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“By stepping into nature you can sense both our insignificance and our wonderful connectedness both at the same time…It is almost impossible to understand unless you spend time out there watching it and feeling what it does.”
– Margaret Hull |
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As beautifully stated by Margaret, Spring Hills Foundation continues to expand educational programming that celebrates the interdependence between art and the environment.
In August, our Earth Art Explorers curriculum for United Neighborhood Centers’ campers (ages 9–11) was a great success! So much so that we’re exploring ways to grow this program and deepen the connection between art, agriculture, and ecology.
As we plan for year-round collaborative programming at the farm, we welcome your ideas for classes, workshops, and creative community experiences.
Please email us at springhillsfoundation@gmail.com to get involved!
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United Neighborhood Centers Earth Art Explorers camp with instructor Megan Wolfe. Megan, a certified Forest Bathing Guide, is a retired elementary science teacher who has applied the hands-on methods of Maria Montessori and Howard Gardner’s Multiple Intelligences for over 35 years. We have endless gratitude for Megan! |
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| Lambshare.
The Farm is now making USDA-approved lamb and mutton available from Spring Hills Farm! Reserve your Lamb Share now for pickup or delivery after December 16. |
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| Sheep & Bees.
The flock is thriving and well-fed from lush pastures and joined by Major Tom, our handsome new ram. He will be integrated with the ewes in mid-November, with lambs expected in early April 2026.
Kate has combined hives to ensure a healthy wintering season, now maintaining 12 winterized colonies. Winter prep includes controlling moisture, reducing drafts, adding insulation, and securing hives against wind and snow through the colder months. |
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Barn Rising Update.
Our Barn Rising Celebration was a joyful milestone filled with music, laughter, and community spirit! Thanks to the generosity of so many, we are now 75% of the way to our fundraising goal. |
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The Barn Rising Celebration was a wonderful reminder of what we’re building together. The energy and devotion of the barn-building crew, guided by Kate, Emily and Ryan, have raised not just a barn but our shared vision for a sustainable, creative, and connected community.
The team is currently working on siding, windows, and doors, while trenching lines before the ground freezes. Early this spring, we plan to move the farm workshop and machinery up to the new sheep barn, opening the way for year-round classroom and studio spaces!
A heartfelt thank you to all of our donors and builders and who have supported this dream. |
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| News from Our Board of Directors |
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We’re delighted to welcome David Shappert and Gretchen Mackie to the Spring Hills Foundation Board of Directors.
Their experience and passion will help guide our continued growth and mission. |
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Gretchen Mackie, a Certified Life Coach and Healthcare Advocate, is deeply engaged in the community through her work in philanthropy and wellness. |
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David Shappert brings a distinguished career in Library Science, including leadership roles at Keystone College and King’s College. |
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Arts Corner. We use this space to shine a spotlight on creative work made on or about the farm. |
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| | All the ash trees on the farm are dead. Although indigenous to the area they have been wiped out by the invasive Emerald Ash Borer Beetle. A large double trunked Cherry was leaning into three tall dead ash, the roots of the cherry rotting away. The entire group hanging over a structure on the farm. I studied it for days, thinking of ways to get them down. I could find no safe solution and the tree service arrived yesterday. Two Cherokee, one older man, small and light, worked the Bobcat, the other, tall with… click here for more. |
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| | Tim Talks.
Each of Tim Hawkesworth’s workshops opens with a powerful morning talk. Click below to listen and be inspired: |
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Seasonal Reflections.
As we move toward the Winter Solstice and the days grow shorter, the Foundation and the Farm wish you clear minds, steady hands, and warmth through the season’s quiet beauty. |
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Farm photography by Emily Zeitlyn @zeitlynworld |
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Thank you to our
Spring Hills Foundation
Board of Directors |
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Rick Hull, President Dylan Zeitlyn, Vice President Jamie Constantine, Treasurer
Trinka Ravaioli, Liaison & Exec Dir David Boyer Susan Constantine Tim Hawkesworth Sophia Hull Helen Lavelle Gretchen Mackie Michaela Moore Charlotte Ravaioli Nicole Rogai David Schappert Elizabeth (Lala) Zeitlyn Mirah Zeitlyn
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| | Consider.
Donating our many Foundation initiatives by clicking below. |
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