Restoring Hoffmann Farm
Join us in revitalizing Hoffmann Farm to enrich lives through farming, history, and community engagement.
Hoffmann Farm’s restoration journey commenced when a few individuals and a church discovered a farmer in Berks County facing foreclosure. They embarked on a research mission to explore potential partnerships with the farmer, aiming to save and restore the farm. This initiative garnered the support of numerous compassionate individuals, who joined the cause. Today, the church is overseeing the farm’s management.
Revival
Restoring the Heart of Hoffmann Farm
Our structural restoration efforts focus on revitalizing the historic buildings and infrastructure of Hoffmann Farm. By preserving these structures, we aim to create a welcoming environment for future generations.
Revitalizing historic buildings for future generations.
Enhancing infrastructure to support community engagement.
Creating spaces for education and connection.
Volunteer Needs
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One of the initial restoration steps involved clearing fallen or potentially falling dead ash trees from various locations on the farm, including fields, near buildings, and along the road. Over 40 fallen trees have already been cleared, while more than 30-40 standing trees have been removed so far. However, there are still over 75 dead ash trees that need to be removed. We require skilled chainsaw volunteers, not novices, who can stack firewood and have pick-up trucks to transport the firewood.
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There are still places along fence lines that need brush and briars removed, and volunteers are needed for this task.
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Hoffmann Farm, spanning approximately 87 acres, boasts over half of its land in fields. As part of our restoration efforts, we’re actively restoring these fields to be utilized once again as pastures. We’ve already removed fallen trees from the fields and completed mowing and debris removal in certain areas. However, we still need volunteers equipped with tractors to assist us in mowing fields, clearing debris, and maintaining access roads.
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Split rail fences are being rebuilt. Approximately 400 feet have been reconstructed, and a few hundred feet of good-quality used split rail fence have been provided so far. However, more than a thousand feet of well-maintained used split rail fencing is still required. A combination of split rail fencing (11 feet long, with three rails) and T-posts is needed for the horses. Some split rail fencing has been repaired and restored. Additionally, five to six new or used horse gates are needed. Some split rail fencing has been donated and needs to be installed. Volunteers are needed to assist with fence repairs and installation. Finances are required to cover the remaining cost of new T-posts, horse fencing, and wire.
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The barn is spacious and offers numerous great areas. It houses a significant number of horse stalls. Restoring the old historic bank barn was a substantial undertaking. While progress has been made, there is still more work to be done.
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There are numerous horse stalls, and significant efforts have been made to prepare them and the barn. However, there are still several tasks to complete the project. The dirt floors need to be leveled, rubber floor mats need to be installed, wooden boards need to be repaired and replaced, metal bars and gates need to be sanded down and repainted, and horse grain containers need to be installed in the stalls.
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The church has maintained a vegetable garden on the farm for a couple of years. Hoffmann Farm has provided an opportunity to expand the garden and assist families in need. Volunteers are required to help with the garden.
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Hoffmann Farm, which has had horses for many years, has recently fallen into decline and disrepair. However, a few farmers and individuals have donated their time and brought tractors and other vehicles to help restore the farm. We are incredibly grateful to each of them for their efforts. Although progress has been made, more help is still needed.
