About the Farm

Angel the sheep, in autumn sun

Star Gazing Farm was started in 2002 as a farm animal sanctuary. Located on 4 acres of rolling hills in Western Montgomery County, Maryland, Star Gazing Farm takes in abused, stray, and unwanted farm animals in need and provides them with a permanent home. Farm animals are every bit as affectionate, interesting, and in need of loving care as other domestic animals and there is a real need in our community for more compassionate farm animal care.

Star Gazing Farm is a 501(c)3 organization, and all donations are tax deductible in accordance with the law.

Programs

Sanctuary and Animal Rescue

1. We provide permanent sanctuary to abused, stray, and unwanted farm animals.
2. We coordinate networking amongst small farmers, sanctuaries, and animal control agencies in the mid-Atlantic region to place abused, stray, and unwanted farm animals in responsible farm homes.

Education and Outreach

1. Young people: We teach children and young adults humane care of farm animals and help them build physical and moral strength through actual hands-on farm work. New pilot program in 2007 will tailor activities to work specifically with local youth at risk.
2. Wool and fiber: we offer hands-on classes and demonstrations of the humane care of sheep and how to shear, wash, card, and spin the wool they grow.
3. Community Outreach: we invite people from this largely urban and suburban community to visit and volunteer at the farm, to befriend the sanctuary’s residents, and to develop greater compassion for farm animals.

Services

Bunny Motel

We support the notion that rabbits are companion animals and should be cared for in a safe and climate-controlled environment where they have room to run, play, and explore – and not confined to small, outdoor hutches, subject to the weather and predators.   We offer boarding services to rabbits, chinchillas, guinea pigs, and other small animals in our “Bunny Room” which is air-conditioned in summer and heated in winter, with plenty of fresh greens and hay, and opportunities to exercise. [read more]

Shearing and Herd Health

We offer professional shearing services for sheep, goats, llamas, and alpacas.  Farmer Anne and her capable assistants travel throughout the mid-Atlantic region performing this important harvest and animal health service.   Hoof trimming is always included, and tooth trimming for camelids can also be performed at shearing time.  We also offer year-round herd health assistance – hoof care, deworming, crutching, and overall management.  [read more]