How about visiting the beautiful Wildwood Farm?
What do you do on an early Spring Sunday? Nancy and I recently decided to visit the beautiful Wildwood Farm. The Farm is located at 50 Woods Road, Westminster, MA 01473. We were glad we did!!
The Scenic Wildwood Farm
The Wildwood Farm is a family run business located on 117 acres. The farm originated in 1969. Here, the farm has grown with the three generations of the Foster family.
While traveling down Woods Road, we were both amazed by the beautiful scenic view. The view offered a beautiful Ashburnham, Massachusetts view. We continued down the road until we reached the farm.
We could only imagine the beauty of both the sunrise and sunset from this location. Here, the scenery is absolutely beautiful! So beautiful, that Jim actually went back later for some sunset pictures. The sunset picture which were absolutely beautiful.
Upon reaching the Wildwood Farm, we parked near the operating Sugar House. Upon exiting out vehicle, we were met by Owner Gretchen Foster. Gretchen graciously guided us into the Sugar House.
(Left Kirk Wiktorski, center Alex Witkorski, right Gretchen Foster. Bruce Loescher was unavailable during the photographing.)
The Amazing Sugar House Process
Once in the Sugar House, we were met by the Co-Owners, Alex Wiktorski, Gretchen Foster, Kirk Witkorski, and Bruce Loescher. They were working diligently turning maple sap into maple syrup.
It was now time for Nancy and I to learn about this process. Currently, the Wildwood Farm currently has approximately 210 maple taps. As a result, during the cold nights and the warm mornings, the syrup begins to steadily flow from the trees.
The best flow rate is approximately 5 gallons in a 12 hour period. If the tree does not flow syrup freely, they will re-bore the tree with a 7/16″ drill bit. Certainly, a good year will produce 1300-1500 gallons of sap.
The ratio from maple sap to maple syrup is 50 gallons of sap to make 1 gallon of maple syrup. Most noteworthy, the Sugar House has made maple syrup for approximately 2 years.
The owners use a wood burning evaporator to remove a large percentage of water from the sap. Ultimately, this process leaves behind the delicious tasting syrup. The wood for the evaporator is purchased locally.
The evaporator can burn up to 20 gallons of sap per hour. Firstly, the syrup is then filtered pressed and then heated back up before bottling process begins. Secondly, the syrup is heated up between 219 and 220 degrees during the bottling process. Hence, the maple syrup process is completed.
After explaining the process, they showed us a bottle of unfiltered syrup compared to filtered syrup. We were then given a small tasting of the finished maple syrup product. The maple syrup was delicious!!
Delicious Massachusetts Pure Maple Syrup
The cost of the maple syrup is $60/gallon, $30/half gallon, $15/quart, $8/8 ounces and $4/3.4 ounces. The Sugar House is currently open on Sunday’s for Sugar House visits. However, the owner’s ask that you please call in advance to assure they are available for a Sunday visit.
A Family Friendly Farm
The Wildwood Farm is truly a family friendly farm. The farm raises their own cows, pigs, chickens and turkeys for visitors to enjoy. They also sell these farm raised meat products in bundles. During the Fall Season, the farm offers a pick your own pumpkin.
Horse Boarding And Riding Lessons
The farms also offers horse boarding and riding lessons. Their facility offers full day individual turnout, 80’x180′ outdoor arena, 72’x150′ indoor arena, trails, an outdoor wash stall and night check.
They also welcome riders of all disciplines! Western and Hunt Seat training or lessons are also available. The training is for anyone looking to sharpen their skills. For more information please contact Meghan Hildreth at 978-790-8013 or email at wildwoodfarm50@gmail.com.
In conclusion, our visit was grea! We found the Wildwood Farm a beautiful family friendly place to visit. Above all, the owners were very friendly, inviting, and responsive to our many questions. Nancy and I definitely recommend a visit to the beautiful Wildwood Farm!!
Happy Travels!!
For more interesting Massachusetts Farm travel blogs, click the blog links below:
https://lifeoftheemptynesters.com/2018/09/17/why-visit-the-hollis-hills-farm/
https://lifeoftheemptynesters.com/2018/08/31/why-visit-the-sholan-farms-leominster-ma/
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