Apple Pond Farm is about two hours from New York City, situated in Sullivan County and surrounded by the Catskill Mountains.  The land that Apple Pond Farm sits on was first farmed in 1865; Sonja Hedlund and Dick Riseling have operated the farm since 1973.  For more than 25 years, the 80 acres were farmed with draft horses, Belgians and North American spotted draft horses.  Horses raked hay, spread manure, cultivated cornfields and produced more than 100 foals.  Chickens, goats, and sheep are raised for eggs, meat and wool.  A chemical-free, ecologically-friendly cold frame and unheated hoophouse supplies food throughout the year.  The farm is grateful to the many apprentices from both the USA and abroad who have helped work the land, care for the garden and animals, repair the buildings and welcome many visitors.

The Farm in New York State - Apple Pond Farm and Renewable Energy Education Center

In 2003 Sonja and Dick decided to broaden their focus to renewable energy. First a 10-kilowatt Burgey 120 foot wind turbine was erected; soon after a solar hot water system was installed, with 60 photovoltaic solar panels following soon afterwards. Now the farm produces about 95% of its own electricity per year.

Sonja Hedlund began her work life as an English teacher in Hiroshima, Japan; she loves to speak Japanese! The former director of the New York State Healthy Heart Program, she is now a full-time farmer. She takes pride in caring for her chickens, goats, sheep, horses and a single miniature donkey (Arlo). She is an accomplished spinner, a beginning weaver and makes delicious cheeses. For ten years, she wrote stories on farm life for the 'The Towne Crier'. She continues to write on agriculture for local, state and regional publications. As a volunteer on the local public radio station she produces a weekly folk music show, "Ballads and Banjos", and contributes to the 'Farm and Country' show. A founder of the Sullivan County Farm Network, she works with others to expand farming in the county.

Dick Riseling’s background and academic training are in international relations, fiscal policy and social justice. Concerned about global warming and the oil crisis, he installed the first on-farm wind turbine in Sullivan County. Since then, solar hot water and solar electric systems have been added to the farm. In 2005, Dick constructed a round straw bale house and converted an old diesel farm truck to run on used vegetable oil. He is a community activist on several issues: sustainable development, renewable energy, casino free development, and social justice. He offer workshops on renewable energy and private consultation on ways to install renewable energy systems in homes and businesses.

He is a skilled horse trainer and enjoys driving our teams of draft horses. At WJFF, the county's public commericial freed radio station, he hosts a weekly show called WJFF Connections which features interviews and commentary on local, national and internationl issues. Dick also authors "Greening Sullivan," a weekly newspaper column.

RENEWABLE ENERGY

Special Solar Sunday events are forthcoming for Summer 2012.

We also offer consultation on making your home or business more energy efficient.

PROGRAMS
Our education program includes:

renewable energy systems for home and business

farm tours

farming with kids

wool spinning

making goat cheese

Reservations are required for most events. Please call or e-mail.

We can also take some of our programs to your location.