Field trip opportunities for the young – and young at heart – are available year-round at Minglewood Farm & Nature Preserve in Surry County.
Minglewood is a 65-acre experiential learning facility focused on sustainable food production and environmental stewardship. Its mission is to lure people away from the digital world via curriculum-based field trips, classroom programs, workshops and events.
Owners Margie and Bill Imus are now in their fourth year of operating Minglewood as a nonprofit. They purchased the former tobacco farm in the late 1980s, rehabbed the land by adding organic matter to the depleted soil, and began farming full-time. But their goal from day one was to develop a higher use for the farm as a teaching tool and nature preserve.
“We give people an opportunity to go out and experience nature,” Margie Imus says. “There is a lot to learn here.”
Wooded areas with meandering trails make up the majority of Minglewood’s acreage. The Imuses farm seven to eight acres, including space for greenhouses and woody ornamentals. An environmental educator joined the staff in late July to align student visits with the curriculums for Surry, Stokes and Forsyth county schools.
“Last year we had some homeschoolers here,” Margie says, “and a group of boys were going up the creek ahead of us. They turned around to me, and said, ‘Oh my gosh, there’s the biggest bird up here!’ When they turned back around, a heron with a five- to six-foot wingspan flew off. They’ll remember that the rest of their lives.”
In addition to school field trips, the farm welcomes groups of adults, such as garden clubs, retirement groups, church groups and photo clubs. All visits are by appointment only, and scheduled events require advance registration.
Minglewood’s events include workshops for adults and children, as well as on-farm suppers on select Saturdays and Sundays. For the suppers, a guest chef prepares a four-course meal, which is served outdoors on the farm. Minglewood supplies most of the produce, and other local farms provide meats and dairy products.
“There’s a big disconnect with the natural world, and we have a wonderful place where we can share that world with others,” Margie says.
To learn more about Minglewood Farm & Nature Preserve, browse upcoming events and schedule an appointment, go to www.MinglewoodPreserve.org or call 336-351-2945.
Related News
-
Jun 13, 2020
Relaxing Dobson is Dotted with Rental Cabins, Trails and Wineries
Dobson allows visitors to embrace natural resources such as Fisher River Park, while enjoying European-style wines at four vineyards, plus several others nearby. The rolling countryside is dotted with rental cabins that provide maximum social distancing. -
Jul 14, 2019
Five Tasty Food Finds in the Yadkin Valley
Five foodie treats await visitors to Surry County in the Yadkin Valley region of North Carolina. From savory to sweet, these are special treats. -
Mar 19, 2022
8 Things to Do on a Rainy Day in the Yadkin Valley
Looking for things to do on a rainy day in the Yadkin Valley towns of Mount Airy, Elkin, Pilot Mountain and Dobson? Check out this list of the Top 8 rainy day activities that will keep the whole family entertained. -
Jun 10, 2023
Food Trail Celebrates the Mouthwatering Ground Steak Sandwich
Surry Ground Steak Trail shines the spotlight on mom-and-pop restaurants that serve this uniquely Surry County creation. Born of necessity in the Great Depression, ground steak sandwiches survived because they are so tasty.