PARKS

Tilly Foster Farm & Conservation Area

Tilly Foster Farm Conservation Area

Hours: Monday through Sunday 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Information: call Putnam County Park Office at 845-225-3650

Location: Tilly Foster Farm and Tilly Foster Community Gardens are located on both sides of Route 312 near the Route 6 intersection in the Town of Southeast

Admission: free
(access to the Community Gardens for registered gardeners only)

A little bit of history

It is said that Tilly Foster got its name from a nearby iron mine owned by
Mr. Tillingham Foster back in the 19th century. His nickname was Tilly, and so the village surrounding the mine became Tilly Foster.

In 1943 Mr. E.E. Benedict purchased what had been a small dairy farm with 75 head of cattle from Mr. Rundell Bloomer.

After the acquisition of several other small farms in the immediate area Benedict Farms quickly grew to a large dairy operation with 375 head of cattle capable of producing over 500,000 quarts of milk per year. This milk was used by Borden Milk Company as well as the rest of the community.

The farm also raised chickens and hogs.

With the decline of dairy farming in New York State the Benedicts looked for a different source of income and found it in the breeding of racehorses.

Tilly Foster Farm actually was one of the leading thoroughbred farms in New York State. It has produced many champion horses like 1969’s Silent Scream and 1997 DelMar Derby winner Anet, to name a few. The farm has also been providing other breeders with knowledge and care as a breeding facility.

Things to do at the farm

Watch the farm animals - no touching or feeding, please!
Hike the nature trails - kiosks with maps are located next to farm parking lot and across Rt.312 in garden parking lot
Picnicking and barbecuing - barbecues are near the lake
Enjoy the beautiful scenery
Photography / Painting
Fishing - please follow NY state fishing regulations
Ice skating - weather permitting
Cross country skiing and sledding- weather permitting
Dog walking—on a leash and on hiking trails only - away from farm animals

Tilly Foster Farm is hosting an annual Harvest Festival in fall with activities for the entire family e.g. pumpkin picking, horseshoeing demonstrations, exhibits, farm animals and hay rides.

Rules and Regulations

For

Tilly Foster Farm and Conservation Area

1) Fishing is permitted. NYS DEC Regulations apply.

2) Organized groups may not use farm without permission.

3) Alcoholic beverages may not be brought onto the property.

4) Vehicles are not permitted on the lawns.

5) Horseback riding permitted. All horses being transported to the farm must have a valid Coggins and Rabies certificate with them at all times.

6) Nothing may be sold or offered for sale on the farm unless the vendor first obtains a permit from the Park Office.

7) Plant’s, shrubs, or trees may not be damaged or destroyed.

8) Fires may be burned only in grills.

9) No guns or other weapons will be permitted.

10) No touching or feeding domestic or wild animals (geese, ducks, deer, etc.).

11) An adult must accompany children under 16 years of age.

12) No climbing fences.

13) All buildings are off limits unless otherwise deemed open to the public.

The Putnam County Tilly Foster Farm/County Park employees are empowered to exclude from the farm anyone who, in their opinion, disobeys farm Rules and Regulations, creates a nuisance, or jeopardizes the safety , health or comfort of visitors. We urge you to cooperate in maintaining your County properties.

Tilly Foster Community Gardens

In Spring 2006, Tilly Foster Community Gardens opened to the public.

There are 125 gardens which are 20 by 20 feet (or equal square footage) surrounded by a 10 foot high deer fence. A well in the center of the garden as well as spigots around the perimeter of the garden provide a source for irrigating the gardens.

Flowers, vegetables and herbs are grown organically. Several gardeners participated in the Putnam County 4-H Fair and received awards for their vegetables and flowers.

If you are interested in growing your own vegetables and flowers please download the application form, fill it out and mail it to:

Putnam County Park

201 Gipsy Trail Rd.

Carmel, NY 10512

Attention Community Gardens

If there are no gardens available we will place your name on the waiting list.