A Slice of Heaven
Teresa Anderson teaches visitors about farm life
By Amy Rognlie | Courtesy photos
Why does that turkey’s head change colors? Why do we need rain? Why are worms important to the environment?
You may not have ever thought about such questions. But they are kind of things discussed daily at the Slice of Heaven Educational Farm in Holland. The 50-acre working farm offers something for everyone.
“Here, visitors won’t just learn—they’ll get to play with our friendly farm animals, take a ride in our tractor-pulled barrel train, and touch the sky on our in-ground jump pillow,” says farm director and founder Teresa Anderson.
Visitors enjoy the petting area where they can interact with farm animals such as a rescued baby goat named Hemingway.
“We love making kids smile and watching the joy everyone experiences when they hear Zeus the donkey bray, or hold a bunny for the first time, or watch a baby chick hatch,” says Teresa. “We like to teach the children about the concept of ‘farm to table’ and how each animal on a farm has a job as either a producer or a worker.”
Teaching comes natural to Teresa, who has been involved in education her entire life. While she and her volunteer staff love educating folks of all ages, they have made Slice of Life a favorite field trip destination for local elementary students.
“We work with teachers to support their classroom topics and curriculum—anything from worm gardening to recycling to pond life to making butter,” she says. “I believe that education is an investment in our collective future.”
For those wanting a more intense experience, the farm offers birthday parties and week-long summer camps for kids from preschool through ninth grade. Horse camps are also available.
“Horse camps are a whole week of everything horses,” Teresa says with a smile. “Campers learn the foundation of horsemanship and basic riding skills, the do’s and don’ts of working with horses, and the basic body language of the horse and how to use their body language to communicate with the horse. Other fun activities include bathing horses, braiding and craft projects.”
In addition to horse camp, horseback riding lessons are available year-round for both children and adults and are run according to the United States Pony Club Standards. The farm is also in the process of building both a new dressage arena and a new jumping arena.
Staffed entirely by volunteers, the farm also partners with the Bell County Co-op to offer volunteer opportunities to the special needs community, particularly those in the 18-22 year old age group. Teresa has a special passion for special needs children and spent years working for Peaceable Kingdom in Killeen where she led an animal therapy program that empowered special needs children to ride horses, learn how to care for farm animals, and learn about and interact with local wildlife.
“We give the young people jobs to do at the farm, but we find that we’re also doing a lot of mentoring,” Teresa reflects. “The farm is a lifelong passion of mine and a work of love to make a special place where children and adults alike can have a safe, family-friendly environment to experience interactive learning about animals, agriculture, and environmentally sustainable practices, but my volunteers are the heart of this farm and without them I would not be here.”
Visitors to the farm can purchase a family pass or pay a reasonable admission fee per person. A small variety of snacks are available, or bring your own picnic lunch and enjoy eating at the outdoor tables or inside the spacious Science Barn.
Popular with the younger set is “Treasure Island,” an enclosed sand pit where children can dig for small toys. The farm also offers educational classes with a wide variety of upcoming topics such as eggshell gardening, flower arranging and animal digestive systems.
“We’re not overly crowded, so parents feel comfortable to sit in the shade and let the kids play and explore,” Teresa says.
IF YOU GO
Slice of Heaven Educational Farms
17851 FM 1123 in Holland
254-220-3734 (call or text)
Website: sliceofheaveneducationalfarm.org
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/210156783260725
Check the farm’s website for special events for children and adults such as catch-and-release fishing days, horse-drawn wagon rides, kite-flying, Easter egg hunt, and girls’ night out and plan your visit soon.
