Ambler Farm

Betty Ambler was the last of the Raymond-Ambler family to live at Ambler Farm. She lived there most of her life until her death in 1998. The following year, the Town of Wilton, with overwhelming taxpayer support, purchased 22 acres of this beautiful 200-year-old working farm as part of the open-space initiative. However, because the complex consisted of historic houses, barns and various outbuildings, this acquisition was unlike any other and prompted the town to appoint a steering committee to consider the farm’s future. From this committee, a nonprofit group called the Friends of Ambler Farmwas formed and a mission crafted to celebrate Wilton’s agrarian roots through active-learning programs, sustainable agriculture, responsible land stewardship, and historic appreciation. Enthusiastic participation and support from town organizations and hard work from dedicated volunteers have made Ambler Farm the town treasure it is today. Friends of Ambler Farm has been deliberate and careful with the repair and restoration of the farm’s buildings. Work on the red barn, ice house and white carriage barn is complete, and the restoration of the Raymond-Ambler House is underway. After years of neglect, the grounds were cleaned up and made accessible to the public as open space. The farm is a beautiful place again. Gardens were planted including the Production Garden, under the direction of our Director of Agriculture, Jonathan Kirschner. If you have visited our weekly seasonal farm stand, you have seen our great varieties of fresh produce and flowers, all grown using organic practices. Our educational programming has grown substantially to include a range of dynamic offerings for all ages led by both staff members and volunteers. The goal of our programs — whether crafting or making maple syrup – is simply to learn by doing. All activities encourage engagement–whether it is with the land, with food, with animals, with history, or with each other. And finally, our annual special events – many of which are now Wilton traditions – bring the community together to enjoy the best of what the farm offers and celebrate the cycle of the New England year. These events include Ambler Farm Day, Holiday Greens Sale, Valentine’s Tea, Farm-to-Table Dinners, and our Red Barn Live Music Series. New events are always in the works. When the Friends of Ambler Farm first began, it had an expansive vision for the farm that at the time seemed almost unobtainable. That vision, filled with hopeful ideas, has become a reality. Ambler Farm is an established, active, living community farm and an integral part of Wilton’s identity.