pumpkins to The Landing Place October 15, 2020 - MCHT and The Landing Place partner to deliver seasonal fun to families in the Midcoast.
Aldermere and Erickson Fields updates August 31, 2020 - Aldermere Farm and Erickson Fields have expanded their community outreach through hunger-relief initiatives during the pandemic, and work on several initiatives continues.
Midcoast Garden Projects – Radio Roundtable May 27, 2020 - A new collaboration involving Erickson Fields and being led by One Community Many Voices' Midcoast Mentors is spreading the seed for backyard gardening.
New interns sought for Teen Ag Crew March 10, 2020 - Applications are being accepted now for a summer internship teaching teens how manage a market garden growing produce for food pantries.

2019

Erickson Fields Harvest Celebration recognizes Teen Ag crew September 18, 2019 - Article By Gabriel Blodgett published by VillageSoup on September 3, 2019
NEAEC selects Aldermere Farm for community service project June 3, 2019 - A group of volunteers from NEAEC contributed 32 hours of trail work at Aldermere Farm on May 23rd.
Aldermere Farm and MCHT celebrate 20 years together May 17, 2019 - Article By Gabriel Blodgett published by VillageSoup on May 07, 2019
16th Calf Unveiling, 20 years of conservation April 22, 2019 - This year Aldermere Farm will celebrate its 16th Calf Unveiling and its 20th anniversary as a preserve of Maine Coast Heritage Trust.
Maine Coast Heritage Trust looking for volunteers to mentor kids March 22, 2019 - Joelle Albury, Outreach and Office Manager of Aldermere Farm, was a special guest during our TV5 Morning News on Friday. She spoke to Joy Hollowell about their "Kids Can Grow" program.
Mid-Coast Farmers Alliance Releases Food Buyers Survey March 22, 2019 - Help connect midcoast farms with food buyers. Take 5 minute to complete an online survey.
Rockport Tree Planting Program Accepting Applications March 13, 2019 - “This collaboration is a great model for how to cost-effectively run a public town tree planting program. It helps build partnerships and strengthen community. Another layer of this program that is even more powerful is the involvement of high school students. By helping raise the nursery trees, the teens are learning new skills and engaging with their community.”
Farmers invited to Calf Unveiling Day March 7, 2019 - Farms with animals, vegetables, fruit, or flower products may set up a table or pen and display their information and goods for sale at Aldermere Farm's most popular event, Calf Unveiling Day on May 4th.
Volunteers Sought for Kids Can Grow March 7, 2019 - Gardeners sought to mentor families in Kids Can Grow program at Erickson Fields Preserve.
Paid Ag Internship for Teens at Erickson Fields March 6, 2019 - Maine Coast Heritage Trust seeks independent, creative, hardworking teens ages 14-18.

2018

Farming from Tanzania to Maine November 8, 2018 - MCHT Teen Ag crew member tells of her experience growing food for her community at Erickson Fields Preserve.
Scarecrow Competition benefits Food Pantry October 17, 2018 - “We decided to connect the scarecrow competition to our theme a of giving back to the community. Next week, we will deliver beef to Come Spring Food Pantry. It feels great to support an organization like Come Spring Food Pantry that is completely volunteer-run and helps so many people in need.”
Visitor Center open through September July 1, 2018 - Aldermere Farm's Visitor Center will be open from Monday, July 2, through September
A Familiar Face on the Farm May 30, 2018 - Ellie Pendleton, Aldermere Farm’s new onsite Herd Management Assistant, first came to Aldermere Farm as a ten-year-old in the Farm Hands program. Later, through Aldermere Achiever’s 4-H program and other agricultural leadership opportunities, Ellie gained great respect in the cattle industry in the Northeast. She went on to study Animal Science and Biology at the…
Heidi Baker becomes Aldermere Farm Manager January 15, 2018 - After serving as Aldermere Farm Herd Manager for over five years, Baker now to oversee Aldermere Farm and Erickson Fields.

2017

Beach to Beech 5K October 14, 2017 - On October 14th, the Rockport community celebrated the grand opening of the newest extension of MCHT’s trail at Erickson Fields with a race to the top.
With Spring Comes New Life at Aldermere Farm May 6, 2017 - “Heidi always makes the right call when it comes to a tricky birth,” says Pearl Benjamin, member of the Aldermere Achievers 4-H Club, “whether that is pulling the calf, calling the vet, or maneuvering a twisted calf into the right position. She has saved too many calf lives to count, and I can tell that every birth touches her.”
Rockport launches new Roadside Tree Planting Program March 1, 2017 - The Town of Rockport, Rockport Garden Club and Maine Coast Heritage Trust have launched a collaborative tree planting program to enhance the town by planting and preserving shade-bearing trees along the roadsides.

2016

Hiring 2016 Teen Agricultural Crew January 17, 2016 - Maine Coast Heritage Trust seeks independent, creative, hardworking teens ages 14-18.

2015

Teen Ag Crew Reflects on 2015 December 17, 2015 - MCHT’s Teen Agriculture Crew gathered with family and friends to celebrate the completion of the program’s sixth season at Erickson Fields Preserve.
Aldermere Achievers 4-H Club return with awards from National Expo November 24, 2015 - On Nov. 18, the Aldermere Achievers 4-H Club returned from a whirlwind trip with their Belted Galloway cattle to the North American International Livestock Exposition in Kentucky, the largest all-breed, purebred livestock event in the world.
‘The Farm,’ down on the farm – By Dagney C. Ernest June 15, 2015 - On June 4, a day before two of the class members were to graduate after fives years in the Transitional Life Skills program, the Adaptive Art Class students Camden Hill Regional High School brought "The Farm" ... to the farm.
Spotlight on… Volunteer Pam MacBrayne June 1, 2015 - Pam MacBrayne has lived next door to Aldermere Farm for 23 years and remembers well when it was privately owned. While beautiful, it was clearly someone else’s farm with limited access. Maine Coast Heritage Trust’s mission to share the farm…
Aldermere Cow Wins “Show Dam of the Year” January 26, 2015 - The Belted Galloway Society, Inc. has announced the Lifetime and Yearly Awards. Excerpt below from the US Beltie News, January 2015 Show Dam of the Year, Aldermere Xanderlee 32345B, continues to build her legacy as one of the signature females…
Year In Review: 2014 January 5, 2015 - The year started with strong sales of the farm’s 100% grass-fed beef, which is only available a couple of times a year. Strong beef sales continued throughout the year ending with the highest beef sales since the farm started selling…

2014

Fifteen Years and On the Way to Forever December 10, 2014 - When Albert Chatfield Jr., original owner of Aldermere Farm, passed away in the fall of 1999 the farm transferred into the hands of Maine Coast Heritage Trust to own and manage.
Spotlight on… Volunteer Ann Vanosdol December 9, 2014 - At Aldermere Farm and Erickson Fields Preserve, there are many people who give their time to help support the work at the two properties. In fact, last year there were 101 volunteers who put in over 2000 hours of time!