Frequently Asked Questions/ General Info
Q: Are pets allowed at Sheep Pasture?
A: Yes. Dogs are allowed to accompany their owners at Sheep Pasture. All dogs must be leashed at all times and in all areas of the Sheep Pasture property for the safety of other pets, wildlife, and patrons. Leashes must be in the physical control of the owner at all times while on the property. For everyone's safety, all dogs, even dogs that are obedience trained, walking with a group or club, are people-friendly, or of a toy breed must be physically leashed, and that leash must be under direct and close control (i.e. must be in the owner's hand) at all times. Leashes may not be dragged loose behind the pet or allowed to be longer than 8' from the owner. Electronic collars are not considered leashing. Please do not allow dogs to run at or bark at any of the farm animals on site. Dog waste bags are available in several areas at Sheep Pasture. Please dispose of waste bags off site or in the receptacles provided.
To read more about one woman's first hand account of her experience with an off-leash dog and why it's important to keep your dog leashed, please click here. Please note that some events at Sheep Pasture does not allow dogs or other pets on site during events and classes. The NRT reserves the right to remove or refuse entrance to any dog at any time. Trained service animals are always welcome at any time.
For the safety of all, please do not allow pets to interact with farm animals at the Sheep Pasture property.
Q: Are horses, ATVs, snowmobiles, drones, or any mechanized vehicles, allowed at Sheep Pasture?
A: No. Due to the high number of visitors who use the trail system throughout the year, these are not allowed on the trails at Sheep Pasture. People are welcome to run, walk, snowshoe, cross country ski, take their dogs skijoring, bike (please make sure knobby tires do not damage the trails, and please do not travel off trail), or most other forms of non-motorized recreation. From time to time, you may see automobiles, work ATV's, or agricultural machinery on the trails; these are owned and used by NRT staff and are used in the ongoing maintenance of the property. Visitors are not allowed to use the trails with automobiles or other mechanized equipment.
In order to preserve the natural environment for visitors to enjoy, as well as to protect the privacy of our school-aged program participants, that the use of drones is not permitted on NRT property. If you have questions, please feel free to contact us and someone will be happy to answer questions for you.
Q: Who pays for the food and care of the animals? Who is responsible for the upkeep of the buildings & property?
A: The NRT of Easton is a private 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization. The NRT and its employees and volunteers manage all aspects of animal care, property management, and building maintenance. Funding for all of these activities are provided by the NRT through donations, memberships, endowments, and grants. The NRT is not a town or government agency or municipal department. Your membership can directly support the care and maintenance of the Sheep Pasture animals, trails, buildings, and grounds, and becoming a member has never been easier! Click here to visit our online Membership Store and become an NRT member today.
Q: Is hunting allowed on NRT property?
A: For safety reasons, neither bow nor gun hunting or trapping are allowed on any property owned by the NRT of Easton, and tree stands, game cameras, traps, hunting blinds, and other equipment may not be installed on NRT property for any reason. If found, these items are removed and reported to the MA Department of Fish and Game. For more information on public properties which do allow hunting, contact the Easton Conservation Commission at 508-230-0630, or contact the MA Department of Fish and Game for more Massachusetts hunting information.
Q: What kinds of things can I do when I visit the Sheep Pasture property?
A: Depending on the season there are a large number of recreational and educational activities that visitors can enjoy. Here are a few activities available throughout the year:
- Visitors can use the trail system to hike, run, or walk through the property in a beautiful natural setting. In the summer months, cross country running/walking, biking, picnicking, bird watching, plant identification, and more are all options many people enjoy. In winter, visitors enjoy cross country skiing, snowshoeing, hiking, finding wildlife tracks, and other outdoor recreation.
- There are a number of informational signs located at different parts of the property that not only have interesting local information, but also activity suggestions as well that can be completed at each station. A map of the trails and signs is available online.
- Tables are available throughout several areas of the property for visitors who wish to enjoy a picnic. Visitors are also welcome to bring their own folding chairs, blankets, etc. to have a picnic in areas that do not have tables available.
- Visit the NRT's farm animals, including the cow, sheep, chickens, and geese. There are coin operated grain dispensers near the chicken display to feed the birds if desired. We ask visitors not to feed the sheep or cow because it can interfere with the special diet they receive.
- Bring frisbees, balls, jump ropes, kites, or other toys to enjoy outdoors with friends and family. The Foundation area and other areas of the property have plenty of space for many families to play. In order to allow everyone to enjoy a peaceful setting, no drone use at Sheep Pasture, please.
- Reading outdoors is one of the most relaxing pastimes. The NRT's Little Free Library is available for visitors looking for a book to read and enjoy while they are here. Need a book? Take a book. Have a book? Share a book!
- Artists are encouraged to bring their drawing, writing, or painting supplies and use the beautiful grounds as inspiration for their art.
- Do yoga or meditation in a quiet area of the property and find enjoyment of practicing in nature. Businesses wishing to offer outdoor yoga classes on site should contact the NRT office for more information.
- Take advantage of the NRT's many family events or programs held at Sheep Pasture, including Family Night Hikes. Like the NRT's Sheep Pasture Facebook page or visit NRT's website listings for regular event information.
Q: Does it cost anything to visit Sheep Pasture? What time does the property open & close?
A: Sheep Pasture is free and open to the public, seven days a week, from dawn to dusk (exact times are seasonally variable). There is no fee for individuals and families from any town to visit Sheep Pasture or walk our trails. However, donations toward the upkeep and maintenance of the animals and property and NRT memberships are always greatly appreciated and can be completed in just minutes on your phone, computer, or by mail. Visitors must leave the property by dusk, as the evening gatekeeper does close and lock the property gates at that time. In the summer, the gates generally close before 7:30 pm, and in winter, gates are generally closed before 5:00 pm. In the event of storms, gates may be closed earlier than usual, or the property may be closed for maintenance and safety reasons.
For commercial uses of the Sheep Pasture property, including photography sessions, outdoor events, business events, professional dog walking/training, or other business uses, please contact the NRT office for more information. Fees may apply.
Q: Can my business use Sheep Pasture grounds for advertising or business activities?
A: So all of our guests can enjoy the peaceful natural environment, solicitation of our guests, advertising, or leafleting of cars by other businesses, political parties, organizations or individuals is not permitted on NRT property at any time. Political campaigning is not allowed by any candidates at NRT events, programs, or grounds. For businesses who wish to use the NRT's Sheep Pasture grounds as part of their business operations, please contact the NRT office for information. Insurance paperwork, NRT business membership, or other fees may be required for use.
Q: How can I get involved with the NRT of Easton?
A: There are a number of different ways to get involved with the NRT of Easton. Members support the work of NRT, and individuals and families that love Sheep Pasture from any town can become NRT members right online! Volunteers help with property maintenance, events, and special activities throughout the year. Community groups such as scouts, school groups, and businesses may choose to donate their time at Sheep Pasture working on various projects. Events such as Harvest Fair & the Spring Farm Festival are great opportunities to become more involved with the NRT. Student interns are also welcome at various times throughout the year. Visit our volunteer/internships page for more information!
For other questions about the NRT of Easton, Sheep Pasture, or other NRT programs, please feel free to contact our main office directly at 508-238-6049 or by email at [email protected].
