Sensory Barnyard to benefit community

BERLIN TWP. — The Boots to Grasses Therapeutic Horsemanship Program will welcome a new addition to its program. Boots to Grasses was established in 2016 and serves individuals facing physical, developmental, mental, health, or trauma-related challenges. The nonprofit engages individuals with interactions with horses. Through a grant from the David and Jacquie Clark Family Fund, a Sensory Barnyard will be added to the property at Boots to Grasses in Berlin Township. The Sensory Barnyard will function as a small-scale farm that will serve as a learning environment for the growing Boots to Grasses family. Laura Steuk-Mastropaolo, the program administrator, anticipates the Sensory Barnyard being ready this summer. "The Sensory Barnyard will give individuals in our community and area school districts the opportunity to learn job skills in animal nutrition and dietary planning, horticulture and gardening, barn organization based on safety and efficiency, food and material ordering, financial planning and animal care and rehabilitation," Steuk-Mastropaolo said. Some of the first residents at the Sensory Barnyard will include a miniature horse, a sheep and a fainting goat. Steuk-Mastropaolo expects more animals to be added as the program grows. "This addition to our program opens up an entirely new facet for therapeutic learning and self-discovery," she said. "The opportunities for crew members to pursue their interests while working together to manage the Barnyard is a wonderful addition to our therapeutic horsemanship program." The initial cost of the project is $10,000, which has been fully funded by the grant. Fencing has been financed by the Huron County Community Foundation and the raised bed gardens, animals, seeds and plants and tools have been donated by many supportive individuals and businesses. "We are so excited for this new endeavor," Steuk-Mastropaolo said. "The opportunity to work with even more individuals in our community on pursuits and skills so near and dear to our hearts here at Boots to Grasses is an absolute joy." Anyone interested in joining the Sensory Barnyard crew or donating to the program can contact the organization at bootstograsses@gmail.com.