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Aquarius Farm Rescue Center and Nature Preserve
 | | Scott Lyon explained how a duck's feathers work during Family Nature Day at White Memorial Conservation Center in Litchfield on September 28. Photo/Robin Gourd |
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Aquarius Farm is a family-run animal rescue center and nature preserve located at 530 East Cotton Hill Road in New Hartford. Following their barn fire in January of 1999, the Lyon family rehabilitated their two severely burned horses and adopted two sheep with star gazer's syndrome, a neurological disorder. Since that time, numerous neglected and abused animals have found a home at Aquarius Farm.
The farm has recently opened a small nature center, giving tours and delivering an educational program on biodiversity, habitats, camouflage, observational skills, care and handling of a wide range of mammals and birds. The venture is entirely out of pocket for the family, who currently hold a USDA license to house and exhibit the animals they keep. They charge a small fee for tours and educational programs, and sell animal-related toys and other products at craft, nature and peace fairs.
This fall semester a new program with Regional 7 High School has begun for youth needing work exposure. Students are brought to Aquarius Farm three days per week to work cleaning and socializing animals. They work with rabbits, ducks and miniature horses.
Jan and Scott Lyon, owners of the farm, share a common goal in expanding the educational component of the farm. Jan is a master level educator and full-time employee for the Torrington Area Youth Service Bureau under a DCF contract for KidCare. She brings 30 years of professional experience with developmentally delayed children as well as her personal experiences raising and training animals, riding, spinning wool, making cheese and goats milk. Scott is a craftsman of 25 years with experience in tribal culture and craftwork, graphic arts, industrial design and manufacturing. He has taught classes in pre-Columbian history and philosophy. He is also a skilled builder and habitat designer, and uses these skills to develop the grounds of Aquarius Farm. Their two daughters, Jenny Kate and Sara-Mika, help care for the animals and deliver part of the educational component of the nature tours.
 | | Liz Cilfone and her son David checked out Aquarius Farm's ducks during Family Nature Day at White Memorial. Photo/Robin Gourd |
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The family hopes to continue expanding its program to meet the needs of the community. Persons interested in booking tours can call 860-496-7020 for an appointment.
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