Stone Barns is adjacent to the Rockefeller Preserve and based on their website, they are working towards more sustainable methods around farming and all aspects of the food we eat. It was established by David Rockefeller and his daughter Peggy Dulany in 2001.
It is a great cause but the thing we enjoyed the most is our passion for hiking and different trails. They have various trails sprawling across acres and acres that connect to the trails of the Rockefeller Preserve. We had taken one set of trails before and this time we took another set. We parked at the preserve, but there is parking along the road that others have taken advantage of and in the winter on Saturdays and Sundays, parking at the center is free.
As it was a nice sunny day and relatively warm in the 50s F, not only was it a beautiful day to be outdoors for us, but the animals were soaking it in as well. We didn’t get to see the goats and sheep that sometimes are roaming along one of the paths between the preserve and the center, but we did get to see pigs, cows, and chickens.
Our understanding is that the animals are moved from time to time as part of the stewarding of the land by the center and their new initiative. They are able to do so based on an additional 300 acres of land that was bequeathed to the state by David Rockefeller. However, when we visited, we were able to walk straight up to the pig pen and observe them sunbath and root through the ground. We didn’t get clarification, but believe they were Tamworth pigs based on their copper color.
In order to visit the pigs, we did pass by the chicken house though we didn’t get too close to them as there is a mention of dogs in with them even though we did not observe any. Plus, a few if those roosters were quite loud and rowdy.
Continuing on the path leading away from the parking lot by the greenhouse and chickens and pigs, we reached a spot where you can observe horses grazing. This area is private, but the trail is close enough for you to watch them eat, smell them, and hear their horse “talking”. They are amazing animals and were so peaceful on this warm morning.
Next, the path continued around the land and we came upon a huge tree by more farm area that just have a glimpse of what life was like in a previous era.
After hugging a few trees and vicariously living on a farm, we looped around on the trail and came to where there were cattle steers eating and drinking water in one of the fields. We believe they too move just as the pigs are moved to keep a healthy balance on the environment. There were a few pushy ones constantly nudging others out of their way for the food and even a youngster soaking in the sun.
Overall, this was a beautiful walk off several miles that can be made as short or long as one would like based on parking decision and which trails are chosen. It’s, also, amazing to be able to see the conservation and innovation efforts first hand.
Now get out there and enjoy.
-Chris & Ola