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| Description of Proposed Services |
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| FOTF was organized, in part, to ensure the continuation of operations at Samuell Farm.
The organization plans to provide a continuation of traditional services as well as the implementation of
new services to the communities.
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-{a rural farm for children and families}-
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| Educational and Recreational Services |
| Traditional services will be concentrated around the activities of a working, rural farm.
Samuell Farm offers all members of the Dallas area, but primarily children in kindergarten through twelfth grade,
the opportunity to experience the natural world in a non-commercial environment. Visitors come from 5
school districts and presently represent approximately 275,000 students. The DISD reports 166,000 children
enrolled for the 2002-2003 school year. It is our belief that an appreciation for nature lays a foundation
for an appreciation for life, a basic value that influences future success. Exposure to the natural world,
such as a farm experience, can be effective in developing a child's physical and mental health, sense of patience,
appreciation for property, and delight in living things. A successful experience in a new environment can
improve a child's sense of accomplishment, self-esteem, and achievement. The concept of a child participating
in his/her own learning becomes a reality at Samuell Farm. Part of our mission is to facilitate hands-on
learning experiences in a traditional farm setting.
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| Educational exhibits and demonstrations will include: |
- Observation of and lectures about horses, cattle, pigs, poultry, sheep, goats and ducks in a working farm environment.
Located 15 miles from downtown Dallas, Texas, Samuell Farm is unique in terms of its availability to the urban communities and
its ability to provide hands on learning experiences of farm and rural lifestyles.
- Demonstrations of the care and utilization of farm animals and their products such as: feeding animals, milking cows and goats,
shearing sheep, harvesting poultry eggs, keeping bees and collecting honey, etc. These demonstrations provide education,
allow familiarization and promote appreciation of the practices, products, and importance of farming to our society.
- Observation of and lectures about agriculture and horticulture in a farm environment including: tilling fields and gardens,
planting flowers, planting and harvesting crops, baling hay and other produce. These demonstrations provide education,
allow familiarization and promote appreciation of the techniques involved in and the importance of sustainable agriculture.
- Observation of and lectures about rural and historic lifestyles, including: forging tools and fitting horseshoes, pulling taffy,
making candles and syrup, canning preserves, weaving, quilting, knitting, crafting musical instruments and demonstrating their use,
etc. These demonstrations provide the visitor with a historical perspective on how our culture and society has changed with
the advancement of technology. With knowledge comes appreciation and respect for our pioneer ancestors and their contributions
to our proud Texas history.
- Participation in outdoor recreational activities utilizing the natural resources found on the farm. These include: hiking,
camping, hayrides, equestrian events, fishing, softball and other field sports, tetherball, bird watching, orienteering, etc.
These activities instill an appreciation for the land and other natural resources while promoting the goals of conservation.
- Utilization of the resources and facilities of the farm for social and entertainment purposes. These include private
gatherings such as birthday parties, company picnics, corporate retreats, scouting activities, weddings and rehearsals, commencement
ceremonies, etc. Public entertainment purposes include special events such as equestrian and livestock events, pet adoptions,
demonstrations of farm equipment, concerts, reenactments, etc. These activities provide means and mechanisms for large-scale
social interaction at family, corporate, and community levels.
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| Community Outreach Services » |
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