Isham Family Farm

Location Williston, VT
Acreage 108
Protected Since 2001
Featured Recreation Land

Take your pick: this Vermont farm offers many ways to experience the land’s bounty

Isham Family Farm is a pollinator-friendly, pick-your-own farm and event hub. The farm melds its rich history with exciting new approaches to sustainable, community-oriented land use, making it an outstanding example of a farm that all can enjoy.

In 2001, the Ishams worked with the Vermont Land Trust and the Town of Williston to conserve the land and allow public walking trails on a part of the property. The looping family-friendly trails are now known as the Oak View Hill Trail, part of the Town of Williston’s park system.

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Farm story

Isham Family Farm in Williston is about as diversified as an agricultural enterprise can get. The former dairy farm is now a haven for maple syrup, produce, Christmas trees, hiking, and farm theater. The family also hosts a weekly community farmer’s market!

From produce to pollinators to performance art

Farmers Mike Isham—a fifth-generation farmer on the property—and his wife Helen Weston share a passion for nature.

They take great care on the conserved farm to support Vermont’s “four Bs”: birds, bees, butterflies, and bugs. They avoid insecticides, remove invasive plants, and use less disruptive land management practices to help native species thrive.

Maple sugaring is one of the longest-lived traditions on the farm, dating back to 1871. Mike still boils down sap “the old-fashioned way,” with lumber that is harvested on site.

The farm is an Audubon-certified bird-friendly maple sugarmaker.

A true community farm

Isham Family Farm welcomes visitors in every season.

Come spring, the family hosts a farm theater series and weekly farmer’s market in the lovingly restored historic barn.

A more recent development on the farm is the creation of a nonprofit environmental organization called First: Earth Project.

First: Earth Project includes performing arts, an outdoor classroom, and a community space where environmental and other organizations can hold events. And, all of this is happening on the farm!

From berries, to corn mazes, to Christmas trees, there's lots to do

Summer and fall feature pick-your-own blueberries, raspberries, and pumpkins, as well as a corn maze.

The Ishams also grow young balsam firs—for the farm’s Christmas tree operation.

Take a family-friendly hike

In 2001, the Ishams worked with the Vermont Land Trust and the Town of Williston to conserve the land and allow public walking trails.

The walking trails are open all year. There are several trails, all named for family members. The distance of the outer loop trail is 1.3 miles; there are about another half-mile of inner loop trails. So you can take a short easy hike or get more of a work out.

Remember, please stay on all trails and please leave dogs at home — this is a working farm!

A peaceful spot for all

The trail passes by Button’s pond. Geese often make their nests here. And as you crest the hill returning east, you’ll be rewarded with views of Mt. Mansfield and Camel’s Hump.

And, if you need a break, or just want to linger and take in the sights, there are a couple of benches where you can rest and enjoy the serenity.

Visiting Isham Family Farm

Public Access
Parking

Family-friendly walking trails are open all year during daylight hours (please note, no dogs allowed). Depending on the season, pick-your-own berries, visit a farmers’ market, take in a show at the farm theater, and more. Visit the farm’s website for details.

When visiting the Oak Hill View trails, please note that the trails are part of a working farm. No dogs are allowed. Please stick to all paths and observe all rules posted to signs. Daylight hours only.

Parking is located off Oak Hill Road, near Fieldstone Drive.

The Town of Willison maintains a trail map.

Trail map and brochure