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Hilltop Hanover Farm History Westchester County purchased Hilltop Hanover Farm in 2003 to preserve the open space for public use, protect the area's watershed, and provide opportunities for the people of Westchester to learn about sustainable agricultural and environmentally sensitive practices. The farm's 180-plus acres straddle Hanover Street in Yorktown Heights, NY, with 50 acres of agricultural land on the west side and 130 acres of forest to the east.
The Native Americans whose foot trails laid the foundation for many of today's area roads were the earliest inhabitants of this land. In the late 1780's, Abraham Underhill developed this site as a farm. It once totaled over 445 acres and was known for raising quality cattle and horses. The Underhill family called the Main House “Hillside Cottage.” They owned the property for over 125 years. In 1911, Philip Berolzheimer, President of the Eagle Pencil Company of NYC, purchased the farm, naming it Charhelen after two of his children, Charles and Helen. In the 1940s, Henry and Molly McMahon Christal owned the farm, then known as Hanover Hill Farm. Prize winning Guernsey cows, Morgan horses and chickens were raised here. After 30 years, the dairy operations shut down and the herd sold. In 1977, a group of investors form New York City purchased the farm for the purpose of raising high quality Holstein cows. They changed the name to Hilltop Hanover Farm. Fire destroyed the original dairy barn in June of 1982, but the local firefighters saved the prized cows. By 1991, the breeding program for Hilltop Hanover Holsteins ceased and the entire herd, 123 head, was sold at auction. Westchester County secured the land through an initiative of County Executive Andy Spano to preserve open space and protect drinking water. View of the farm looking Northwest
Double rainbow looking east from the farm
Our cow pastures!
Some of our lovely carrots for sale at the Farm Stand
More of the Farm Stand
Beautiful Butterfly
Another view of the farm facing North |
Information on Hilltop Hanover Farm |
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The farm is open to the public. There is no admission fee. Winter Hours: (November 1st through March 31st)
Summer Hours: (April 1st through October 31st)
THE FARM STAND Hilltop Hanover Farm is proud to offer fresh, farm-grown produce, seasonal vegetables, herbs, and cut flowers. The stand is a self-serve operation and shoppers are encouraged to bring their own bags. Farm Stand Hours: CLOSED FOR THE SEASON ADMISSION PARKING Free. Park in designated Visitor Parking areas only. GUIDED TOURS EDUCATION PROGRAMS FOR SCHOOLS AND SCOUT GROUPS The farm staff offers guided tours and educational programs. The tours and programming highlight various sustainable practices being utilized at the farm, such as rainwater harvesting, greenroof buildings, composting, and other sustainable agricultural practices. Students receive a tour and participate in various farming practices which may include planting, weeding and harvesting. There is a fee per student, and all tours and programs must be booked in advance with the main office (914) 962-2369. Something Good in the World, Inc., one of our farm associates, can offer tailored course curriculum programming utilizing on-farm teaching practices. Their programs are excellent and have received praise from schools and visitors alike. Visit their website for further details.
HIKING TRAILS Currently there are three separate, inter-linked trails in 134 acres of forest which are open from dawn to dusk. Parking areas are located at trail heads on the east side of Hanover Street. Ours is a carry-in, carry-out facility. No Dogs allowed. Trail Maps available. (click here for a PDF trail map). PICK-YOUR-OWN During the harvest season, our vegetable fields are open to those hardy individuals who prefer to pick and choose their own vegetables, herbs and flowers from the market garden. Please call ahead to check for hours and produce availability, or check the website for posted events. Pick-your-own may only be done under the supervision of our farmer and/or interns in order to prevent crop damage. First come, first serve--once all the produce is harvested, picking will be closed for the day. Call before you come! Pick-Your-Own Hours - Closed for Winter Our last Pick-Your-Own of the season, just before Thanksgiving, offered:
PICK-YOUR-OWN TIPS:
From Interstate 684: From the Taconic State Parkway: CONTACT INFORMATION: WISH LIST If you have any of these items, please consider donating them to the farm!
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DIRECTIONS: Hilltop Hanover Farm and Environmental Center | 1271 Hanover Street Yorktown Heights, NY 10598 |
tel. (914) 962-2368 | fax. (914) 962-2509 | contact us via email
