After 15 years of running a successful power washing business, Greg Hochstedler was longing for a simpler, slower-paced life. He often found himself reminiscing about his younger years and the small town where he grew up, a serene span of countryside in Knightstown, IN. So in February of 2005, he made a drastic lifestyle change. Greg purchased a 160-acre property down the road from his childhood home and opened a non-profit organization committed to educating kids about farm life, wildlife and Indiana’s agricultural heritage. “Our Mission is to intrigue, engage and teach people about the value of agriculture, nature and the environment through hands on experiences,” said Greg. “The farm life is very demanding in time and effort but there is also a great sense of peace that goes with it and there is nothing like having the opportunity to help grow the minds of kids.” The family’s non-profit operation, Boondocks Farms / Boondocks Educational Foundation, has only been up and running for sixyears. But during that short time, Greg, his wife Dana and their children Nick and Michelle have turned the property into a multi-dimensional learning center with everything from farm animals and a pumpkin patch to produce gardens and row crops of hay and corn. At times, upwards of 450 students visit the farm at once, requiring a staff of 15 guides to maneuver groups of 30 through the various sections of the site. “Our guides are mostly retired teachers and executives or stay-at-home moms with education backgrounds,” said Greg. “We give school tours in the spring and fall and offer summer tours for Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts and other organizations.” Each tour is customized to meet the exact needs of each group. Boondocks Farms goes to great lengths to ensure that the educational standards required of each grade level are adhered to during field trips. Some children are taken on nature walks through the woods and taught about the various plants, trees and wildlife found there. They learn about the rolling terrain that is typical of the region, Montgomery Creek, which runs through the middle of the property and the 20 natural springs that can be found on the land. Most also have the chance to see the goats, rabbits, miniature horse, ducks, cattle, llamas, turkeys and other animals kept on the farm. While they aren’t allowed to pet them for safety and sanitary purposes, employees do let them touch several animal hides so they can have a hands-on experience of how a farm animal or wild critter feels. Along with the farm’s core educational attractions; there are also gaming areas and a host of events that are offered throughout the year to draw families, history buffs and other visitors to the 160-acre property.