Peggy Rockefeller Farm
Living landscape
Regenerative agriculture in action
Spanning 125 acres of historic farmland, wetland, and second-growth forest, College of the Atlantic Peggy Rockefeller Farm (PRF) is one of the largest contiguous agricultural landscapes on Mount Desert Island. Gifted by David Rockefeller, Sr. in 2010, the farm operates under conservation easements with Acadia National Park and is certified organic by MOFGA.
Here, livestock, solar energy, and student research work in tandem to shape an evolving model for sustainable land stewardship.
Farm operations
Pastured animals. Closed-loop systems.
PRF raises rotationally grazed livestock:
- Certified organic layers and organic meat chickens
- Pasture-raised sheep
- Pasture-raised pigs
All poultry is processed onsite in our certified facility.
Renewable energy
Sun-powered farming, designed with students
PRF generates more electricity than it uses through over 100 onsite solar panels. These systems—planned and installed with student participation—offset emissions and support COA’s goal of becoming fossil fuel free by 2030.
Student learning & research
From agriculture to ethnobotany to climate science
Peggy Rockefeller Farm is a dynamic academic environment where students turn ideas into applied research. Through coursework, independent projects, work-study positions, and summer internships, students engage directly with farming systems, ecological processes, and community-based food production. The farm supports a wide range of interdisciplinary inquiry, allowing students to design and carry out projects that reflect both personal interests and real-world challenges.
Meet the farmers
April Nugent
Ro Kelly
Explore Our Farms
Visitor information & farm access
Welcome to the farm—here’s how to visit responsibly. PRF is a working academic farm and open to respectful public exploration. Please review our guidelines before your visit.
Visitor hours:
Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–5 p.m.
Closed weekends and federal holidays, except for weekend egg/meat sales in the garage.
Self-serve farm stand:
The self-serve farm stand is stocked regularly with eggs, whole chickens, and a rotating assortment of frozen sausage, bacon, beef, pork, and lamb. Drop by to see what delicious items we have on hand. Simply grab what you want and use the links below to pay with credit card or other digital payments. We also accept check and cash (exact change preferred).
Open daily, 8 a.m.–5 p.m.
Navigating the farm:
The farm consists of several adjacent sites. Main locations include:
- 538 Norway Drive (historic farmhouse – private residence)
- 532 Crooked Road (Cameron Barn)
- 660 Norway Drive (Delaitre Barn – no access via private driveway)
Parking is unpaved; please don’t block equipment, gates, or barn access. There are no public restrooms at PRF.
Prohibited activities include:
- Entry outside of hours
- Petting or feeding animals
- Smoking or consuming alcohol
- Climbing fences or using equipment
- Entry into private areas (like the farmhouse porch/lawn)
- Picking or eating unlabeled produce
- Bringing unleashed dogs
Guided farm tours & special projects
Bring your class, group, or idea to the farm.
PRF welcomes visitors and collaborators through organized tours and project-based engagement. Whether you want to design a study, create an installation, or host a course component, we’re happy to discuss options.
Product sales & CSA info:
COA farm goods can be found at Beech Hill Farm Stand, Town Hill Market, Harbor Table, Salt Market, and via our seasonal CSA shares.
You can also purchase bulk meat CSAs.
Stories from the Field
College of the Atlantic students get hands-on experience during lambing season [News Center Maine]
While the sounds of baby lambs are adorable, they also mark one of the busiest times of year for students who work at the College of the Atlantic Peggy Rockefeller Farm. Read More
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