Upcoming Programs & Events

Hearty Lunch from the Farmers’ Market  

Fort Wayne has some of the best farmers’ markets, but what can you do with all that fresh produce? Make a premium vegetarian sandwich, including the homemade bread and “everything sauce!” Local farmers, Ann and Matthew of Atom Acres will show you how easy it is. Registration deadline: March 4. Min. 6. Max. 12.

Code                    Date      Day           Time

153831-M1          3/11       M            7-9 pm

# Sessions/Fee: 1/$52

Location: Salomon Farm Park Learning Center, 817 W. Dupont Rd.

Breakfast for Dinner  

Whether you’re serving breakfast in bed for a special holiday or simply looking for a great way to start the day, this class is sure to enhance your breakfast making skills. You will learn how to make eggs benedict, lemon and honey crepes, and sweetened hot chocolate. Instructors Ann and Matthew are local farmers from Atom Acres. Registration deadline: February 11. Min. 6. Max. 12.

Code                   Date      Day            Time

153830-M1          2/18       M            7-9 pm

# Sessions/Fee: 1/$64

Location: Salomon Farm Park Learning Center, 817 W. Dupont Rd.

The Buzz About Bees

*Adult/Child

If you have a busy little bee at home, bring them  to the farm to learn what all of the buzz is about! Instructor Glenn Hile, local bee keeper and owner of Glenn’s Natural Honey, will share the impor- tance of bees using fun, age appropriate, hands-on activities. Ages 3-5. Registration deadline: March 6 and March 27. Min 6. Max. 15.

Code               Date             Day                      Time

253902-T1      3/19             T              9:30-10:30 am

253902-T2      4/9               T             9:30-10:30 am

# Sessions/Fee: 1/$10

Location: Salomon Farm Park, 817 W. Dupont Rd.

 
Animal Playdates

*Adult/Child

The rabbits, chickens and goats at Salomon Farm are all excited to meet you! You will learn all about them in these hands-on, interactive play dates which include making treats and goodies for our furry friends. Each play date features a different animal, so pick your favorite or plan to meet them all! Ages 3-6. Registration deadlines are 5 working days prior to each play date.

Code                Date                              Day                            Time

Fun with Fishing

This educational program is designed to teach new and beginning anglers everything they need to know to “go fish.” You will learn how to tie your line, handle a fish, and stay safe on and near the water in this hands-on program. Everything you need will be provided, but you may bring any of your own equipment if you like. Ages 8-14. Reg- istration deadlines: April 5 and May 3. Min. 10. Max. 20.

Code              Date             Day                      Time

253903-S1     4/13             Sa                   12-2 pm

253903-S2     5/11             Sa                  12-2 pm

# Sessions/Fee: 1/$15

Location: Salomon Farm Park, 817 W. Dupont Rd.

Little Roots: Culinary Classes for Preschoolers

*Adult/Child

Empower your little one to create his/her own healthy snacks. We’ve partnered with Wholesome Roots Cooking to offer fun, age appropriate cook- ing classes bursting with hands-on activities and healthy concept learning through games and activities. Younger siblings are welcome to stay with their caregiver, but any child participating in class must register. Ages 2-5. Instructor Meghan Hauser is the founder of Wholesome Roots Cooking and is a certified Healthy Hands Cooking instructor. Registration deadlines are one week prior to the start of each class. Min. 5. Max. 15.

Code              Date             Day                      Time

Think and Eat Gree, St. Patty’s Day

253909-T1      3/5                T                   10-11 am

Hippity Hop Pears

253909-T2      4/16              T                   10-11 am

Growing and Cooking with Herbs

253909-T3      5/21              T                   10-11 am

# Sessions/Fee: 1/$25

Location: Salomon Farm Park Learning Center, 817 W. Dupont Rd.

Farmers in Training Orientation

Monday, May 20, 5:30-6:30 p.m.
Old Barn at Salomon Farm Park
817 W. Dupont Rd.

Salomon Farm welcomes teen volunteers. If you love animals, dirt, tractors or have a green thumb in the garden, we could use your help on the farm. Our new Farmers in Training program for youth ages 13-17 will provide hands-on training in live- stock care, the use of farm equipment, gardening, beekeeping and more. Farmers in Training will meet every other Monday from 5:30-7:00 p.m. The program is free. Attend the orientation on May  20 to find out more and to sign up. For questions, please contact our farm operations supervisor at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Cook Your Own Adventure:
Culinary Classes for Elementary

Poor planning often leads to poor choices, but with a little know-how and some fun recipes, kids and families can attack hunger with great tasting snacks that also have a nutritional punch. We will make several healthy recipes to inspire healthy habits at home! Each Healthy Hands cooking class begins with a nutrition lesson/game and includes hands-on cooking and instruction. Each child will have an opportunity to eat the delicious snack they made! Ages 5-13. Instructor Meghan Hauser is the founder of Wholesome Roots Cooking and is a certified Healthy Hands Cooking instructor. Registration deadlines are 5 business days before each class. Min. 5. Max. 15.

Code               Date            Day                      Time

Mama Mia Thatsa Pasta (gluten free option)

253921-W1     3/20         W                  6-7:30 pm

Mystery Box Junior

253921-W2   4/24              W               6-7:30 pm

Don’t Underestimate Chocolate

253921-W3   5/22         W                   6-7:30 pm

# Sessions/Fee: 1/$40

Location: Salomon Farm Park Learning Center,
817 W. Dupont Rd.

Salomon Farm Park

Fiber Arts Celebration 2019
Free Community Festival

Fri May 17 10-3 • Sat May 18 10-5

817 W. Dupont Rd., Fort Wayne, IN

Hands-on Demonstrations

Weaving • Spinning • Crafting & More

Live Animals • Sheep Shearing Craft and Supply  

The Fiber Arts Celebration is sponsored by the Flax and Fleecers Spinning Guild of Fort Wayne and PBS 39. Call Eden at 260-427-6008 for more information. Due to the nature of this event, pets are not allowed.

Salomon Farm Volunteer Orientation

Salomon Farm Park Learning Center 817 W. Dupont Rd.

Salomon Farm Park relies on volunteers to care for the animals and to plant and tend the vegetable gardens and orchard (April-October). If you are interested in volunteering with the animals or in the garden, please plan to attend the appropriate volunteer orientation. Some experience with ani- mals is preferred of our animal care volunteers, however, training will be provided. Garden volunteers meet every Monday and Thursday morning from April through October and share in the garden produce. You do not have to commit to  the whole season or for every scheduled work day and no previous gardening experience is required. Both orientations will be held in the Learning Center, the first building upon entering the park. Volunteers must be 18 years of age. Interested youth please see our Farmers in Training program.

Garden Volunteer Orientation

Monday, April 22, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

Contact Eden (427-6008 or eden.lamb@cityof- fortwayne.org) by April 12 to sign up.

Animal Care Volunteer Orientation

Saturday, March 23, 10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.

Contact Kellie (427-6005 or kellie.adkins@city- offortwayne.org) by March 13 to sign up. 

Backyard Fruit Production

Tuesdays, March 12-April 9, 6:30-9:30 p.m. Salomon Farm Park, 817 W. Dupont Rd.

Aspiring backyard fruit growers . . . here is your opportunity to learn from experts at the Purdue Extension Office ways to increase the success and satisfaction of quality fruit production in your home landscape. Class meets in the Learning Center. Please register online by March 5 at tinyurl. com/PurdueFruit2019. For more information, please contact Terri at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call the Purdue Extension office at 481-6826.

The Art of Blacksmithing for Women

When a creative yet pragmatic skill becomes functionally obsolete, it enters the realm of fine art. Such is the story of blacksmithing. Once an essential and vital trade, blacksmithing has become a metal art and many women have started to take   an interest in this typically male-dominated activity. In this introductory class you will learn about forge operation, blacksmithing equipment and tools. Each participant will create a small metal hook before moving on to a simple project. The following protective equipment is required: leather closed-toed shoes, full-length pants, natural fiber clothing (cotton, wool, etc.), and all loose hair must be tied back. Gloves and protective eye wear will be provided. Registration is required. Registration deadline: March 29. Min. 3. Max 6.

Code              Date             Day                        Time

253820-S1     4/6-4/13       Sa                9 am-11 am

# Sessions/fee: 2/$15

Location: Salomon Farm Park, 817 W. Dupont Rd.

 
A Celebration of Ireland

Enjoy a taste of some of the classic dishes of Ireland! We’ll begin with soda bread and then put that soda bread to use in a classic bread pudding flavored with Irish cream! Finally, we’ll experiment with Yellow Man, an Irish honeycomb treat! Ages 16+. Instructor: Chad Seewald. Registration deadline: March 8. Min. 5. Max 12.

Code              Date             Day                                     Time
253804-S1     3/16             Sa                       10 am -1:30 pm

# Sessions/Fee: 1/$45

Location: Salomon Farm Learning Center, 817 W. Dupont Rd.

Homemade Breads

There is simply nothing better on a cold day than  a piece of warm fresh-baked bread. And it’s not nearly as hard as it might seem! We’ll go over the basics for two different types of bread, a simple French loaf and a Japanese Milk bread that makes the absolute best sandwich bread ever! Ages 16+. Instructor: Chad Seewald. Registration deadline: January 4. Min. 5. Max. 10.

Code              Date             Day                               Time
253822-S1      4/6              Sa                       10 am-1 pm

# Sessions/Fee: 1/$45

Location: Learning Center, Salomon Farm Park, 817 W. Dupont Rd

Best in Snow! Mushing 101

Are you looking for something fun and different to do with your dog? Join Belva Sutton of Heartland Mushers for an introduction to this exciting mode of transportation. You will learn about mushing equipment and how it is used, various training styles and common training issues and how to avoid them. We’ll cover all the elements necessary for safely traveling by dog power. Dogs must possess non-reactive behavior, be up to date on their shots and kept on a leash throughout the clinic. Please bring your dog’s favorite treats. Limit 1 dog per owner. Ages 18+. Belva Sutton has owned  and trained Alaskan Malamutes for over 30 years. Registration deadline: March 1. Min. 5. Max 20.

Code              Date             Day                      Time
253821-S1     3/9               Sa                     1-3 pm

# Sessions/Fee: 1/$10

Location: Salomon Farm Park, 817 W. Dupont Rd.

Spring Desserts

Explore some of the bright fresh flavors of spring with Sweets So Geek! We’ll make two quick and easy desserts that focus on the beauty of the season! We’ll explore the easiest Lemon Tart ever  and Strawberry Rhubarb Crumble Bars. Bring your notebook and containers to take home some of the treats. Ages 16+. Instructor: Chad Seewald. Registration deadline: April 12. Min. 5. Max. 12.

Code            Date          Day                        Time
253813-S1   4/20          Sa         10 am-12:30 pm

# Sessions/Fee: 1/$45

Location: Salomon Farm Park, 817 W. Dupont Rd.

Week Day Brunchin’

Hosting brunch can be a stressful task unless you can do much of the prep work in advance. Enjoy mimosas and mocktails while we show you how   to take the crunch out of hosting a brunch. Ages 21+. Instructor: Chef Renee Williams. Registration deadline: May 7. Min. 6. Max. 12.

Code               Date            Day                      Time
253916-T1      5/14            T                         6-8pm

# Sessions/Fee: 1/$50

Location: Salomon Farm Park, 817 W. Dupont Rd.

Meet Our Chefs

Chad Seewald

Chad learned about desserts while working his way up from dishwasher to head pastry chef at  a five star restaurant and mixed that knowledge with his love of all things geeky to create the one-of-a-kind shop, Sweets So Geek, that specializes in custom cakes, ice cream made in the store, desserts, and geeky themed chocolates.

Renee Williams

Chef Renee Williams is a graduate of Johnson and Wales in Charlotte, NC. She has an Associate’s degree in Culinary Arts with a Nutrition focus as well as a Bachelor’s degree in Beverage Management. She now works with the wonderful folks at Parkview Mirro Center.

Patrick Whetstone

Chef Patrick Whetstone graduated from Johnson and Wales University in North Miami and opened David Bouley’s Evolution inside the Ritz-Carlton in South Beach before making his way back to Indiana where he practices his culi- nary artistry at The Personal Palate.

Baking with Sweets So Geek 103

This four-week baking class builds upon some of the techniques explored in earlier sessions, but is open to anyone who wants to be a better baker. You’ll learn some alternative uses for yeast doughs, like pretzels and a quick spin on chocolate babka. We’ll take sauces to a new level and make a quick ice cream (or two). We’ll make pate a choux, crème puffs and maybe try something even more decadent. The class finale will be flambés and brûlées! Ages 16+. Instructor: Chad Seewald. Registration deadline: April 1. Min. 5. Max 12.

 Code             Dates           Day                         Time

253826-M1    4/8-4/29        M                    6-8:30 pm

# Sessions/Fee: 4/$110

Location: Salomon Farm Park, 817 W. Dupont Rd.

Vegetarian Cooking             

If it’s due to dietary restriction or by choice, eating vegetarian doesn’t have to be boring and bland. Experience the delicious taste of vegetarian cui- sine as you prepare three separate meals that you can easily replicate at home. You will be guided by Chef Patrick Whetstone who practices his culinary artistry at The Personal Palate. Age 18 +. Registration deadline: April 11. Min. 6. Max. 20.

Code               Date            Day                      Time
253908-R1      4/18            Th                     6-8 pm

# Sessions/Fee: 1/$35

Location: Salomon Farm Park, 817 W. Dupont Rd.

Vegan Meal Prep                  

Vegan diets are becoming more and more popular, however, there are challenges that come with them. We’ll share some breakfast, lunch and dinner options to help spice up your menu. Ages 16+. Instructor: Chef Renee Williams. Registration deadline: May 6. Min. 6. Max. 12.

Code              Date             Day                      Time
253912-M2    5/13              M                       6-8pm

# Sessions/Fee: 1/$46

Location: Salomon Farm Park, 817 W. Dupont Rd

Straight from the Garden    

Are you sick of plain steamed vegetables? Do you ever get frustrated trying to figure out what to serve with a beautiful cut of meat? Transform your garden vegetables into delicious and healthy side dishes that are satisfying, healthy and delicious. Ages 16+. Instructor: Chef Renee Williams. Registration deadline is one week prior to the scheduled class date. Min 6. Max. 12.

Code              Date             Day                      Time

253918-T1     3/5                T                       6-8pm

253918-T1     5/7                T                       6-8pm

253918-T3     5/21              T                       6-8pm

# Sessions/Fee: 1/$46

Location: Salomon Farm Park Learning Center, 817 W. Dupont Rd

Healthy Alternatives with Chef Renee Williams

Experience the world of healthy alternatives! This class will focus on transforming those rib-sticking comfort foods into healthy meals the whole family will love. We will learn about new techniques and new ingredients along the way. Ages 16+. Instructor: Chef Renee Williams. Registration deadline is one week prior to the scheduled class date. Min. 6. Max. 12.

Code              Date             Day                      Time
253911-M1     3/4               M                       6-8pm

253911-M2      5/6              M                       6-8pm

253911-M3      5/20            M                       6-8pm

# Sessions/Fee: 1/$46

Location: Salomon Farm Park, 817 W. Dupont Rd.

Healthy Eating                     

Being health conscious doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice appetite or flavor in your meals. Learn how to prepare three different meals that don’t lack flavor or creativity. You’ll get recipes and learn techniques that can be applied in all aspects of cooking. Chef Patrick Whetstone of The Personal Palate will have you eating healthy in just two hours. Age 18 +. Registration deadline: March 28. Min. 6. Max. 20.

Code              Date             Day                      Time
253907-R1     4/4               Th                     6-8 pm

# Sessions/Fee: 1/$35

Location: Salomon Farm Park, 817 W. Dupont Rd

Meals on a Budget

Learn how to feed your family and stretch your budget. Allow Chef Patrick Whetstone from The Personal Palate to show you some tricks of the trade as you help produce creative meals that would impress your family and friends without breaking the bank. This class will cover meals that are under $5 to produce without sacrificing qual- ity. Age 18 +. Registration deadline: March 14. Min. 6. Max. 20.

Code              Date             Day                      Time
253904-R1     3/21             Th                     6-8 pm

# Sessions/Fee: 1/$35

Location: Salomon Farm Park, 817 W. Dupont Rd.

Quick Dinner Solutions

With the hustle and bustle of our lives today, a home-cooked meal can be more dream than reality. Give us one Thursday evening and together we’ll prepare three separate meals from start to finish with each one only taking 20 minutes. That’s a home-cooked meal reality! Instructor: Chef Patrick Whetstone. Age 18 +. Registration deadline: March 28. Min. 6. Max. 20.

Code                 Date            Day                      Time
253905-R1        3/28            Th                     6-8 pm

# Sessions/Fee: 1/$35

Location: Salomon Farm Park, 817 W. Dupont Rd.

Savory Sauces

Bring flavor to your favorite dish by pairing it with a savory sauce. Learn how a simple sauce can change the complexity of a dish. You will make a few simple sauces that provide a foundation for a variety of other sauces by just adding a few ingredients. Age 18 +. Instructor: Chef Patrick Whet- stone. Registration deadline: May 9. Min. 6. Max. 20.

Code               Date            Day                      Time
253910-R1      5/16            Th                     6-8 pm

# Sessions/Fee: 1/$35

Location: Salomon Farm Park, 817 W. Dupont Rd.

Handmade Pasta

Some of the best foods are the messiest to make! Grab your apron and prepare for to get sticky as we make our own pasta from scratch. We’ll dip into the various sauces that allow the pasta to shine and be the main focus of the meal. Ages 18+. Instructor: Chef Patrick Whetstone. Registration deadline: May 23. Min. 6. Max. 20.

Code               Date            Day                      Time
253909-R1      5/30            Th                     6-8 pm

# Sessions/Fee: 1/$35

Location: Salomon Farm Park, 817 W. Dupont Rd. 

Gardeners of America Club

2nd Thursday, 6:30 p.m.

Salomon Farm Park, 817 W. Dupont Rd.

Love gardening? Join the club! The ort Wayne chapter of Gardeners of America meets at 6:30 pm on the second Thursday of the month in the Wolf Family Learning Center at  Salomon  Farm  Park. All gardening skill levels are welcome. For more information about the club or a particular meeting, leave a message for Simone at (260) 486-2167 or Kathy at (260) 637-6242. Also, please visit our Little Free Library in front of the Learning Center.

MD & Me: Walk-n-Learn

3rd Tuesday, 6:00-7:00 p.m.
Beginning May 21
Salomon Farm Park, 817 W. Dupont Rd.

Come jump-start your exercise program by listening to a physician presentation on a specific health topic, and then join us on a walk on the paved Salomon Farm Park loop trail. The trail is paved asphalt, making it a great choice for people with strollers, wheelchairs, or walkers. During your walk, you will have the opportunity to ask the physician your own questions. Each session will have free blood pressure screenings, educational materials and snacks. In case of inclement weather, we will meet at Salomon Farm Park Old Barn and decide if we need to relocate to walk the indoor track next door at the Parkview YMCA. Register for any of the Walk-n-Learn events online at www.parkview. com/mdandme or call 1-866-784-6706.

Tuesday, May 21

Kristen Gerhardstein, MD

PPG-Family Medicine

Vegan vs. Keto: What You Need to Know
Before Changing Your Diet

This program is made possible in partnership with Parkview Health.

Fun with Fishing

This educational program is designed to teach new and beginning anglers everything they need to know to “go fish.” You will learn how to tie your line, handle a fish, and stay safe on and near the water in this hands-on program. Everything you need will be provided, but you may bring any of your own equipment if you like. Ages 8-14. Reg- istration deadlines: April 5 and May 3. Min. 10.

Max. 20.

Code              Date             Day                      Time
253903-S1     4/13             Sa                   12-2 pm

253903-S2      5/11            Sa                  12-2 pm

# Sessions/Fee: 1/$15

Location: Salomon Farm Park, 817 W. Dupont Rd.

Free Fishing Days in Fort Wayne Parks

Indiana’s free fishing days are  April  20,  May 18, and June 1-2. Indiana residents do not need  a fishing license or a trout/salmon stamp to fish the state’s public waters. Enjoy fishing at Salomon Farm Park, Hurshtown Reservoir, Shoaff Park, Johnny Appleseed, Franke, Guldlin or Headwaters Park. Check out Salomon Farm Park for special youth fishing events and mark your calendar for Hurshtown Reservoir’s June 1st Family Fishing Derby! 

Wild Walkers pose for a group picture at Pokagon State Park.  Photo credit: Steve Hague

Wild Walkers 2019 

Wild Walkers is an adult hiking group that meets the second and fourth Fridays of each month for a walk on the wild side. Each hike features a different natural area in the region (parks, wetlands, nature preserve, etc.) and carpooling is available when necessary. Please call Eden at 427-6008 or e-mail eden.lamb@cityof fortwayne.org if you have questions. 

2019 Wild Walkers Schedule

Field Trips on the Farm

May 1-31 and August 5- September 9 Salomon Farm Park, 817 W. Dupont Rd.

Farm tours are available at Salomon farm in 1-2 hour increments. Typically a farm tour will feature lots of hands on time with our animal friends and also highlight composting, gardening  and  farm  life back in the old days. A wagon ride is available upon request for farm tours of 1 ½ hours or more. All ages welcome! Field trip scheduling is subject to availability and reservations must be made at least two weeks in advance. Please contact dalton.This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call Salomon Farm at 427-6790 with questions or to schedule your visit. Field trip cost is $3/participant/hour. Teach- ers, care givers, and adult chaperones are free. A minimum fee of $30/hour applies to all groups. We can accommodate up to 30 students per tour and 1:10 chaperone: student ratio is recommended.

Salomon Farm Old Barn Rentals 

This magnificent old building sits majestically along Dupont Road on a small working farm operated by the Parks and Recreation Department. The peaceful, bucolic setting includes a pond, wetlands, livestock pens, vegetable gardens, prairie grasses and crop fields. The barn, originally built in the late 1800’s, housed livestock and stored farm equipment and served the farm for over 100 years. The barn has been restored to capture the rustic look of the historical structure. The old barn features a large seating area and tables for up to 170 guests and a separate room for the catering operation. A separate but adjacent building houses the restrooms. The Old Barn may be reserved from May-October. For additional information please check out the Rental Opportunities at Salomon link, including the rental contract. Call 427-6000 for more information.   

Pictured from left to right: Dave Fike, Carl Fike, and Roy Fike. 

Tri-State Antique Tractor Club

3rd Tuesday, 7:00 p.m.

Salomon Farm Park, 817 W. Dupont Rd.

The Tri-State Antique Tractor Club is an organization that is dedicated to the preservation and enjoyment of old farm machinery. If you’ve ever been to our Fall Harvest Festival you’ve surely seen the TSA Tractor Club at work! Join the club and meet other tractor enthusiasts, assist in tending the crop fields, and get the chance to learn  and work on a myriad of antique farm equipment pieces. The club meets the third Tuesday of each month at 7:00 p.m. in the Learning Center. For more information please contact kellie.adkins@ cityoffortwayne.org or call 427-6005.

Blacksmith Shed

Thanks to The Maumee Valley Blacksmiths for all of their volunteer hours in teaching classes and demonstrating at Festivals. Join the Maumee Valley Blacksmiths at 9 am on the 4th Saturday each month to watch and participate in forging (18 years and up only).  Find the blacksmiths in the forge, just south of the gardens.


 

Salomon Trail

Be sure to check out the trail at Salomon! It is open to the public from 6 a,m.-11 p.m. To read more about the trail, check out the Salomon Trail Press Release

 
Thanks to our FFA volunteers for making the 2018 Field Day so special!

Photos courtesy of Fred Van Fossen

Testimonials

Salomon Farm Park is an amazing place. Our trip was very educational and we learned a lot.  We had a wonderful time!  They loved the animals.  P. Hunter

Outstanding presentation! Teacher extremely knowledgeable, helpful and well prepared. Marylou H.

Thank you. The class was well organized and Kay was prepared. She supplied so much information and was very helpful. Her helpers were kind, polite and very professional. Kay is a down to earth, no fuss person, and does not make you feel like you do not know what you are doing (even though I did not). I am excited about this subject and will use my knowledge gained in this class. Kay also gave us unlimited access to her for future questions, which I know I will have. She was an excellent instructor. Thank You. A. M.