About Us
OUR MISSION
We inspire and educate each generation to become stewards of the land by championing conservation and sustainable farming practices to protect and preserve our natural world.
WHO WE ARE
Founded in 1985 by actress and philanthropist Carmen Mathews, New Pond Farm is an independent, year-round environmental education center set on 102 acres of protected woodlands, wetlands, meadows, and pastures in Fairfield County, CT. From a summer camp for underserved NYC youth, we have grown into a vibrant community resource serving learners of all ages.
Each year, over 5,000 students and 1,000 children and families engage with our farm, property, and programs — forging meaningful, lasting connections with the land.
LIVING CLASSROOM: FARM, WETLANDS, WOODLANDS, AND PASTURES
Our diverse landscape is central to how we teach. As a Connecticut Dairy Farm of Distinction, our working farm and surrounding habitats are real world learning labs that bring environmental lessons to life.
On the Farm
Dairy cows (Shorthorn, Ayrshire, Jersey, Holstein, Dutch Belted)
Romney sheep for wool and meat
Chickens for fresh eggs
Seasonal pigs supporting farm-to-table education
In the Wetlands
Vital Habitat for amphibians, reptiles, birds, mammals, and other native flora and fauna
Hands-on lessons in water quality, biodiversity, and ecosystems
In the Woodlands
Mixed hardwoods, evergreens, vernal pools, rocky ridges
Wildlife including owls, woodpeckers, foxes, white-tailed deer
Trails highlight seasonal changes and forest health
Sustainability in Action
Rotational grazing, cover cropping, riparian buffers
Solar energy, pollinator habitats, natural fencing
Daily modeled stewardship practices
Pillars of Education
Our programs connect people, land, and community through five core pillars:
- Environmental Studies: Exploring diverse habitats through hands-on learning
- Sustainable Agriculture: Engaging with livestock and the land in our barns, gardens, and pastures
- Cultural History: Discovering local indigenous peoples’ history at an authentically recreated Eastern Woodland encampment
- Astronomy: Inspiring curiosity about our solar system and beyond
- Arts & Culture: Encouraging creativity through live performances, improv classes, art shows, and community events.
Together, these foster wonder, responsibility, and lifelong bonds with nature.
OUR IMPACT
We ensure children and families throughout Greater Fairfield County have access to nature-based education via our Education and Scholarship Fund, supporting:
- Environmental enrichment classes
- Summer camps
- Transportation for school field trips
- Weekend retreats
Partners include Danbury Public Schools, Odyssey Early Learning Center, Capital Prep Harbor School, and many others. Our programs extend into classrooms and across our farm, wetlands, woodlands, and pastures through field trips, camps, in-school visits, and community events.
WHY IT MATTERS
In today’s world, children, teens, and adults face disconnection from nature and food systems. New Pond Farm nurtures:
- Environmental literacy
- Compassion for animals
- Confidence, curiosity, and resilience
Lifelong commitment to sustainable living
Your support ensures future generations can learn, grow, and lead with purpose. Join Us. Let’s Cultivate the Future, Together.