By Hank Russell
Suffolk County Legislator Stephanie Bontempi (R-Huntington) was joined by County Executive Ed Romaine, the Suffolk County Department of Parks and representatives from Kerber’s Farm at a press conference on February 10 in announcing a new partnership for the use and management of a portion of the Froehlich Farm Nature Preserve in Huntington. This collaboration enables Kerber’s Farm to cultivate vegetables and flowers, continue essential pollinator pathway initiatives, and offer hands-on educational programs that connect students with Long Island’s rich agricultural history.
Kerber’s Farm was established in 1941 as a farm and later expanded to become a pie shop and ice cream stand, according to the website. In 1991, the county acquired the 312-acre Froehlich Farm/Wick’s Farm property to forever preserve the property for the purpose of agricultural use. Nick Voulgaris III, who frequented the farm as a child, bought Kerber’s in 2013 to prevent it from falling into the hands of developers. In 2021, Kerber’s established The Kerber’s Farm School, which teaches children about environmental sustainability, organic farming and healthy eating.
“We are thrilled to be working with Legislator Stephanie Bontempi who spearheaded the efforts for our school to lease land from Suffolk County as part of our education programs,” Voulgaris said. “We will teach students the importance of sustainability, organic farming practices, and healthy eating habits. This is a great opportunity to allow students of all ages to roll up their sleeves and get involved with farming and celebrate Suffolk County’s rich farming history.”
“The public-private partnership between Suffolk County and Kerber’s Farm is an exciting opportunity to expand educational opportunities for students of all ages and to protect our pollinators, such as bees, at Froehlich Farm Nature Preserve,” said Romaine. “Agricultural education is a part of Suffolk County’s history and an integral part of our future.”
“This partnership is a wonderful opportunity to support local agriculture and educate our local youth about the importance farmland sustainability,” Bontempi said. “By working together, we are preserving both the history and future of farming on Long Island right here in Huntington.”