Roll over a picture
to see what it is and click for more information!
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Roll over a picture
to see what it is and click for more information!
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Enjoy Your Visit!
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The Cottage
This quaint building once housed the owner of a local farm group and his family. It now serves as a perfect setting for small workshops, conferences, and meetings
for non-profit groups. It's also a cozy place for classes that vary from cooking
to yoga. This unique space requires reservations.
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Machinery Room
The tools to assist in the operation of the farm were once stored in here. Remodeled
in 1994, this space is offered for non-profit small group meetings and activities. Give us a call to see if it is available.
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Carriage Room
Once full of saddles, bridles and horse carriages, this room is now filled with
once-read books. The Once-Read Book Center is open daily and operated by non-profit
groups. The proceeds from the purchase of books benefit the group in charge
as well as Read For Literacy. So come be a browser and new owner of a
used book! Book donations are appreciated; please call to find out what is accepted.
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Cow Barn
The old cow barn where they once milked cows has been converted into a Pottery
Barn, a place where all ages can learn the art of making pots and things. Adults
and youth pottery classes are available. Experienced or not, give it a try!
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Dairy
A dairy farmer once lived here! Remodeled in 2001, this room provides fun information
on bees, birds, rocks, and trees. Also displayed are picture collages of Virginia Secor Stranahan and The 577 Foundation. Especially interesting is an indoor
honey bee hive, collecting pollen and feeding the brood. We also have outdoor
honey bee hives which certainly provide a good partnership for the gardens!
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Log Cabin
This Log home was donated and moved to our grounds in 1995. Built in 1804 and
replicated to be an example of the 19th century, it's a perfect setting for
the community to use for educational, historical programs and events.
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The 577 Foundation House
In 1935, Duane and Virginia Stranahan built this magnificent home and raised
their family here. Virginia often used her home for community events and educational
experiences. The gift of the home in 1997 enabled The 577 Foundation to open
the doors for non-profit organizations to have day-long and multiple day conferences
in this wonderful residential setting. If you would like more detailed information
on use of this home, give us a call!
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Geodesic Biodome
An inspiration of Buckminster Fuller, this geodesic structure is used as a year-round
greenhouse. The partially solar energized facility provides an example of organically
grown flowers, herbs, and vegetables developed and managed by the horticulturist
on staff. An unique environment for experimental growing!
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Virginia's Children's Garden
This interactive garden developed for children was designed in 2002, a vision
by two staff members from Northern California. "A space that fosters a
natural occurring educational process within the ever-curious child"- no better
words described the child-like Virginia Stranahan, of whom this garden is in
memory. Smile and watch as children wind their way through the tunnel,
play in the sand, float a stick down the stream bed, dance on the stage, climb
into the tree house, harvest vegetables grown by children in the raised beds,
and experience other special discoveries.
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Community Gardens
Beyond the stable is the former horse riding arena. This area is now enjoyed
by many people trying out their green thumbs in the Community Garden spaces
for organic growing. We provide the space, the water, the tools, organic advice,
but it is your garden! It's fun to see the variety and learn from each other.
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Did's Dig
Discover a 350 million year old past in the silica shale fossil rock pile. In
your search you might find fossils of clams, sea lilies, corals, trilobites
and bony fishes including sharks! Take your treasured find home!
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Nursery
The Nursery is our store house for a variety of native trees and shrubs.
Grown from seedlings, these plants will enable us a future of continual planting
around the grounds. Some of the techniques practiced in the Nursery are based on Permaculture, a system for creating sustainable environments that have
a beneficial impact
on humans and wildlife alike.
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Compost Corner
The community organic gardeners are asked to take their garden scraps to this
area to be composted. Wire bins hold the ingredients (leaves, grass, weeds,
vegetable matter, soil) used to create a rich fertilizer to be put back into
the gardens. Composting is a good example for the public.
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River Walk
A grassy trail winds through an apple, peach, and pear orchard to a hill top
view of the Maumee River. It then descends through the flood plains (careful,
muddy after rain!) and brings you to the edge of the river and a view of a wilderness
island.
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Maze
The maze (usually ready by mid-summer) was designed for children, by children!
Planted with sorghum, the paths in the tall
grassy area twist and turn with surprises at dead ends. Can you find your way
out?
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Bird Blind
November through May, birds (and squirrels) are fed daily here. Sit in
an outdoor lean-to structure which provides privacy for you to quietly observe
and identify the birds and critters and their eating habits.
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Honey Bee Hives
Local beekeeper, Dan Bollett takes care of 6-10 hives on
The 577 Foundation property. These hives provide observation for education on
the life of the honey bee. The thousands of bees gathering nectar from The
577 Foundation Gardens to produce honey also perform the
vital function of pollination, helping the gardens
to produce flowers & vegetables. What a nice combination! If interested in
beekeeping, call Dan (419) 878-8959