Be Part of the transformative restoration of the Stony Kill Barnyard for our Animals & Students

We have a BIG PROJECT in the works to renovate the barnyard and improve living spaces for the animals, improve accessibility to the barnyard for our students and visitors of all abilities, and help preserve Stony Kill’s iconic barn.

So far we have secured a grant for $150,000 through the Park & Trail Partnership Grants Program* that will fund most of the restoration. We need at least $20,000 more to be able to complete the most important parts of the project. Can you help reach our goal to Boost the Barnyard?

You have probably met some of the cows, sheep, pigs, chickens, and turkeys during a visit to Stony Kill. The historic, 19th century barn where they live is a hub of activity at the farm, and thousands of kids and families spend time with the animals each year during field trips, summer camp, 4H, homeschool, birthday parties, and our weekend Open Barn program. There is something so wonderful about the curiosity and excitement that our students bring when they come in to learn about the animals.

The challenge is that our wonderful barnyard could really use a boost.

The barnyard fencing needs to be replaced and additional improvements are necessary to improve the space for our animals and make it easier for visitors to experience the barn. It will be a big project, and we need your support to get started.

You can help by making a donation today. Our barn visitors of all ages will really appreciate it, and so will the winged and four-legged residents of Stony Kill.

Donations by check may be sent to: Stony Kill Foundation, 79 Farmstead Lane, Wappingers Falls, NY 12590

Sponsorship Opportunities

We welcome support from business and community partners to help fund this transformative and impactful project. Sponsors are recognized in numerous ways during and after the project, and your support benefits the thousands of students, families, and visitors of all abilities who spend time in the Stony Kill barn each year. To discuss sponsorship opportunities, please email erik@stonykill.org or call 845-831-3800 and ask for Erik.

The Vision

Rebuilding the barnyard is a big project, and we plan to tackle it in stages. Our overall vision involves installing 480 feet of new fencing, 12 new and restored gates, indoor/outdoor runs for the turkeys and chickens, and a new concrete pad and wheelchair-accessible walkway into the barnyard, a mobile chicken coop, and many other improvements within the barn and barnyard. Your support makes a big difference in getting the project started and addressing some of the more critical needs.

When the project is done, our animals will get a big quality-of-life boost; our visitors, students, and animal caretakers will have better access; and supporters like you will feel wonderful knowing that you helped make it all possible.

Review the Plans (click for pdf of plans)

*About the Park & Trail Partnership Grant Program

Park and Trail Partnership Grants are funded through the New York State Environmental Protection Fund. Grants are administered in partnership with the not-for-profit advocacy group Parks & Trails New York, a statewide non-profit organization, in partnership with the NYS Office of Parks, Recreation, and Historic Preservation. Read a press release about the grant award here.

About Stony Kill

Stony Kill Farm is a place to slow down, explore, and connect with experiences in nature and sustainable agriculture. Thousands of visitors come to the farm each year to participate in our hands-on education programs, cultivate the community garden, attend our festivals and events, hike the trails, and spend time with our animals. Stony Kill Foundation relies on the support of our community to help us care for the livestock, provide programming, and keep the farm growing and thriving for all to enjoy.