Shearing Day at Star Gazing Farm

On April 21 I visited Star Gazing Farm, which is a “haven for retired farm animals and wayward goats” in the bucolic Maryland countryside. With such a romantic name and a very clever description, how could I resist checking it out? And, as a bonus, I was able to observe the farm’s annual Shearing Day and meet some of the animals and volunteers.

Shedding Winter Coats

Spring seems to have *finally* arrived in the mid-Atlantic region, and it’s time for people — and animals — to shuck off their heavy winter coats and enjoy the warmer weather. Of course, it’s easy enough for humans to don lighter clothing, but that’s not the case for many animals. Domesticated sheep, goats, and other fiber-producing animals must be shorn once or twice per year, and they need help from some skilled human hands and mechanized clippers. Removal of the wool not only lightens the load for the animals; it also protects them from heatstroke. A side benefit for rescue organizations like Star Gazing Farm is that the fleeces which are shorn from the animals can be used to make beautiful items that are sold to help support the farm. But the animals at this farm are not bred or kept for that (or any other) purpose; rather, Star Gazing Farm is a nonprofit sanctuary for stray, neglected, and unwanted farm animals. They will never be bred, slaughtered, sent to market, or eaten. They will live out the remainder of their lives at Star Gazing Farm, where they will receive food, shelter, and a heavy dose of tender, loving care.

The farm occupies four acres in the verdant Maryland countryside. Although it’s located only about an hour from the hectic D.C. area, the farm is almost in another (more peaceful) world –situated among rolling hills, green pastures, and quiet rural homes.

Upon arrival, I visited the shearing station and watched as Farmer Anne removed the fleece from one of the animals. She talked while she worked and explained that she shears animals at other farms to help support the sanctuary. Given how challenging it can be to support a nonprofit on donations alone, it’s a savvy business model to offer a valuable service that can bring in much-needed additional funds.

Touring the Barnyard

After watching the shearing process, I headed up the hill to the barn, where one of the volunteers took me on a short (though informative) tour. Maia, a 16-year-old volunteer, explained that she had been helping at the farm for the past five years. She’d originally come to the farm at age 11 for a Bat Mitzvah project but loved the work and kept coming back. As we walked around the barnyard, she shared the story of each animal and then allowed me to take her picture with Mr. Newman Goat — who she said was the face of the farm. Her affection for him, and the other animals, was clear to see.

The farm currently has a wide variety of animals, including seven sheep, nine goats, three cows, two pigs, four dogs, three cats, two donkeys, two llamas, two alpacas, one chinchilla, and many bunnies, chickens, and guinea pigs. It’s got to be tough to keep them all happy and healthy.

It Takes a Village

In fact, one of the biggest challenges for the farm is finding enough dedicated volunteers to care for the animals and to ensure that the farm is clean and safe. The farm accepts volunteers as young as 11. Following a scheduled orientation, volunteers can participate in a variety of activities: mucking barns, cleaning pastures, washing feed bowls, hauling hay, caring for animals, greeting visitors, accomplishing repairs, raising funds, taking photos, helping with marketing and promotions, weaving rugs, gardening, painting, and more.

It’s obvious that the farm is serious about educating people and about building community. Seems to me that it’s a great place to support. Would you like to visit, donate, or volunteer? Star Gazing Farm is a 501(c)3 organization and is open by appointment. Follow the farm on Facebook or visit their website. I’m sure that the animals and their human caretakers will appreciate any help you can provide.