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Bethel Hobbs Community Farm

Local Business

July 24, 2015
Bethel Hobbs Community Farm
178 Oxhead Road, Centereach, NY 11720
http://www.hobbsfarm.info/index.html
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We are a Volunteer Based, Christian Ministry who provide wholesome,
fresh produce for those in need.

The James Hobbs family came to Long Island from Georgia in 1906 and grew farm produce in New Village (North Centereach) for local Long Islanders for three generations, first as farm workers and later purchasing the land for Hobbs Farm. James' son, Alfred Hobbs took ownership in 1955 and farmed his own property as well as rental farmland in the surrounding area for many years. He passed up many opportunities to sell the property, hoping that it would remain a farm.

Hobbs Farm is the last farm in Centereach, as well as the last African-American family farm on Long Island.  When Mr. Hobbs passed away int he late 1990's, he left the farm property to the Bethel AME Church in Setauket, where he was a member. Legal complications caused a dealy in transfer and led to a time when the farm was vandalized anf fell into disrepair.
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To support Bethel Church, Friends of Hobbs Farm was formed in 2007. The restoration process began in 2008 with renovating the farmhouse and barn, starting a two-acre cooperative gardening project which provides produce to several local food ministries, and developing some community activities on site.

The vision of Bethel Church and the Hobbs Restoration is to restore the land to its original use, create a permanent retreat and education center on site, and honor the Hobbs Family legacy of feeding and befriending their neighbors.
Friends of the Farm welcomes your support as we continue to create
"A Farm for All People, a Farm for All Time."

Our Gardens
The Education Garden is a welcoming and bountiful environment that invites school groups, scout troops, faith groups, families and individuals to participate in growing fresh produce for the hungry.

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Our mission: To educate, demonstrate and share knowledge on a variety of environmentally sound methods for growing nutritious produce while caring for the earth that sustains us.
An Education Garden session lasts about 1 to 1 1/2 hours. Activities include Weed Search, Composting and projects which vary with the season.
Scout troops and students can earn community service hours by helping with garden maintenance and sign making.
To schedule a school visit please contact Melissa at melkurtz@hotmail.com.

Looking to Volunteer?  We are Always Looking for Volunteers

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Individuals or Groups smaller than 10 people can sign up for volunteering shifts through our Volunteer Matters Calendar. Groups of 10 or more, please contact Annie at ann@hobbsfarm.info  or you can contact Cindy at volunteer@hobbsfarm.info to set up a time.
Volunteers work during our regular Farm Hours:
Tuesday-Thursday 10AM-4PMSaturdays 10AM-2PM


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