SHELBURNE FARMS
The Founder and Executive Staff of Shelburne Farms speak on the past , present , and future of the renowned environmental education nonprofit
STORY BY BENJAMIN LERNER PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY SHELBURNE FARMS
Standing on the windswept crest of Lone Tree Hill at Shelburne Farms , the views are absolutely astonishing . To the west , the tranquil waters of Lake Champlain beautifully frame the Adirondack peaks that stretch towards the horizon . Every corner of Shelburne Farms ’ 1400-acre campus is home to breathtaking scenery and exquisite structures , most of which were originally commissioned by William Seward and Lila Vanderbilt Webb in the late-19th century .
Although the well-maintained , historic buildings and phenomenal Vermont landscapes are certainly eye-catching , it is the educational programming at Shelburne Farms that commands the most attention and respect . Make no mistake , Shelburne Farms is much more than a
58 VERMONT MAGAZINE beautiful Vermont farm that welcomes scores of visitors at its popular Farm Store , picturesque Inn , and rental cottages — it is an open classroom without walls , which offers a wide range of sustainability education , environmental education , and food system education programs for teachers , students , and guests of all ages .
Shelburne Farms ’ teacher education programs have made an impact on a local , statewide , national , and global scale , equipping educators around the world with pedagogical techniques that