A Little Bit of History of Quail Hill Farm
June 4, 2026
By Madison Aldrich
Quail Hill Farm comprises many areas, each having a descriptive name: Birch Hill where the crops we harvest are grown; Town Lane South where the crops that will soon get distributed from bins on the farm stand are grown; the Valley which leads to the Barn (this land was previously farmed and will be again — with rhubarb and raspberries — once a new fence is installed); the Apple Orchard where the potlucks take place, and the Shop where box share members pick up their weekly allocation.
There’s a last area, its name unfamiliar to most except very early farm members.
It’s Hurricane Hill — the three acres between Deep Lane and the fence surrounding Birch Hill. Here crops were grown between 1990 and approximately 1995 when farmers began cultivating the Valley.
Everyone harvesting last Saturday — the farm’s opening day — experienced the inspiration of its name. The winds were fierce — gusting to 35 mph — and becoming more so as the morning progressed.
But any discomfort paled as harvesters — new and veteran alike — took in and marveled at the pristine beauty of the fields and their extraordinarily bounty. According to several long time members, it was the most prolific opening day — and a week earlier than usual — in Quail Hill’s history.
Madison Aldrich
Senior Farm Manager, Quail Hill Farm
MAldrich@PeconicLandTrust.org