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LOCATION

The Farm in New York State - Apple Pond Farm and Renewable Energy Education Center

The farm is 2 hours from New York City in the Catskills. Situated high on a hill it offers panoramic views. It has been farmed since 1865. Sonja Hedlund and Dick Riseling have operated the farm since 1973 as a horse-powered, organic farm featuring draft and pleasure horses, naturally raised sheep and goats.Through several wind and solar renewable energy systems the farm seeks to be as independent of fossil fuels as possbile. In all season, our guest house is availble for rent.


Sonja Hedlund began her work life as an English teacher in Hiroshima, Japan. The former director of New York State's heart disease prevention program, she is now a full time farmer. As a shepherd and goat keeper, she takes pride in her flocks. Making goat cheese, bread, sheep shearing, spinning, dyeing wool and weaving have become special interests. Every Saturday morning she hosts "Ballads and Banjos" on WJFF. She is a regular contributor to the local weekly newspaper, The Towne Crier.

Dick Riseling’s background and academic training are in international relations, fiscal policy and social justice. Concerned about global warming and the oil crisis, he installed the first on-farm wind turbine in Sullivan County. Since then, solar hot water and solar electric systems have been added to the farm; these produce more than two-thirds  of the electicity we use. In 2005, Dick constructed a round straw bale house and converted an old diesel farm truck to run on used vegetable oil. He is a community activist on several issues: sustainable development, renewable energy, casino free development, and social justice. He offer workshops on renewable energy and private consultation on ways to install renewable energy systems in homes and businesses.

He is a skilled horse trainer and enjoys driving our teams of draft horses. At WJFF, the county's public commericial freed radio station, he hosts a weekly show called WJFF Connections whichfeatures fuess and commentary on local, national and internationl issues.

RENEWABLE ENERGY

Renewable energy seminars and workshops are offered on:

• wind
• photovoltaic
• solar thermal
• geothermal and
• micro hydro systems.

Consultation on making your residence or business more energy efficient are also available.

COURSES
Our year around education program includes:

We can also take some of our programs to your location.

Over the years, over 100 apprentices have lived and trained with us. Coming mainly from Europe, Scandinavia, Japan, New Zealand and Latin America. Many of them are now full-time horse drawn-organic farmers. Each year school children, teachers. campers and families participate in our educational and recreational activities.

You are welcome to rest and enjoy the natural beauty of this place or to participate in the daily tasks and special activities. We are open year round. Reservations are required for all visits.

HOW TO BUILD A BETTER FUTURE

We are convinced that if people knew nature's laws they would follow them. However, there is a consensus that our beautiful planet is being poisoned and the use of far greater natural resources than can be replenished is stealing from those who have less and those who come after us. We are responsible for removing this great challenge to the quality of all life and our relationships with each other. It is a matter of life and death.

Here is our understanding of how we may turn future developments in a positive direction:

Know that no one is silent though many are not heard. Work to change this.

Apple Pond Farm and Renewable Engery Education Center
Box 371, 80 Hahn Road
Callicoon Center, New York 12724