San Diego Animal Sanctuary & Farm (formerly known as the Children’s Nature Retreat), a 20-acre animal sanctuary in Alpine, boasts a bountiful fall harvest from their new regenerative farm. The farm does not use any chemicals nor pesticides to grow their fruits and vegetables. The sanctuary will also host its popular annual Winter Fair on Sunday, Dec. 22.
Just in time for Thanksgiving and all the upcoming holiday gatherings, the Alpine Farm has an abundant fall harvest from its new regenerative farm, where produce is available at their on-site Farm Stand. Proceeds from the Farm Stand help to support the more than 200 rescued animals, while also feeding some of the animals.
The Farm’s three-acre biological gardens have edible and display pumpkins of all shapes, sizes, and species, from Cinderella, Musquee de Provence, Polar Bear, and Baby Bear. In addition to pumpkins, the Farm has also produced a variety of vegetables – perfect for Thanksgiving or holiday menus, including carrots, lettuce, mustard greens, delicate mix greens, Delicata squash, Honey nut, Northern Georgia Candy Roaster, leeks, collard greens, broccoli raab and broccolini, tomatoes, dandelions, and zucchini – and herbs such as parsley, rosemary and cilantro – and finally Zinnia flowers and small pumpkins to decorate holiday tables.
“We hope San Diegans will purchase items for their Thanksgiving feast at the Sanctuary’s Farm Stand,” said Agnes Barrelet, executive director. “Every purchase – as well as visits to see our animals – help support the Sanctuary & Farm.”
Also coming up this winter, the Sanctuary will host its popular holiday event – Winter Fair on Sunday, Dec. 22 from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Guests can enjoy craft and gift vendors, hot cocoa and cider, cotton candy, hot dogs, raffles, and hayrides. There will also be a special appearance from Santa Claus himself!
The festivities will kick off at 10:00 a.m. with the tree lighting taking place at 4:45 p.m. with holiday carolers. The whole family is invited to spend the day and celebrate the season with the animals and special activities!
The Farm is open daily from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., seven days a week, and is home to more than 200 domesticated livestock and exotic animals, from a bison to camels and zebras to a mélange of farm animals. Most of the animals were pets who lost their homes due to their previous owners’ illness, death, or financial difficulties. Both daily visits and support of the Farm’s vegetable stand help pay for the animals’ needs.
This is also the perfect time of year to visit the Sanctuary, as the temperatures are milder. Those interested in visiting the animals can become a “Member for a Day,” and purchase single day admission tickets. These are $40 for adults and $25 for kids (children under 2-years are free); seniors (65+) are $36. Parking is complimentary. To buy tickets, visit www.sanctuaryandfarm.org.
The Farm is located at 5178 Japatul Spur in Alpine (91901). For more information, visit www.sanctuaryandfarm.org.
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