Back in 1999, Wilton residents overwhelmingly supported the Town’s decision to purchase the sprawling 22 acres at Ambler Farm, but it was a fledgling nonprofit, the Friends of Ambler Farm (FOAF), that has since transformed the deteriorating property into the community cornerstone it is today.
This year, FOAF is celebrating a milestone anniversary and reflecting on two decades of stewardship, growth and community connection.
Beyond Expectations
FOAF Executive Director Ashley Kineon said she’s amazed by how far the Farm has come since a small steering committee first explored what the property could become. The FOAF nonprofit later emerged from that committee and, Kineon believes, has surpassed all expectations.
“When I look at how Ambler Farm is thriving today, I’m really taken aback and impressed by how far the organization has come,” Kineon said. “That vision of the original steering committee to save the 22 acres of historic land and how it’s evolved into what it is today — I don’t think anybody 20 years ago could have envisioned such an incredible, cherished amenity that it has become.”
FOAF Board President Patti Temple also marveled at what volunteers and staff have achieved in 20 years — a relatively short time span in the property’s rich history.
“They took a property that was filled with debris. It was overgrown. The buildings were in dire straits,” she recalled. “So to look at what is there today is pretty phenomenal.”
Reflections on Connections
Kineon said the success of the Farm is not just about preserving a slice of Wilton’s history. Rather, the connections the Farm fosters among community members are what make it so special.
“It’s cherished because people are finding ways to connect,” she said.
When connections were scarce during the COVID-19 pandemic, Ambler’s open space became a lifeline for many.
“People would come and they’d walk the Farm,” Kineon recalled. “The joy on people’s faces to get out and to connect was just incredible.”
Since the pandemic, Ambler Farm has seen explosive growth in both visitors and programming.
“Now we welcome over 25,000 visitors annually,” she said, compared to roughly 17,000 in 2018-2019. “It has really exploded.”
Much of the growth is seen in Ambler’s summer camp, which hosted over 1,300 campers last summer — including preschoolers, who have doubled in their numbers. Aftercare hours have also been added.
With so many expanded offerings — in its educational programs, field trips, seasonal farm stand, and annual events such as Ambler Farm Day and the Holiday Greens Sale, among others — Kineon has observed that over time, Ambler’s “draw” has expanded far beyond Wilton’s borders. The Farm has become a destination that regularly attracts campers and visitors from surrounding towns as well as more distant communities — even outside Connecticut, such as one camper from Spain and another from California who attended while visiting Wilton families.
But underlying all the activity, Ambler is fundamentally a working farm.
“Our farming has been very clearly developed with a focus on sustainable farming methods and organic practices,” Kineon said.
Under the direction of Director of Agriculture Jonathan Kirschner — a.k.a. Farmer Jonathan — the Farm produces arugula, basil, beets, carrots, cucumbers, fennel, garlic, kale, leeks, lettuce, onions, peas, summer squash, strawberries and more.
Kineon proudly reported the Farm has donated more than 15,400 pounds of fresh produce to local food pantries and shelters, and provided over $40,000 in nutrition checks — vouchers distributed by Wilton and Weston social services departments for families in need to buy fresh food at Ambler’s farm stand or the Wilton Farmers Market.
Kineon said the Ambler Farm Apprentice Program — a sought-after program for students grades 5-12 under the tutelage of Program Director Kevin Meehan — is the “signature” and often “life-changing” educational program that has become a model for cultivating connections for Wilton youth.
“They help out in the animal pens. They help out in the gardens. They’re given these responsibilities, so there’s leadership skills and social skills and fun,” Kineon said. “And as they grow through the program, they mentor the younger kids. It’s really about engagement.”
The ASML Connection
Kineon highlighted FOAF’s deep connection with Wilton’s largest employer, ASML, a company that has stepped up as both a financial supporter and volunteer force.
In 2024, ASML committed to a grant of $324,000 to Ambler Farm over four years, to support educational programming, upgrades to animal habitats and gardens, and field trips for students from Title I schools.
ASML also offers employees paid time off for volunteering at the Farm. Kineon said they are “not afraid to get their hands dirty” and the human hours they provide are critical.
“If we have 10 ASML employees from nine to three [o’clock], that’s 60 hours of labor that they’re contributing,” she said.
ASML’s Society and Community Engagement Program Manager Brian Amero reported that ASML employees have dedicated 3,100 hours volunteering at the Farm and “fostering meaningful connections within Wilton.”
“I never get tired of seeing our staff experience Ambler Farm for the first time,” he said.
“Over the years, I’ve had the pleasure of bringing our employees — both from Wilton and other ASML locations globally — to Ambler Farm,” he said. “[It] affords all of us the opportunity to step away from our digital devices and daily distractions and reconnect with the natural beauty of Wilton.”
Amero said employees benefit from the experience because it “encourages teamwork, leadership, and a sense of purpose.”
“Those experiences foster personal growth, build lasting relationships, and promote a culture of giving back that is central to ASML’s values,” he said.
Full Circle at the Farm
Ambler’s impact is now being seen in the generation of kids who grew up with its events and programs, and who are now returning to the Farm as adults.
One example is Kaz Nobumoto, a 2018 Wilton High School graduate and former Ambler apprentice. After earning a degree in environmental engineering from Virginia Tech, Nobumoto is now employed as the farm’s assistant program director.
“It is very difficult to leave a community that has such a positive impact on you,” Nobumoto explained in an email to GMW. “And it’s gratifying to watch as the current kids find that [in] our apprentice program.”
“As a child, the farm was a social hub outside of school and home. At the time, I was only aware that the farm cultivates land. It took reflection after graduating from the programs to see that the farm also cultivates character,” he wrote. “It’s left me with a unique perspective — knowing firsthand what kids will gain through [the apprentice] program.”
The Future: More Renovations, Broadening Connections
Temple believes the long-awaited renovations to the Raymond-Ambler House (“the White House”) will be a turning point that allows FOAF to serve an even broader audience, especially adults. The work is expected to begin this summer.
“We’re so excited about the Raymond-Amber house renovation,” Temple said. “It will provide additional space that will allow us to expand the number and types of programs and events that we can offer the community… that is something that that we’re all looking forward to.”
Under the property deed, the Town was obligated to restore the historic house and maintain it for public use. After years of FOAF appeals to the Board of Selectmen to fund the renovations, a bonding referendum for just under $1.3 million was presented to Wilton voters and approved at the 2025 Annual Town Meeting. In the spirit of partnership with the Town, FOAF has raised over $650,000 for the White House upgrades, even though it has no financial responsibility for the Town-owned buildings.
“One thing that I’m personally excited about is that we will be able to offer additional events and programs for adults,” Temple said. “I think we’re primarily viewed as a place for children, and the board thinks it’s very important that that we have a wider audience that comes and visits the farm and understands how much is there for teens and adults — people of all ages— and not just Wilton residents.”
Temple noted after the White House, one more project looms on the horizon. The historic Platt Raymond House (the “Yellow House”) is also currently vacant and in need of extensive renovation. Temple has renewed hope the selectmen share the desire to see the Yellow House project finally put before the Town for approval.
“A few of them did say let’s get this finished,” Temple said, referring to the March 20 BOS discussion on bonding priorities. Temple said she believes the selectmen recognize the Yellow House “is the final piece” in the preservation effort envisioned for the property and key to future FOAF operations.
Editor’s note: the selectmen did include the Ambler Farm Yellow House on the list of recommended capital bonded projects for FY 2027.
Celebration Details
The anniversary celebration will take place Friday, Apr. 24, 6:30-10:30 p.m. at Rolling Hills Country Club with cocktail hour, seated dinner, bluegrass band and dancing, plus silent and live auction.
Wilton residents Maria Wilcox, Andrea Bates and Lisa Williams are co-chairing the event. Kineon praised the “rock star trio” for the “talent, vision, professionalism and community connections” they bring to the event planning.
Kineon offered a teaser that the event will “bring the farm to Rolling Hills” in literal and figurative ways — and it will take place in the club’s Ambler Room which she noted sits on property that was once part of Ambler Farm. A sneak peek at auction items can be found on the FOAF website.
All proceeds will support programming, educational initiatives, agriculture, open space, and historical appreciation.
ASML is the keynote sponsor for the event. More details on sponsorship opportunities are posted on FOAF’s website.
Tickets are available for purchase on FOAF website. Attendees must be 21 years of age or older. RSVP by Apr. 13.