Farm in the Forest
The Farm in the Forest provides opportunities for participants to build skills related to agriculture, better understand growing cycles, and simply enjoy engaging with nature.
This special multi-acre space features a food production garden, greenhouse, compost station and wooded trails. Like the entire Pony Power campus, the Farm in the Forest is fully-accessible to welcome people of all physical abilities.
We grow 80 varieties of vegetables, flowers and herbs, with a focus on regenerative farming practices.
We’re proud to donate 1,000 pounds of harvested produce to local organizations each year, including Paterson’s Oasis - A Haven for Women and Children, Table to Table and Ramapo College’s We Care program.
A further 1,000 pounds is made available to Pony Power participant families and caregivers, volunteers and staff through an on-site farm stand.
Our O2 composting system processes the 1,000 pounds of manure generated by our herd each day.
At Pony Power we’re lucky to have an endless supply of a fantastic nitrogen source: horse manure! Waste from our twenty-two horses and other animals, as well as other natural materials from the farm, are ultimately transformed into all-natural compost that benefits the farm and the environment.
We maximize efficiency through an O2 composting system. Air is delivered throughout the pile using a simple blower and a series of perforated pipes that run under the pile. This aerated static pile system allows us to maintain aerobic conditions, manage pile temperature, double the rate of decomposition, and eliminate the need to turn our compost. The result is a high-quality compost that is essentially free of pathogens, parasites, weed seeds and offensive odors.
Interested in purchasing pony-powered compost for your garden or project? Speak to our garden team by emailing shayleigh@ponypowernj.org or calling 201-934-1001.
Three agricultural structures were recently added to the Farm in the Forest.
Our Harvest Station promotes life and vocational skills, and has expanded learning opportunities related to many aspects of agricultural production.
The pavilion offers participants a comfortable space to gather, eat and rest. It also serves as another sheltered program space.
A run-in provides horses living in our retirement paddock with optional shelter.
