Ferme D’André Hosts Open House

To my delight, my sister-in-law invited me along to visit Ferme D’André this past weekend for their open house. Located just outside of Ormstown, this delightful little farm has been in existence since 1969.

Being a recent transplant to the area, I had never heard of it until last summer. In addition to holding nature classes and hosting “A Day at the Farm” to students and little ones, the site also acts as a camp—complete with riding lessons, miniature donkeys and a giant, glorious turkey that my son was particularly taken with. We named him Earl—it was a tearful goodbye for my son, who didn’t understand why the massive creature did not want a hug. Luckily, the horse that he rode after that was open to embraces, so all was well.

Driving up to the site, the driveway was lined with red tin cans, tied together in a bushel against a rolling green hill and a darling little stonewall. I was immediately taken with the camp (the herd of sheep we passed on our way up being herded by a hyper border collie only added to the magic). The staff was completely bilingual and bursting with enthusiasm, which is exactly what this mother needed on a weekend alone with her wee ones. It seems that every time I take a back road in the Chateauguay Valley I discover another beautiful treasure, such as Ferme D’André. Even on a terribly windy day, it was heart-warming to see my nephews and son cozying up to a reluctant alpaca. While camp is still something in the distant future for our family, it’s comforting to see such a beautiful place thriving in the Valley’s backyard.