Care farming uses purposeful farming, gardening, animal-care, and nature-based activities to support well-being, confidence, skills, and social connection.

Open Farms welcomes people of varied abilities and backgrounds. Participation options include community open hours, structured programs, school and group visits, and employee engagement experiences.

No. A medical diagnosis or professional referral is not required to attend Open Farms’ community activities or open farm hours.

Some structured programs may involve additional registration, coordination, or eligibility requirements. Please contact us if you are interested in a specific program or are helping someone determine whether Open Farms would be a good fit.

No. Open Farms is not a medical, behavioral health, occupational therapy, or clinical treatment provider.

We are a nonprofit care farm that offers meaningful opportunities to engage with animals, gardens, nature, farm activities, and community. Our programs may support confidence, connection, skill development, routine, and general well-being, but they are not a substitute for professional medical or mental health care.

No. Care farming and animal-assisted therapy may share some similarities, but they are not the same.

Animal-assisted therapy is generally a structured clinical service provided by or under the direction of a licensed professional. Care farming uses purposeful activities involving animals, plants, land, food production, and the daily work of a farm to encourage participation, skill development, social connection, and well-being.

At Open Farms, animals are an important part of the experience, but participants may also help with gardening, feeding, cleaning, maintenance, harvesting, and other meaningful farm activities.

We do not charge any fees to visit the farm.

Visiting the farm is free of charge. And because we are not a clinical therapy provider, we do not submit our programs as medical treatment.

Yes. Children and families are welcome at Open Farms.

Children under the age of 14 must be accompanied and supervised by a responsible adult throughout their visit. Parents and supervising adults are responsible for helping children follow farm safety instructions and interact respectfully with the animals, property, staff, volunteers, and other visitors.

Certain programs or activities may have additional age requirements.

Open Farms welcomes visitors of all abilities, but visitors should understand that we are a working farm with natural and sometimes challenging terrain.

The property includes hills, grass, gravel, mud, uneven ground, fencing, farm equipment, and other surfaces or obstacles that may be difficult to navigate using a wheelchair, walker, or other mobility device. Conditions can also change depending on the weather and season.

We encourage visitors with mobility or accessibility needs to contact us before arriving. We will gladly discuss current conditions, available accommodations, and which areas or activities may be most accessible.

Please call 716-803-7484 with accessibility questions or accommodation requests.

Yes. Participants are welcome to bring a parent, caregiver, support professional, interpreter, or other trusted support person.

Support persons should remain with the participant as needed and follow all farm safety instructions. Please let us know in advance when possible so we can help prepare for the visit and discuss any accommodations.

Trained service animals may be permitted, but arrangements must be discussed with Open Farms before the visit.

Because Open Farms is home to livestock and other animals, the presence of an unfamiliar animal can create safety concerns for the service animal, farm animals, visitors, and staff. Some areas or activities may not be appropriate for a service animal, even when the animal is well trained.

Please contact us before arriving so we can discuss the animal’s trained tasks, current farm conditions, and reasonable options for safely accommodating the visit.

Open Farms is a real working farm, so visitors should dress for dirt, weather, animals, and uneven ground.

Wear comfortable clothing that can get dirty and sturdy, closed-toe shoes or boots with good traction. Please avoid wearing your best shoes, delicate clothing, or anything you would be heartbroken to see decorated with mud.

Depending on the weather and the day’s activities, visitors may leave with hay, dust, animal hair, mud, or even manure on their clothing. We consider that part of the authentic farm experience.

During wet or cold weather, waterproof footwear, layers, and a change of shoes or clothing for the trip home are recommended.

Reservations are recommended outside of our normal open farm hours and may be required for some programs, group visits, or scheduled activities.

Visitors should review the current schedule and registration information before arriving. When in doubt, call 716-803-7484.

Yes. Open Farms welcomes inquiries from schools, classrooms, homeschool groups, youth organizations, and educational programs.

Visits can be designed around age, group size, learning goals, accessibility needs, and the time of year. Activities may include meeting the animals, learning about farm care, gardening, food systems, teamwork, responsibility, and the role farms play in a community.

Teachers and group leaders should contact Open Farms in advance to discuss scheduling, supervision, costs, and available activities.

Yes. Open Farms offers employee engagement and group service opportunities for businesses and organizations.

Activities may include animal care, gardening, seasonal projects, property improvements, group problem-solving, and other meaningful farm work. Programs can be designed to support teamwork while also contributing to the farm and its mission.

Employers should contact Open Farms to discuss group size, scheduling, accessibility, available projects, and program costs.

Open Farms is home to a variety of farm animals. The animals living at the farm may change over time as animals are rescued, adopted, relocated, or welcomed into the Open Farms family.

Visitors may meet animals such as goats and other livestock, depending on current conditions and which areas of the farm are open during their visit.

For the most current information about our animals, visit our website or social media pages.

Many of the animals at Open Farms have rescue, rehabilitation, rehoming, or special-care backgrounds.

Each animal has its own history, needs, and personality. Open Farms is operated through Let’s Goat Rescue, Inc., a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, and animal care is an important part of our mission.

Not every animal may have the same rescue history, so visitors are encouraged to learn about the individual animals they meet rather than assume that every animal arrived under the same circumstances.

Open Farms welcomes volunteers who are willing to help with the real work of operating a farm and supporting our programs.

Volunteer opportunities may include feeding and caring for animals, cleaning, gardening, grounds maintenance, event support, administrative work, fundraising, photography, communications, and special projects.

Volunteer needs vary by season. Some activities may involve lifting, walking on uneven ground, working outdoors, getting dirty, or being near large animals. Volunteers may be required to complete an application, orientation, waiver, background check, or additional training depending on the role.

Contact Open Farms to learn about current volunteer opportunities.

Financial donations are generally the most flexible and useful because they allow Open Farms to purchase exactly what is needed when it is needed.

Donations may help cover:

• Animal feed, bedding, veterinary care, and medications

• Fencing, shelters, tools, and farm equipment

• Seeds, soil, gardening supplies, and seasonal materials

• Accessibility improvements

• Participant supplies and program costs

• Property maintenance and repairs

• Educational materials and community events

Open Farms may also maintain a current wish list for specific supplies. Please contact us before delivering physical items, since storage is limited and farm needs change throughout the year.

Open Farms operates through Let’s Goat Rescue, Inc., a recognized 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Donations are generally tax-deductible to the extent permitted by law.

Donors should retain their contribution receipt and consult a qualified tax professional regarding their individual circumstances. The value of any goods or services received in exchange for a contribution may affect the deductible amount.

Open Farms is located in Springville, New York, and primarily serves individuals, families, schools, organizations, and communities throughout Western New York.

Participants and groups may come from Erie County, southern Erie County, Buffalo, the Southtowns, and surrounding counties. People outside the immediate area are also welcome to contact us about available programs, visits, and events.