education
“At Free Bird Farms, learning happens through doing—mud, manure, and all. We believe the best way to understand farm life is to roll up your sleeves and jump in.”
Down-to-Earth Teaching
At Free Bird Farms, learning is hands-on, muddy-booted, and often comes with a fresh egg in hand. Mary Ann McColl brings over 15 years of real-world farming experience to every class she teaches—whether it’s helping a curious kid gather eggs for the first time, guiding a teen through their first goat milking, or teaching adults how to spot a hoof abscess before it becomes a problem.
She’s taught workshops through The School of Ranch and hosted on-site learning for youth groups and campers through Hip Camp, where visiting families and kids often join in for morning chores. Mary Ann believes that learning farm skills can be fun, meaningful, and empowering—especially when taught with a sense of humor and a deep respect for the animals and land.
Her children’s book, The Magic of Poop, is more than a story—it’s a starting point for conversations about composting, soil health, and the importance of understanding where our food comes from. Whether she’s reading to a classroom or leading a demonstration in the barn, Mary Ann makes sustainable agriculture accessible to all ages.
Intro to Milking
Learn the basics of hand-milking goats or cows and understand the care involved in keeping dairy animals healthy.
Backyard Chickens 101
A class for beginners covering chicken care, egg collecting, predator protection, and coop setup.
Basic Hoof Care for Horses & Goats
Learn how to check for issues, wrap abscesses, and support healthy hooves.
Farm Chores for Kids
A fun, supervised session where children help feed animals, gather eggs, and learn simple, safe tasks around the farm.
Compost & Soil Health
Understand the role of composting in sustainable agriculture, featuring lessons inspired by The Magic of Poop.
Garden-to-Table Basics
For families or beginners interested in learning how to grow and harvest simple crops for home use.
Let’s Talk
Want to Learn Something Else?
Mary Ann is happy to customize a workshop or demo to fit your group’s needs—whether you’re a local school, a homeschool co-op, a continuing ed program, or just a curious bunch of friends. If you’re interested in bringing hands-on, farm-based education to your community, don’t hesitate to reach out.
Let’s get our hands dirty—in the best way.