Photo credit to Denny Beck
Winter Programs
Winter Walk on the Farm
Join farm staff for a 4-mile walk throughout the farm property including the trails in the back fields. Please dress for the weather and wear waterproof hiking shoes/boots. This walk is off of the paved farm loop and could be considered challenging if there is significant snow on the ground. This walk will end with a look inside the Historic Old Barn along with a stop inside the Livestock Barn to say hello to the farm animals. Ages 13+. The hike is FREE, however, pre-registration is required by January 22. Min. 3. Max. 30.
Code Date Day Time
153606-W1 1/26 Su 3-5 pm
Location: Salomon Farm Park, 817 W. Dupont Rd.
Please meet in front of the Wolf Family Learning Center
Dirt Wain Community Composting
Salomon Farm Park has partnered with Dirt Wain, a new composting initiative in the area that processes food scraps from households. Members are provided with a bucket that they fill, drop off at the Farm at their convenience, and then pick up a clean bucket to repeat the process. The pilot program is limited to the first 50 households. Dirt Wain is offering two 30-minute sessions on the basics of composting food scraps for people in the pilot program. For more detailed information or to sign up check out www.dirtwain.com or Salomon Farm Park on Facebook.
Dyeing Naturally
Whether you plan to dye wool or cotton fabric, you’ll be delighted to discover the magic of natural dyes. Learn how to make an indigo dye bath or create dyes using avocado pits, onion skins, pomegranate peels or even spices right from your spice rack. No experience is necessary. Just grab an apron and some rubber gloves and come ready to learn a great craft. Instructor Julie Davidson has been a fiber farmer since 1996, starting with Angora goats. She comes from a family of knitters and loves using fibers in all forms, especially for spinning, dyeing and knitting. Registration deadlines are one week prior to the start of each class. Min 6. Max. 8.
Code Date Day Time
Spice Dyeing Workshop
153817-F1 1/24 F 9 am-12 pm
153817-F2 1/31 F 9 am-12 pm
Indigo Dyeing Workshop
153817-R1 2/6 Th 5:30-8:30 pm
153817-F3 2/7 F 9 am-12 pm
Natural Dyes from the Compost Bin
153817-R2 2/20 Th 5:30-8:30 pm
153817-F4 2/21 F 9 am-12 pm
# Sessions/Fee: 1/$46
Location: Salomon Farm Park, 817 W. Dupont Rd.
Mush! A Dog Sled Adventure!
You will have so “MUSH” fun! We have teamed up with Belva Sutton of Heartland Mushers to offer a comprehensive look at mushing equipment, how it is used, training styles and common training issues and how to avoid them. Open to adults (18+) and their dog, our mushing clinic will demonstrate the elements of safely traveling by dog power. Dogs must possess non-reactive behavior, be up to date on their shots and kept on a leash. Please bring your dog’s favorite treats. Limit 1 dog per owner. Belva Sutton has owned and trained Alaskan Malamutes for over 30 years. Registration deadline: March 2. Min. 5. Max 20.
Code Date Day Time
253821-S1 3/14 Sa 1-3 pm
# Sessions/Fee: 1/$10
Location: Salomon Farm Park, 817 W. Dupont Rd.
Preparing Your Spring Vegetable Garden
Now is a great time to start the vegetable garden you’ve always wanted. Under the direction of Master Gardener Bill Oliver, you will learn how to set up a new bed, prepare an existing bed and maintain soil health. You will also learn about the importance of crop rotation, companion planting and more. This program is free and open to all ages. Space is limited, however, so pre-registration is required. Registration deadline: April 16. Max. 20.
Code Date Day Time
253602-R1 4/23 Th 6-7 pm
# Sessions/Fee: 1/Free
Location: Salomon Farm Park, Wolf Family Learning Center, 817 W. Dupont Rd.
Container Gardening for Small Spaces
Don’t let the lack of space or living in an urban setting stop you from growing your own vegetables or herbs. Learn how to use multiple containers to create a landscape or bouquet. Master Gardener, Marlene Purdy will walk you through container possibilities, potting mixes, location selection and care. Ages 12+. The program is free, however, space is limited so pre-registration is required. Registration deadline: March 9. Min. 8. Max 20.
Code Date Day Time
253603-M1 3/16 M 6-7:30 pm
# Sessions/Fee: 1/Free
Location: Salomon Farm Park, Wolf Family Learning Center, 817 W. Dupont Rd.
Healthy and Happy Houseplants
Houseplants are an increasingly popular way to spruce up the home. While indoor plants provide fantastic aesthetics, they serve many other purposes like recycling carbon dioxide, adding humidity to a dry environment, and psychological benefits. Learn more about the reasons to grow plants in your home, as well as the selection, care, and propagation of houseplants. Instructor: Master Gardener Debbie Starr Branfield. This program is free and open to all ages. Space is limited, however, so pre-registration is required. Registration deadline: March 18. Min. 5. Max. 25.
Code Date Day Time
253604-W1 3/25 W 6-7:30 pm
# Sessions/Fee: 1/FREE
Location: Salomon Farm Park, Wolf Family Learning Center, 817 W. Dupont Rd.
Succulent Terrarium Workshop
Succulents and terrariums are very popular these days and when combined they make a beautiful centerpiece or accent. Master Gardener, Kathy Lee, will guide you through each step as you create your own miniature indoor succulent garden. You will leave the class with a terrarium to keep and the basic knowledge on how to make others on your own. All necessary materials and supplies will be provided. Registration deadline: March 6. Min. 5. Max 15.
Code Date Day Time
253823-S1 3/14 Sa 1-3 pm
# Sessions/Fee: 1/$27
Location: Salomon Farm Park, Wolf Family Learning Center, 817 W. Dupont Rd.
Learn to Drop Spindle
The drop spindle is a simple tool that is fun to use and provides a portable way to spin yarn making it handy for testing combinations of fibers and colors. If you have hand cards and a spindle, please bring them to class. We also have spindles available to borrow or purchase, if needed. Ages 11+. Instructor Julie Davidson has been a fiber farmer since 1996, starting with Angora goats. She loves using fibers in all forms, especially for spinning, dyeing and knitting. Registration deadlines: April 30 and May 14. Min. 6. Max 8.
Code Date Day Time
253824-R1 5/7 Th 6-8 pm
253824-R2 5/21 Th 6-8 pm
# Sessions/Fee: 1/$22
Location: Salomon Farm Park, 817 W. Dupont Rd.
Dyeing Naturally
Whether you plan to dye wool or cotton fabric, you’ll be delighted to discover the magic of natural dyes. Learn how to make an indigo dye bath or create dyes using avocado pits, onion skins, pomegranate peels or even spices right from your spice rack. No experience is necessary. Just grab an apron and some rubber gloves and come ready to learn a great craft. Instructor Julie Davidson has been a fiber farmer since 1996, starting with Angora goats. She loves using fibers in all forms, especially for spinning, dyeing and knitting. Registration deadlines are one week prior to the start of each class. Min. 6. Max. 8.
Code Date Day Time
Spice Dyeing Workshop
253825-R1 3/19 Th 5:30-8:30 pm
253825-R2 4/16 Th 5:30-8:30 pm
Indigo Dyeing Workshop
253825-R3 3/5 Th 5:30-8:30 pm
253825-R4 4/2 Th 5:30-8:30 pm
# Sessions/Fee: 1/$46
Location: Salomon Farm Park, 817 W. Dupont Rd.
Animal Play Dates
*Adult/Child
Salomon Farm Park is a great place for the whole family, including your youngest! In this hands-on, interactive session, participants will learn about the animals at Salomon Farm Park. The rabbits, chickens, ducks and pigs are all excited to meet you! Each session will focus on a different animal, so be sure to pick your favorite, or visit each one to meet them all! Ages 3-6. Registration deadlines are 5 working days prior to each class. Min. 5. Max. 10.
Code Date Day Time
Play Date with Chickens & Goats
253915-R2 5/7 Th 10-11 am
253915-M2 5/11 M 10-11 am
Play Date with Rabbits & Pigs
253915-M1 5/18 M 10-11 am
253915-R1 5/21 Th 10-11 am
# Sessions/fee: 1/$10
Location: Salomon Farm Park, 817 W. Dupont Rd.
The Buzz about Bees
*Adult/Child
If you have a busy little bee at home, bring them down to the farm to learn what the buzz is all about! Instructor Glenn Hile, local bee keeper and owner of Glenn’s Natural Honey, will share the importance of bees using fun hands-on activities. Ages 3-5. Registration deadlines: March 31 and May 19. Min 6. Max. 15.
Code Date Day Time
253902-T1 4/7 T 10-11am
253902-T2 5/26 T 10-11am
# Sessions/Fee: 1/$10
Location: Salomon Farm Park Learning Center, 817 West Dupont Rd.
Meet Our Chefs
Photo credit: Rylan Capper
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 culinary artistry at The Personal Palate.
Read a first hand account of a blog written by Rylan Capper about his experience "Cooking on the Farm" with Patrick Whetstone...and then sign up today for a class!
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.
Meghan Hauser
Meghan is the founder of Wholesome Roots Cooking and is a certified Healthy Hands Cooking instructor.
Photo credit: Rylan Capper
Photo credit: Rylan Capper
Out of the Box Salads
Everyone loves a good salad and if you’ve run out of ideas, allow our Chef Patrick Whetstone from The Personal Palate to give you a fresh start. You will make four different salads with different vinaigrettes that will rejuvenate your palate and make you look like a rock star to your family and friends! Age 18 +. Registration deadline: February 20. Min. 6. Max. 12.
Code Date Day Time
153828-R1 2/27 Th 6-8 pm
# Sessions/Fee: 1/$35
Location: Salomon Farm Park, 817 W. Dupont Rd.
Photo credit: Rylan Capper
Little Roots: Culinary Preschool
*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 cooking 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
Holiday Treats
153909-T1 12/3 T 10-11 am
On the Go Snacks
153909-T2 1/14 T 10-11 am
Valentine’s Day Party
153909-T3 2/11 T 10-11 am
# Sessions/Fee: 1/$25
Location: Salomon Farm Park Learning Center, 817 W. Dupont Rd.
Roots Cooking I, II and III for Youth and Young Adults
Designed to help children and young adults feel confident and comfortable in the kitchen, our Roots classes allow students to grow in their culinary skills. Each level allows for cooking instruction and recipes to be catered to the ability of the student! Each class offers hands on cooking time and instruction, and also allows time for eating! Roots Instructor Meghan Hauser is the founder of Wholesome Roots Cooking and a certified Healthy Hands Cooking instructor. Registration deadlines are 5 business days before each class. Min. 5. Max. 15.
Code Date Day Time
Roots I
Recommended ages 6-10 years, without a lot of independent skills. Students are not expected to know kitchen safety and basic skills.
Holiday Treats
153911-T1 12/3 T 6-7:30 pm
Easy Snacks from Around the World
153911-T2 1/21 T 6-7:30 pm
Valentine’s Day Party
153911-T3 2/4 T 6-7:30 pm
Roots II
Recommended ages 10-14 years, with independent kitchen skills/at home experience or having previously taken multiple classes. These students have developed basic skills, but want to expand their skills in the kitchen by learning more challenging recipes and various cooking methods!
Holiday Treats
153911-T4 12/17 T 6-7:30 pm
Mystery Ingredient Cook Off
153911-R1 1/30 Th 6-7:30 pm
Valentine’s Day Party
153911-T5 2/4 T 6-7:30 pm
Roots III
Recommended for high school – 1st year college. These students are entering independence and desire the cooking skills to prepare themselves for independent living in the near future.
Cooking on a Budget
153911-S1 1/25 Sa 12-1:30 pm
# Sessions/Fee: 1/$40
Location: Salomon Farm Park Learning Center, 817 W. Dupont Rd.
Spring Cooking Classes
Cooking Techniques
Professional or amateur, it’s never a bad idea to polish your skills and share your own secrets of the trade. Allow Chef Patrick Whetstone to answer any cooking technique questions you may have while he walks you through blanching, braising, poaching, roasting, sautéing, and steaming to produce a three course meal that we all can enjoy at the end. Ages 18+. Registration deadline: May 11. Min. 6. Max. 12.
Code Date Day Time
253801-M1 5/18 M 6-8pm
# Sessions/Fee: 1/$35
Location: Salomon Farm Park, 817 W. Dupont Rd.
Seasonal and Fresh Cooking
With the frost starting to thaw, it’s about time to start planting and planning warmer weather dishes. Lucky for you this is one of Chef Patrick Whetstone’s favorite things to do. Come enjoy an evening of light, vibrant, and more importantly seasonal cooking and walk away feeling confident about making a three-course meal from your own garden or seasonal produce. Age 18+. Instructor: Chef Patrick Whetstone. Registration deadline: March 16. Min. 6. Max. 12.
Code Date Day Time
253827-M1 3/23 M 6-8 pm
# Sessions/Fee: 1/$35
Location: Salomon Farm Park, 817 W. Dupont Rd.
Big, Bold and Flavorful
Allow your taste buds to experience global travel without leaving the kitchen as we create a three-course meal that can also be served as individual dishes. Ages 18+. Instructor: Chef Patrick Whetstone. Registration deadline: March 2. Min. 6. Max. 12.
Code Date Day Time
253828-M1 3/9 M 6-8 pm
# Sessions/Fee: 1/$35
Location: Salomon Farm Park, 817 W. Dupont Rd.
Bread from Around the World
There is something about bread. Whether it’s used to sop up leftover sauce, buttered and noshed on, or even used as an eating utensil, bread is another food that is fairly constant across most cuisines. We’re going to make two different breads and explore options for ways to make them even MORE tasty! Join us to learn about Indian Naan and Italian Focaccia! Ages 16+. Instructor: Chad Seewald. Registration deadline: April 10. Min. 5. Max. 10.
Code Date Day Time
253829-S1 4/18 Sa 10 am-1:30 pm
# Sessions/Fee: 1/$45
Location: Salomon Farm Park, 817 W. Dupont Rd.
Cheesecake! The Myth, the Legend, the Lies
The earliest mentions of cheesecake date to ancient Greece and since then it has spread across borders to now have a version in nearly every country. But yet, cheesecake is considered a difficult and temperamental item to prepare. Join us as we discuss cheesecake, tips and tricks to making an easy cheesecake, the differences between various types of cheesecake, and make a classic cheesecake together. Instructor: Chad Seewald. Registration deadline: March 13. Min. 5. Max. 10.
Code Date Day Time
253830-S1 3/21 Sa 10 am- 2 pm
# Sessions/Fee: 1/$45
Location: Salomon Farm Park, 817 W. Dupont Rd.
Desserts Made Easy with Chef Patrick!
Not a baker or pastry maker? Don’t worry, neither is Chef Patrick Whetstone. Allow yourself to cut loose for an evening and learn how Chef Patrick can take a simple approach to a seamless, daunting task and produce three separate desserts that you’ll be proud to call your own. Instructor: Chef Patrick Whetstone. Age 18+. Registration deadline: April 13. Min. 6. Max. 12.
Code Date Day Time
253832-M1 4/20 M 6-8 pm
# Sessions/Fee: 1/$35
Location: Salomon Farm Park, 817 W. Dupont Rd.
Strawberries!
Sure, they’re amazing fresh and pure as they are. Slice them up and add a bit of sugar and they start to come alive. But what are some other uses that can really make strawberries sing? We’ll discuss unique uses for strawberries, some of the more unique pairing flavors, and put these tastes to the test with two great recipes! Join us for all things strawberries and be prepared for the season as it approaches. Please note class size is limited to ensure our instructors are able to give their full and careful attention to the participants. Ages 16+. Instructor: Chad Seewald. Registration deadline: April 1. Min. 5. Max. 10.
Code Date Day Time
253831-W1 4/8 W 6:30-9:30 pm
# Sessions/Fee: 1/$45
Location: Salomon Farm Park, 817 W. Dupont
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 cooking 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. Registration deadlines are one week prior to the start of each class. Min. 5. Max. 15.
Code Date Day Time
St. Patty’s Day Cooking Party
253909-T1 3/17 T 10-11 am
Fruit Pizza
253909-T2 4/21 T 10-11 am
Cooking with Herbs
253909-T3 5/19 T 10-11 am
# Sessions/Fee: 1/$25
Location: Salomon Farm Park Learning Center, 817 W. Dupont Rd.
Roots: Culinary Classes for Youth
Designed to help children and youth to feel confident and comfortable in the kitchen, our Roots classes allow students to grow in their culinary skills. Each level allows for cooking instruction and recipes to be catered to the ability of the student! Each class offers hands on cooking time and instruction, and also allows time for eating! Note: Saturday classes are more involved and require the participation of one adult with each registered student. Classes are taught by trained Wholesome Roots instructors. Ages 6-14. Registration deadlines are 5 business days before each class. Min. 5. Max. 15.
Code Date Day Time
Breakfast Foods
253917-T1 3/24 Tu 6-7:30 pm
Mystery Ingredient Competition
253917-T2 4/7 Tu 6-7:30 pm
Mexican Fiesta
253917-M1 5/11 M 6-7:30 pm
# Sessions/Fee: 1/$40
Cooking Around the World
*Adult/Child
253920-S1 3/7 Sa 11 am-12:30 pm
253920-S2 4/11 Sa 11 am-12:30 pm
253920-S3 5/23 Sa 11 am-12:30 pm
# Sessions/Fee: 1/$60
*One adult must attend class with each registered youth. The registration fee covers both child and adult.
Location: Salomon Farm Park Learning Center, 817 W. Dupont Rd.
Photo credit to Erin Eicher with InJoy Photography
We Rent for Your Event!
Historic Old Barn
Wolf Family Learning Center
The peaceful setting of Salomon Farm Park makes our elegant rental spaces perfect for weddings, receptions, reunions, concerts, dances, and many other special events. We are now booking for 2020 and still have some availability for 2019! For more information visit our website at www.fortwayneparks.org and click on Facilities>Salomon Farm Park>Rental Opportunities or contact our rentals coordinator at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 427-6790. The Old Barn rents May-October only. Learning Center rents January-May and August-December.
Dirt Wain Community Compost Service
Dirt Wain is a new composting initiative in the area that processes food scraps from households and small businesses Dirt Wain is partnering with Salomon Farm Park to create a drop off site for household food scraps. Members are provided with a bucket that they fill, drop off at their convenience, and then pick up a clean bucket to repeat the process. The pilot program is limited to the first 50 households. Dirt Wain is offering two 30-minute sessions on the basics of composting food scraps for people in the pilot program. For more detailed information check out www.dirtwain.com or Salomon Farm Park on Facebook.
Voting at the Farm
April 27-May 1, 8:00 a.m.-8:00 p.m.
May 2, 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.
May 5, 8:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m.
Salomon Farm Park is a voting location with early voting hours. Any citizen may vote at Salomon’s Wolf Family Learning Center during early voting hours (April 27-May 2). We will have a children’s activity station to make voting easier for families.
Photo credit to Denny Beck
Events
SALOMON FARM PARK
Fiber Arts Celebration 2020
Free Community Festival
Fri May 15 10-3 • Sat May 16 10-5
817 W. Dupont Rd., Fort Wayne, IN
Live Animals • Sheep Shearing • Weaving • Spinning
Craft & Supply Vendors • Wagon Rides
Sponsored by the Flax and Fleecers Spinning Guild of Fort Wayne and
Farmers’ Market
at Salomon Farm Park
Call for Farm Vendors for the 2020 Salomon Farmers’ Market!
We are now accepting applicants for the 2020 Salomon Farmers’ Market season. Our vendors produce their goods within a 75 mile radius of Salomon Farm Park (817 W. Dupont Rd.) and are required to grow their own fresh fruits, vegetables and herbs. We strive to find vendors who embrace sustainable and organic growing practices. The market also may include baked goods, honey, maple syrup, handmade crafts, food, entertainment and children’s activities. The Farmers’ Market operates every Wednesday, 4:00-7:00 p.m. from June 3-September 2. If you are interested in receiving a vendor application, please call 260-427-6008 or you can email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Salomon Farm Fall Harvest Fest 2019 Photos
Field Trips on the Farm
May 1 – May 31
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 1½ 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 Salomon Farm Park at 427-6008 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for questions and scheduling. Field trip cost is $3/participant/hour. Teachers, 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.
Pictured from left to right: Dave Fike, Carl Fike, and Roy Fike.
Wild Walkers pose for a group picture at Pokagon State Park. Photo credit: Steve Hague
Wild Walkers 2020
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.
2020 Wild Walkers Schedule
Blacksmithing
Thanks to Salomon Farm Blacksmiths for all of their volunteer hours in teaching classes and demonstrating at events. Join the Blacksmiths at 9 am on the 4th Saturday of 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 Carroll High School's Future Farmer's of America for their continued support of Salomon Farm Park!
