Historic O”Neil Dairy Farm in Duxbury MA
In 2005, the O’Neil dairy farm was permanently protected with funding from Duxbury’s Community Preservation Act fund, the Massachusetts Agricultural Preservation Restriction Program, and many generous private donors. The new name then became officially the “Historic O’Neil Farm, Inc.,” a non-profit corporation governed by a nine-member Board of Directors. Historic O’Neil Farm, Inc. is recognized by the IRS as a Section 501(c)(3) organization and contributions are tax deductible as permitted by law.
The campaign to permanently protect the farm, possibly the last working dairy farm on the South Shore, was spearheaded by the Wildlands Trust of Southeastern Massachusetts. The campaign involved the entire Duxbury community and beyond.
At Historic O’Neil Farm, Carl O’Neil continues as the farmer in charge of day-to-day operations, directing the milking of 40 cows, caring for the land, and selling milk to Agri-Mark co-op. The nine-member Board of Directors is dedicated to preserving the farm. As Directors of the Corporation they are involved with policy issues, working with dairy consultants on long-range business plans, developing public access trails, applying for grants, and holding community Farm Days and informing and educating the public about dairy farming in New England.
Historic O’Neil Farm, Inc. is open to the public in several ways. Trailheads for our two walking trails, the Avery Trail and Chandler Trail are located on Autumn Avenue, together with a parking lot for visitors. The 3/4 mile Avery Trail takes hikers along farms fields, over a brook, through woods and past a vernal pool. Glimpses of the farmyard and cows can be seen from the trail. The 1.5 mile Chandler Trail crosses a hay field and another stream, passes through a tall pine forest, crosses the high tension lines and proceeds along Old Forge Way.Trail maps are located at each trail head. Those interested in “geocaching” are invited to try to find the geocaches located near each trail! The public is invited to the barnyard for an annual Farm Day each Fall. This fun community event offers an opportunity to see farm animals up close, play games, eat ice cream, and meet the Farmtastic 4-H club members, who raise their calves at the farm. Farm visits for scout troops and school groups can be scheduled throughout the year.
Upcoming Special EventsÂ
FARM DAY 2018 FREE
Saturday September 22, 11 – 2 pm.
Annual Open House Event
In partnership with the Duxbury Food and Wine Festival
Music will be provided by Wildcat Bogstompers Bluegrass
Hornstra Farms Ice Cream
Milking Demos
Butter Making activity
Free Kid’s Crafts and Old-Fashioned Races
Historic O’Neil Farm
