Avalon Gardens Farm
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Cropsey Farm - Rockland County
Here’s the latest timeline and current status of Cropsey Community Farm in Rockland County:
🛑 December 2024 – Rockland Farm Alliance (RFA) Dissolves
📅 March 2025 – New Operator Appointed
✅ March 2025 – Reinforcing Commitment
🔍 Summary – Today (Nov 2025)Cropsey Community Farm is back in active operation under RCFN’s leadership, with new contracts and educational/agricultural programming fully reinstated. The County is supporting sustainable farming, youth engagement, and preservation of this historic 24-acre property. [rocklandcountyny.gov], [rocklandtimes.com] Further Reading
In summary: After RFA’s closure, RCFN resumed operations in March 2025. Today, Cropsey Farm is active again under nonprofit management, focused on sustainable, community-centered agricultural use. 
Farm Community,This week at Cropsey Community Farm, our focus is on the threads that connect past, present, and future—our legacy, our history, and the lessons we pass on to the next generation.
🌾 A Legacy Rooted in the Soil For over 225 years, this land has been lovingly tended, first by the Cropsey family and now by our community. Their gift of this farm to Rockland County in 2006 was an extraordinary act of trust—one we honor every day by preserving the fields, growing healthy food, and sharing the beauty of farm life with all who visit. 👩🌾 Teaching the Next Generation Each week, hundreds of local students step onto the farm to learn where their food comes from, how to care for the earth, and why farming matters. From planting seeds to meeting our animals, these experiences plant something even bigger—curiosity, respect for nature, and a sense of stewardship they’ll carry for a lifetime. 🦋 Wildlife Wonders The farm isn’t just home to crops and animals—it’s a vibrant habitat for wildlife. Butterflies float through the flower fields, bees hum busily among the blooms, and birds nest in the hedgerows. Every creature plays a role in the health of our ecosystem, and we’re committed to protecting them. As summer winds down, we’re excited and eager to close out camp with great success—celebrating all that our campers have learned and accomplished. The energy, laughter, and curiosity they’ve brought to the farm this season remind us exactly why we do what we do. When you support Cropsey Community Farm—whether by visiting, volunteering, or donating—you’re helping to preserve history, inspire our youth, and safeguard the wildlife that call this place home. Farm Community,
This season, our goal has been clear: optimize our yield, elevate our experiences, and deepen the impact of our educational programming. We’re proud to share that we are well on our way—and this week marks a major milestone worth celebrating. By the end of this week, every farmable acre on the Cropsey property will be planted. That’s right—every inch of available land is now in service of nourishing our community and educating the next generation of growers and eaters. this has not been done since Jim and Pat Cropsey farmed the land!- we are so proud to carry out their hopes and dreams for Cropsey farm! Among our biggest highlights: 🌻 Over 400,000 sunflowers are preparing to burst into bloom, creating not just a vibrant landscape, but a space for wonder, pollinators, and beauty. * a bridge was built at Depew farms allowing the land to become more accessible for programming ( Coming this FALL) 🍓 Our late-season strawberries are thriving and bringing joy to every hand that picks them. 🍅 And just in time to celebrate, our tomatoes have joined the party—we harvested our very first tomatoes of the season this week! With over 1,000 tomato plants in the ground, this is only the beginning of a delicious journey. We’re deeply grateful for your support, encouragement, and shared belief in what a farm can be—a place of growth, joy, connection, and impact. I hope you join us in our celebrations for July: July 24th - Private dinner with three time Food network Chopped Champion: Chris Holland July 10th - Sip and Stem July 19th- Sound bath Our favorite event of the season just opened for ticket sales: Twilight dinner on September 12th - Click here for tickets! Thank you for being part of this season with us. Here’s to what we’ve planted together—and to all that’s yet to bloom. Also to make our impact even better Doterra has joined with us to make a matching gift campaign so every sponsorship and donation goes double the way to honor Rachel Sirota who deeply believed in the farm’s purpose! Click here and donate to double your impact and help us grow! Market Hours: Our hours will be Thursday 12-4, Friday - CLOSED FOR THE HOLIDAY, Saturday 10-2, Sunday 10-2 This week’s Veggies:
We appreciate your support and can’t wait to continue growing together. Best, Your Farmers Farm Community,
We’re pleased to share that we signed our contracts for BOTH Cropsey and Depew farms as of April 1st, and have been working diligently ever since to restore and prepare our operation for the season ahead. You’ll notice many familiar faces back on the farm, and we’re truly excited and honored to be your farmers once again for the 2025 season... and we can’t wait to GROW with you this year! 🌿 The CSA Is Now OPEN!
As a CSA member, you’ve purchased a “share” of the farm in advance of the growing season. That balance is held for you until the Farm Stand opens on May 10th, and you’ll be able to use it to shop for farm-fresh produce, flowers, and plants right through November 29th. We can’t wait to welcome you back and fill your baskets with the best of the season! 
Cropsey Community Farm, located in New City, Rockland County, has been a significant part of the local community, providing fresh produce and educational programs. However, the Rockland Farm Alliance (RFA), which operated the farm, recently dissolved due to internal conflicts and financial difficulties[1][2]. The county is currently seeking a new operator to take over the farm[1].
Despite these challenges, the farm remains a cherished part of Rockland County's agricultural heritage. References [1] Rockland Farm Alliance Dissolves Due To Internal Strife, Financial Woes [2] Rockland Farm Alliance Files Bankruptcy; Organization Has Been Wracked ... [3] County Seeks New Operator For 25-Acre New City Farm;
RFA Leaves Behind A Menagerie Of Animals To Be Tended By Tina Traster Rockland County on Wednesday issued a gut-punching announcement: the Rockland Farm Alliance (RFA), one of the only remaining farming operations in the county, has dissolved its organization, leaving the future of the land and the animals on uncertain terms for now. The County is seeking a new operator for the Cropsey Community Farm on Little South Tor Road in New City. The County said it is planning on putting out an Request For Proposals for a non-profit operator. The development is sending shock waves through the community, which has relied on the farm for fresh produce, education, and a continuation of Rockland’s nearly extinct farming legacy. Not everything is known about why the six-member board unanimously agreed to dissolve but sources say it’s a combination of a festering conflict with a staff member who filed a complaint with the Human Rights Commission, as well as untenable financial burdens the farm has long been grappling with. In addition, some say an effort by the farm’s Executive Director Sue Ferreri to have the farm designated as an agri-district may have caused internal conflict. The Rockland Farm Alliance, a non-profit founded in 2007, is dissolving “per their board due to irreconcilable differences with the staff,” Ferreri said in a prepared statement. “The RFA will no longer operate at the Cropsey Farm and is dissolving the organization.” Sources say employees had been struggling with the board for clear workplace policies for the past year. Some say board members showed indifference, allowing an atmosphere of tension to fester. On Nov. 19th, with no notice, the entire staff was fired. Sources say employees were given a week’s salary, no severance, and no sick pay. Some suggest the lack of sick pay might lead to legal action. Employees had been wanting to have basic policies and procedures in place, but that was lacking. Ferreri had always stressed that the RFA ran on a “human-centric” model, where employees’ needs were explicitly catered to and that workplace practices were flexible. Board members contacted by RCBJ were unwilling to discuss the complaint filed by the former employee. The organization, which shut down on Nov. 30, leaves behind a menagerie of animals: five goats, two pigs, 30 chickens, two turkeys, and five ducks. The Farm Alliance said the county is assuming responsibility for the animals. It remains unclear how or when farming will resume on site. One source said the farm has left hundreds of dollars in the fields in planted crops. Also up in the air is what future role former Farm Alliance members will play in the recent acquisition of the Peter Depew House in New City. Earlier this month, Rockland County purchased the historic Peter Depew House, a sandstone Dutch house from the 1700s situated on 32 acres in New City, for $2.9 million. The county acquired the home and farmland through its Open Space Acquisition Program to ensure that this heritage-rich property continues to serve as a symbol of Rockland’s history and a resource for community. RCBJ reported that the Farm Alliance would be tapped to farm the land, but this remains unclear. The Cropsey farm was purchased in 2006 under the County Open Space Acquisition Program. Rockland Farm Alliance was founded on the former Cropsey Farm in New City. The 25-acre farm, once operated by the Cropsey family, is jointly owned by Rockland County (61 percent) and the Town of Clarkstown (39 percent). The nonprofit Alliance leases 25 acres but farms roughly five acres. Helmed by Ferreri for nearly four years, the Cropsey Farm is a sacred oasis in a county that is increasingly losing open space to development pressure, including housing subdivisions and warehouses. One of just a handful of farms left in a once-rural county, the acreage is not only a plot for growing a cornucopia of veggies including cucumbers, pumpkins, lettuce, eggplants, radishes and more – it is a stage for education and community events. It has been a transport to the past, a hopeful experiment for the future. “The County remains committed to preserving this nearly 25-acre site as both parkland and a working farm and plans are underway to seek a new operator to develop and manage a Community Supported Agricultural (CSA) program,” the county said in a press release. “We extend our deepest gratitude to the RFA’s current and former staff and board members for their tireless work in operating and maintaining the County’s community farm,” said County Executive Ed Day. “While we search for a new operator, the Rockland County Division of Environmental Resources, which manages all county parks, will assume responsibility for the operation and direct oversight of the property and the animals residing on the farm.” The farm, which employed 20 people and a team of volunteers, has relied on multiple revenue streams including a farm store, $60,000 from Rockland County annually (which has increased 10 percent each year), state grants, Community Block Grants, and corporate and individual donations. Two school districts, Clarkstown and North Rockland, pay $20 per student for second graders to visit the farm eight times over the school year and participate in educational programs. The farm also supports itself with a fall festival and winter holiday market, as well as an annual fundraising dinner. But last year, Ferreri told RCBJ that the farm was struggling financially. John McDowell and his wife Alexandra Spadea-McDowell co-founded Camp Hill Farm in Pomona in 2004; the musician and his wife dared to believe 21st century farming was possible in Rockland County. The Rockland Farm Alliance was formed in 2007 under the stewardship of the McDowells. Since Ferreri stepped in as Executive Director in 2021, she has inhabited her role with complete dedication, though some sources say there was tension among board members. She joined the New York State Farm Bureau, seeking support from farmers who’ve been mucking stalls and growing crops for decades, who’ve weathered rains and pests, who’ve stepped up to the demand for farm-grown produce at farmers markets, but whose children have left the farm. Ferreri had been working to get the Cropsey Farm area designated as an “Agricultural District” in Rockland County, which also may have been a source of tension, according to sources. An “Ag District” is a geographic area consisting predominantly of viable agricultural land. Agricultural operations within the district are the priority land use and afforded benefits and protections to promote the continuation of farming and the preservation of agricultural land. In practice, districts may include land that is actively farmed, idle, forested, as well as residential and commercial. “We are hoping to bring the “Ag” board back together,” said Ferreri, last November. “There has been interest from the town, county, and all local farmers.” Ferreri does not know will happen next but said last year: “All of the farm staff are dedicated to the farm, the school programming, and all of the community events we’ve been hosting as we move through this transition we hope to resume our regularly scheduled programming when we are able. We are so appreciative of the county, town and the community’s support at this time.” The County’s Cropsey Community Farm was added to the National Registry of Historic Places by the National Park Service in 2017. The property, ca. 1800, includes a historic barn that was restored by the county for $1.55 million in 2019. Twitter: @rocklandgov Instagram.com/rocklandcountygov Facebook.com/rocklandgov RocklandCountyNY.gov Legislator District 10 https://www.rocklandgis.com/portal/sharing/rest/content/items/25999688277843a194f605820e9fef06/data Rockland Farm Alliance Announces Dissolution County Seeking New Community Farm Operator New City, NY – County Executive Ed Day & Division of Environmental Resources Coordinator Kevin McGuinness announce that the County is seeking a new operator for its Cropsey Community Farm following the dissolution of the Rockland Farm Alliance (RFA). “We extend our deepest gratitude to the RFA’s current and former staff and board members for their tireless work in operating and maintaining the County’s community farm,” said County Executive Ed Day. “While we search for a new operator, the Rockland County Division of Environmental Resources, which manages all County parks, will assume responsibility for the operation and direct oversight of the property and the animals residing on the farm.” The farm was first purchased in 2006 under the County Open Space Acquisition Program. The County remains committed to preserving this nearly 24-acre site as both parkland and a working farm and plans are underway to seek a new operator to develop and manage a Community Supported Agricultural (CSA) program. “Our future vision is committed to continuing to facilitate educational programs and events related to agriculture and the health benefits of nutritious food at this site for residents of all ages,” explained Division of Environmental Resources Coordinator Kevin McGuinness. The County’s Cropsey Community Farm was added to the National Registry of Historic Places by the National Park Service in 2017. The property, around since ca. 1800, includes a historic barn that was restored at the cost of $1.55 million in 2019. Rockland County Division of Environmental Resources Coordinator, Division of Environmental Resources Kevin McGuinness LinkedIn Park Operations Manager Michael DiMola Environmental Programs Manager Brianna Rosamilia Agriculture and Farmland Protection Board Advise the County Executive and Legislature on proposed establishment, modification or termination of any agricultural district and agricultural initiatives. The board reviews sub-division proposals that may affect agricultural land and approves and revises the Farmland Protection Plan. It may request that the NYS Commissioner of Agriculture & Markets intervene in disputes between agriculture producer's and government agencies. The board provides public education related to the benefits of preserving and promoting the environmental, cultural and economic aspects of agriculture. Agriculture and Farmland Protection Board Agendas and Minutes About the Agriculture and Farmland Protection BoardThe Ag & Farm Board's mission is to advise the County Executive and Legislature on proposed establishment, modification or termination of any agricultural district and agricultural initiatives. The board reviews sub-division proposals that may affect agricultural land and approves and revises the Farmland Protection Plan. It may request that the NYS Commissioner of Agriculture & Markets intervene in disputes between agriculture producer's and government agencies. The board provides public education related to the benefits of preserving and promoting the environmental, cultural and economic aspects of agriculture. Meetings and Membership The board is comprised of several representatives from local farms, County legislatures, Cornell Cooperative Extension staff, SWCD board members and more working together to establish an Agricultural District in Rockland County. Members
Sue Ferreri, Rockland Farm Alliance Executive Director Sue has joined RFA in 2021 as a full-time Executive Director and overall champion for the farm and education programs. She studied Business Management from Millersville University, Community Development and Viticulture from Stellenbosch University in South Africa. Sue served on RFA’s board during 2021 and offers some great experience in managing people and operations at Equinox, Lululemon and Abercrombie & Fitch. She is a lifelong gardener and has a strong passion for Community Development. Sue is close-up on the farm - she and her husband Matt and their four children live just over the deer fence from the South Field! Coming to the office is just a short walk across our fields! Sue inspires the entire RFA team everyday with her energy, commitment to a "human-first" environment, and dedication to building strong programs. https://www.linkedin.com/in/sue-ferreri-34794756/ Rockland Farm Alliance (845) 634-3167 For the 2022 calendar year, or tax year beginning 01 01 2022 , and ending 12 31 2022 New City, NY|EIN: 27-1495030 At Rockland Farm Alliance, our mission is to conserve farmland and bring the community together through local, sustainable farming projects and agricultural education programs. We support local farming in Rockland County, and we aim to reconnect everyone to real, organic food, from the soil up. ... the sustainability of our community. Each year, we distribute thousands of pounds of nutritious greens (i.e. lettuce, kale, chard, collards, etc.) to underserved families facing food insecurity in Rockland County. In response to widespread, pandemic-propelled supply chain disruptions, unemployment, and economic instability, we created Project Greens in order to supply fresh, nutritious produce to local ... GROSS RECEIPTS info $387,116 ASSETS $210,886 Main address 220 S Little Tor Rd New City, NY 10956 USA https://www.rocklandfarm.org/ Board of Directors John McDowell, Founder Michael Morenberg Joan Dye Gussow, Vice-President Mary Lukens, Secretary JOHN MCDOWELL ... President as per 2022 filing Joan Gussow ...........Chairman emeritus professor at Columbia University Mary Lukens ........... Treasurer Matthew Townsend ....Director Felicia Seedorf ........ Director George Ballane ........ Director 2022-271495030-202343079349301429-9.pdf Past Articles Rockland Farm Alliance - Cropsey FarmRockland Farm Alliance Dedicates Field to O&R June 22,2023 Cropsey Farm in New City added to historic register Feb 14, 2017 Peter D. Kramer [email protected] A New Generation of Farmers Comes to New City's Cropsey Farm June 30, 2 |
Two Blauvelt brothers established the farm in 1769, when they built the Dutch Colonial home at the site. The farm had 10 subsequent owners between 1850 and 1890, when Jim Cropsey’s grandfather Andrew, a Brooklyn lawyer, purchased the property. The property passed to Andrew’s son, Wallace, then to Jim Cropsey, who fully farmed the site. Finally, Jim and Patricia Cropsey agreed to sell it to the county and Clarkstown and through an intermunicipal agreement more than a decade ago it was preserved and saved from development through an intermunicipal agreement.
The farm's historically significant Revolutionary War-era New World Dutch barn, one of the few remaining structures from the 1700s in Rockland, was restored in 2019. Now Cropsey Community Farm supplies organic produce for its community-supported agriculture farm-share program, including a program for low-income members, and donates thousands of pounds annually to local food pantries. Rockland Farm Alliance's educational facilities are dedicated to teaching sustainable farming practices to people of all ages. |
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My children's book publishing partnership with my oldest son Matt
First book in the Adventures of Skel and his crew Kindle version released January 8, 2026,
paperback January 9-10
Second book Skel's have hearts in development due end of January on Amazon
Skel's Holiday Adventure Paperback – Large Print, January 9, 2026
by Matthew Fugazzie (Author), John R. Fugazzie (Author) Click on Book Cover to buy on Amazon |
Skel's Holiday Adventure Kindle Edition
by Matthew Fugazzie (Author), John Fugazzie (Author) Format: Kindle Edition Click on image to buy on Amazon |
Skel loves Halloween, but now he wants to celebrate every holiday!
Skel is a happy skeleton who can’t wait to celebrate Halloween each year. But he dreams of getting to take part in the festivities for every holiday. Christmas, Thanksgiving, Valentine’s Day, and the Fourth of July—there’s so much fun to be had! Skel has a plan for the Skeleton Crew to join in on the celebrations together.
Skel and the Skeleton Crew enjoy spreading messages of positivity and good values. Children can laugh and read along with their adventures while learning important messages for growing up. Bring home Skel’s Holiday Adventure and let your kids get a jump start on reaching for the stars!
This book is ideal for young kids between ages 4 and 8. It will draw them in with the fun characters and teach them about friendship, kindness, respect, inclusiveness, and positivity. Skel's Holiday Adventure makes the perfect gift for birthdays and special occasions.
Skel and the Skeleton Crew are waiting for you to join them on their next big adventure!
Skel is a happy skeleton who can’t wait to celebrate Halloween each year. But he dreams of getting to take part in the festivities for every holiday. Christmas, Thanksgiving, Valentine’s Day, and the Fourth of July—there’s so much fun to be had! Skel has a plan for the Skeleton Crew to join in on the celebrations together.
Skel and the Skeleton Crew enjoy spreading messages of positivity and good values. Children can laugh and read along with their adventures while learning important messages for growing up. Bring home Skel’s Holiday Adventure and let your kids get a jump start on reaching for the stars!
This book is ideal for young kids between ages 4 and 8. It will draw them in with the fun characters and teach them about friendship, kindness, respect, inclusiveness, and positivity. Skel's Holiday Adventure makes the perfect gift for birthdays and special occasions.
Skel and the Skeleton Crew are waiting for you to join them on their next big adventure!
Skel ™
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Skelvis ™
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Skelroid ™
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Fetch ™
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Lily's Big Sister Surprise Paperback
Large Print, July 7, 2025 by John R. Fugazzie (Author), Matthew Fugazzie (Contributor) A Big Surprise Brings Even Bigger Joy! Lily is a young girl whose life is already full of love and adventure. But one sunny morning, everything changes with Mommy and Daddy’s special announcement: Lily is going to be a big sister! Follow Lily as she prepares for her important new role. With help from her loving family, Lily discovers that being a big sister isn’t just about sharing toys—it’s about sharing your heart. A tender, charming story about the joy that a new sibling can bring. It’s perfect for growing families ready to celebrate a new arrival! Buy on Amazon amzn.to/4lhheGr See more children's books on Matt's page |
AFFILIATE STATEMENT
This site is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means to
earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. Additional affiliate links are also occasionally used on the site.
This site is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means to
earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. Additional affiliate links are also occasionally used on the site.
6 years and counting ...
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12 years and counting ...
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helping-Brands.com helping-brands.org helpingbrands.net John R. Fugazzie
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Tyler Fugazzie Matthew Fugazzie
Partner with helping-Brands
Chef Lilly - Home Made Pot Pies
Dominick's Italian Restaurant and Bar - 1 Hoboken Road East Rutherford NJ
We Skels love Lily's Pies and wash them down with drinks at Dominick's
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The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, adopted by all United Nations Member States in 2015, provides a shared blueprint for peace and prosperity for people and the planet, now and into the future. At its heart are the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which are an urgent call for action by all countries - developed and developing - in a global partnership. They recognize that ending poverty and other deprivations must go hand-in-hand with strategies that improve health and education, reduce inequality, and spur economic growth – all while tackling climate change and working to preserve our oceans and forests
Legal : Intellectual Property Statement
All the materials and brands that part of this website portal are: John R. Fugazzie
All the brand, name, graphics, images, logos, web site support and related materials are the intellectual property of John R. Fugazzie and can be licensed by partners under a written agreement..
John R. Fugazzie is the developer of presentations, courses, and workshops associated with the following intellectual properties:
helping-Brands, Neighbors-helping-Neighbors USA, Ask Professor John, helping-Women, helping-Veterans, and helping-Latinos.
All brand names, graphics, images, logos, website content, and related materials are the exclusive intellectual property of John R. Fugazzie. These assets may be licensed to partners through a formal written agreement.
All the brand, name, graphics, images, logos, web site support and related materials are the intellectual property of John R. Fugazzie and can be licensed by partners under a written agreement..
John R. Fugazzie is the developer of presentations, courses, and workshops associated with the following intellectual properties:
helping-Brands, Neighbors-helping-Neighbors USA, Ask Professor John, helping-Women, helping-Veterans, and helping-Latinos.
All brand names, graphics, images, logos, website content, and related materials are the exclusive intellectual property of John R. Fugazzie. These assets may be licensed to partners through a formal written agreement.
NhNUSA Legal Statement and current structural status
Neighbors-helping-Neighbors USA is a social franchise founded by John R. Fugazzie on January 27, 2011 in the River Edge NJ Public Library. The organization operated from May 24, 2012-December 24, 2017 as a 501 (c)(3) New Jersey nonprofit. The organization now continues its amazing growth helping people and the continued expansion under the leadership of its founder John R. Fugazzie.
Neighbors-helping-Neighbors USA (helping-Brands) is the intellectual property of John R. Fugazzie who is the sole owner of the brand, name, images, logos, social media groups, web sites, and all current and future related materials. John R. Fugazzie maintains all rights to the use and distribution of these materials and any duplication and use without the written permission or license is prohibited Copyright 2011-2026.
Neighbors-helping-Neighbors USA is a social franchise founded by John R. Fugazzie on January 27, 2011 in the River Edge NJ Public Library. The organization operated from May 24, 2012-December 24, 2017 as a 501 (c)(3) New Jersey nonprofit. The organization now continues its amazing growth helping people and the continued expansion under the leadership of its founder John R. Fugazzie.
Neighbors-helping-Neighbors USA (helping-Brands) is the intellectual property of John R. Fugazzie who is the sole owner of the brand, name, images, logos, social media groups, web sites, and all current and future related materials. John R. Fugazzie maintains all rights to the use and distribution of these materials and any duplication and use without the written permission or license is prohibited Copyright 2011-2026.
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Copyright © 2011-2026