The tours offered by Redwood Hill Farm Goat Dairy are a favorite spring tradition. Th 2012 tours take place this weekend, May 12 and 13, and the weekend of June 9 and 10th, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. all days.
If you are still looking for something to do with your mama, I can’t think of a happier possibility than taking her to this lovely farm. You’re the mom, you say? Gather up the kids–no pun intended–and head to Redwood Hill.
Zimba, one of the many goats you'll meet at Redwood Hill Farm Goat Dairy.
Goats of all ages, including wee little newborns, will be eager for your pats and embraces. Goats seem to enjoy attention from humans as much as any animal I’ve ever encountered, save, perhaps, dogs. Several years ago, when the farm was still on Cherry Ridge Road, I brought a class to the farm. As we were walking up, Jennifer Bice, proprietor, was walking down the hill, a newborn kid in her arms. At her feet was a 1 or 2-day-old kid who scurried over to me, tilted its head and looked into my eyes, as if to say, “Please, pick me up.” I did and the sweet little thing nuzzled my neck and then nestled in my arms. It was all I could do, a couple of hours later, to leave it behind.
Anyway.
The farm tours are always fun. There’s live music, places for kids (the human kind) to run around, samples of all Redwood Hill Farm products, including yogurt, kefir and the delicious farmstead cheeses. You can also shop at the farm store for all these products (bring a cooler!) and t-shirts, books and other goat-related treasures.
This year, there’s also a Farm Kitchen, with demonstrations of how to make goat-milk ricotta, Bulgarian yogurt salad, ice cream and lotion.
Music on Saturday will be by the bluegrass band Dagnabbit. On Sunday, it’s Avalance, a violin and guitar duo.
The event is free but do try to carpool, as the road is narrow and parking is very limited.
The farm is located at 5480 Thomas Rd., off Green Valley Rd., in Sebastopol.
For more information about the farm, its Certified Humane practices and its products, visit redwoodhill.com. You can also check out the facebook page, “Open House Farm Days at Redwood Hill.”
