Welcome to Wild Kid Acres! A Community Farm in Edgewater

What started out as a dream to live on a family farm is becoming a place for the community to gather. Recently I met with Gerardo from Wild Kid Acres to met the animals, learn about current events happening at the farm, and hear about their future plans.

How it Began

Gerardo and Jessica met in Annapolis while he was at the Naval Academy and she was working for a non-profit. Several years later the married professionals were living in California when a trip to Africa changed what they wanted for their family. After a new job for Jessica brought them back to the Maryland area, they decided now was the time for their dream to become a reality. In May 2019, they found 5 acres of land in Edgewater that were littered with junk and an abandoned building. But they could see past that and knew this was the location for their new family farm. Gerardo had never done anything like this before but he learned everything he needed to know to build his family a home. Then they bought goats to maintain the grass and other farm animals. Before long they were selling eggs and honey and Wild Kid Acres was born. Phil the goat is the mascot for their logo.

About a year after they purchased the farm, a neighbor stopped by and asked to play with the goats. An idea was born and in September 2020 playdates with the animals were offered. People could sign up online and times were offered each day from September through January. The slots filled up in one day.

Watch this video to learn more about how it all began.

Current Activities

Wild Kid Acres currently has a board of directors and a three part plan to connect with the community: 1) Education 2) Therapy and 3) Farm Fitness.

Go to the Wild Kid Acres website for information about events offered at the farm. You can see their calendar by clicking here. Be sure to check out their Facebook and Instagram pages for the most up to date listings including the monthly Mayo Farmers Market and other pop-up events.

Education

Gerardo is working on the foundation of the land and the biodiversity of the farm. When they purchased the farm, the soil was not very healthy. Gerardo has learned and is using ways to "grow" the soil. Everything he does on the property is very calculated to create a stable ecosystem and healthy environment for plants, animals, and the people who live at and visit Wild Kid Acres. He has developed relationships with community partners such as Annapolis Compost to help him in his efforts. Wild Kid Acres is not an animal rescue but animals are chosen to live on the farm based on purpose and how they can contribute to the therapy program.

A variety of classes are offered and they change. Currently the following classes are offered:

Interspecies Communication - After-school: After-school program for 3rd grade and older presented by Alex Abella Information and Register

Interspecies Communication - Adults: Adult program presented by Alex Abella Information and Register

Interspecies Communication - Homeschool: Homeschool program for ages 5+ presented by Alex Abella Information and Register

Animal Welfare - Homeschool: Homeschool program for ages 5+ presented by Alex Abella Information and Register

Therapy

Mental, emotional and physical health are at the forefront of every activity that occurs on the farm.

Blossom Therapeutic Services: Information and to Register

Maryland MSF: Specializing in MYO, Speech, and Feeding Information and to Register

Farm Fitness

Family Farm Yoga: Whole Kids Yoga leads this exercise session for families Information and Tickets

Goat Yoga with Elena: for ages 15+ Information and Tickets

Pilates in the Pasture: Led by Carla Information and Tickets

Beasts of Burden: Crossfit/HIIT routine led by Michelle Information and Tickets

Other

Bees and Eggs: For sell at the monthly farmers market or by contacting the farm.

Mayo Farmers Market: An opportunity to shop from local vendors and farms. Vendors contribute 10% of their sales to support the therapy programs help at the farm. The market also has activities for the kids and music. Upcoming dates are Sept. 18 and Oct. 16 See the ads on Facebook.

Animal Visits: You can visit the animals by signing up for a 1-hr time slot. Currently there are goats, chickens, cows, alpaca, horses, and a young emu. Purchase your Tickets online here.

The Future of the Farm

The Wild Kid foundation is the fundraising and philanthropic arm of Wild Kid Acres. They have identified their first two projects.

Barn: A barn is urgently needed for a variety of reasons. It will be a place to house the animals in the colder months. It will also have a place for classes, a lab, a gym for kids, and a longe for adults. The goal is to raise $250,000 and break ground this fall. Click here for more information about the barn and to donate.

Scholarships: After the barn is complete, the next goal is to raise funds for and start offering scholarships.

Gerardo, Jessica, and their son have worked hard the past few years to build their family farm dream. Now they have opened the farm up to the community to fill needs as they arise. Gerardo has reached out to build strong community partnerships. Being at the headwaters of the Rhode River he has contacted local conservancies, oyster programs, and local schools for information, support, and program ideas. Many local and Maryland politicians have visited the farm and support what is happening there. When I visited and spoke with Gerardo, I could feel his enthusiasm and became impressed by what he and his family have accomplished so far. Now with the community involved there is not limit to the future of Wild Kid Acres.