Our Future & Impact
Rooted in Purpose. Growing for Tomorrow
For more than 40 years, New Pond Farm Education Center has connected people of all ages to the natural world through hands-on environmental education, sustainable agriculture, and meaningful experiences on our 102-acre property.
As we look toward the future, we remain rooted in the vision that created New Pond Farm — protecting the land, inspiring curiosity, and cultivating the next generation of environmental stewards.
Our Case for Support & Annual Report and our 2025–2030 Strategic Plan share the story of New Pond Farm today and our vision for tomorrow
Celebrating Our Impact
See what we have accomplished together.
Each year, thousands of students, families, and community members experience the wonder of New Pond Farm — exploring our woodlands and wetlands, connecting with our working farm, discovering science and nature, and building lasting relationships with the environment.
Our Case for Support & Annual Report celebrates the programs, partnerships, and people who make New Pond Farm possible. It also shares the opportunities ahead as we continue caring for our land, expanding access, strengthening our programs, and investing in the future of this special place.
2025 HIGHLIGHTS
Empowering Underserved Communities
We are committed to expanding access to nature-based learning through
partnerships with Title I majority-minority schools, and community programs serving
underserved youth. Collaborations with the Danbury Public School’s Sunsational
Summer Program, Capital Prep Harbor School, and the Odyssey Early Learning
Center provide hands-on experiences in environmental education, agriculture, and
outdoor exploration that inspire curiosity, confidence, and connection.
Transformational Grant Support
Anonymous Foundation Grant ($50,000)
Supported critical technology upgrades and renovations to the historic Farmhouse, helping restore founder Carmen Mathews’ former home as a future hub for adult enrichment, lifelong learning, and community connection.
Anonymous Foundation Grant ($81,000)
Expanded access to environmental education through scholarship support for underserved students while strengthening our sustainable farm operations, ensuring more children experience hands-on learning rooted in agriculture, conservation, and stewardship.
Little Learners Series
Children learn best through curiosity, movement, and discovery.
This year, New Pond Farm Education Center expanded its children’s programming with the addition of the Little Learners series, joining beloved programs such as Little Farmers, Little Naturalists, Little Artists, and Little Chefs.
Through hands-on exploration,
imaginative play, and meaningful experiences in nature, Little Learners nurtured curiosity, creativity, and an early love for the natural world.
Artist Collaboration – Alice Smith
As part of our cultural programming, New Pond Farm was honored to host Connecticut-based mixed media and collage artist Alice Smith for an engaging presentation on sustainability and creativity in art.
Using repurposed papers and found materials, Alice shared her unique process of transforming everyday objects into richly textured, organic works of art.
Approximately a dozen seniors attended the program, enjoying both creative inspiration and a meaningful opportunity for connection and lifelong learning.
Harvest Dinner
This year’s Harvest Dinner welcomed nearly 200 supporters to a beautiful new location overlooking the rolling pastures of our 102 acre property.
Guests gathered for an unforgettable evening celebrating community, conservation, and our shared connection to the land.
This gathering showcased the heart of New Pond Farm while raising critical support for hands-on environmental education, sustainable agriculture, and experiences that inspire people of all ages to become stewards of the natural world.
Golf Outing & Pickleball Tournament
Our annual Golf Outing and inaugural Pickleball Tournament brought our community together for a memorable day of friendly competition and connection. Golfers and players enjoyed time on the greens and courts while celebrating a shared commitment to New Pond Farm’s mission.
Giving Tuesday Grass to Glass Campaign
Our Giving Tuesday “Grass to Glass” campaign celebrated the journey from our pastures to every glass of milk—a story rooted in sustainability, stewardship, and education.
As a Connecticut Dairy Farm of Distinction, New Pond Farm highlighted the connection between healthy land, animals, and communities.
Thanks to generous matching support from our partners and donors, contributions helped sustain our working farm and inspire future generations to connect with food, farming, and the natural world.
Looking Ahead
New Pond Farm Education Center is thoughtfully restoring the historic farmhouse once home to our founder, Carmen Mathews, honoring her legacy and vision.
Reimagined as a welcoming learning hub for adult enrichment programming, the farmhouse will foster community, connection, and new opportunities for meaningful experiences and gatherings rooted in our mission.
This project preserves our past while ensuring Carmen’s vision continues to inspire generations to come.
Our Case for Support & Annual Report
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Building Our Future
Strategic Plan 2025–2030
Our Strategic Plan provides a thoughtful roadmap for the next chapter of New Pond Farm.
Guided by our mission, we are strengthening the foundation of our organization while continuing to grow carefully and sustainably.
Over the next five years, we are focused on:
• Advancing educational excellence
• Protecting and stewarding our land, farm, and natural resources
• Expanding community access and partnerships
• Investing in our facilities and people
• Building long-term sustainability
Together, these priorities ensure New Pond Farm remains a place where education, conservation, agriculture, and community thrive for generations to come.
Growing the Next Chapter Together
New Pond Farm has always been shaped by the generosity, vision, and commitment of our community.
With your support, we will continue to protect this extraordinary landscape, inspire learners of all ages, care for our animals, and cultivate the next generation of environmental stewards.
