ROCKPORT — This summer, Maine Coast Heritage Trust invites youth ages 10 to 18 to get up close and personal with the Belted Galloway calves at Aldermere Farm, a historic saltwater farm preserve located at 20 Russell Avenue in Rockport.

Aldermere Farm will host Farm Hands, a free, hands-on program for youth to practice haltering, grooming, and leading young calves. Elizabeth Eaten, once a Farm Hand herself and the current Aldermere Farm Cattle Assistant, will work with Farm Program Coordinator Calder Gladstone to teach about our agricultural and animal handling practices. Participants will provide an important community service to the farm by training calves, so they are easier to manage when they are full-grown. 

Participants may choose to join one of two summer sessions: mid-summer (July 7 - 26) or late summer (August 2 - 18). Each session will run for three consecutive weeks from 9:30 to 11 a.m., on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Space is limited. Registration closes July 1 and is available online (aldermere.org/farm-hands) and by phone, 207-236-2739.   

Generous support from donors makes this educational program free for every participant. More information about Maine Coast Heritage Trust and Aldermere Farm is available online at www.mcht.org and www.aldermere.org.