About Us:
Sholan Farms is a 169-acre
farm, rich in history, owned by the City of Leominster and operated
by the Friends of Sholan Farms; the farm is located at
1125 Pleasant Street.
The Friends of
Sholan Farms is a community supported, non-profit organization managed
by a group of dedicated members and volunteers.
Our organization is managed independently from the City of
Leominster and does not receive, or rely on City funding. Our funding
comes from our product (apple, raspberry, blueberry, etc.) sales,
festivals, tours, sponsors, and private donations.
The City of Leominster
purchased the farm in 2001 at that time there were 60 acres of
agricultural land being farmed entirely as an apple
orchard. It was apparent that the size of the apple orchard operation
was well in excess of the capability or intent of the Friends’ apple
production, maintenance, and sales capability.
Consequently the Friends of
Sholan Farms voted to adopt a plan to maintain an apple orchard
operation consisting of 20 acres. The remaining 40 acres
are being re-harvested to a new variety of crops.
Since 2001 the Friends’ have
reclaimed an additional 6 acres of apple orchard, planted 1.5
acres of blueberries and .5 acres of raspberries, 15 new
varieties of apples have also been added to the orchard.
Mission
Statement:
Our mission is to be a family
oriented, recreational, and educational farm making full use of
natural resources with an integrated ecosystem that is
practical and environmentally friendly. Our goal is constant improvement
while striving to preserve and protect this diverse property. We desire
to be beneficial to the community by bringing people, education,
business, and culture to the City of Leominster and surrounding
communities in Central Massachusetts.