Beth Bye shared her vision for expanding the programs at 4-H Education Center at Auerfarm.

From left: Board Member Jennifer Elman Cushman spoke at the welcome reception for new Executive Director Beth Bye at the 4-H Education Center at Auerfarm on Jan. 28, 2016. Robert Lyle, Chair of the Board of Directors for Auerfarm, introduced Bye before she shared her vision for the farm’s future. Submitted photo

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The 4-H Education Center at Auerfarm enthusiastically welcomed new Executive Director Beth Bye with a public reception on Thursday, Jan. 28, at Auerfarm in Bloomfield. Attendees, including board members, staff and UConn officials, also congratulated Board Member Jennifer Elman Cushman for her recent appointment as the new Regional 4-H Director at UConn Co-op Extension. Several local officials such as CT State Senator Eric Coleman joined members of the community for “fresh” refreshments that included UConn Dairy Bar ice cream.

“I am grateful for the support I’ve received from everyone involved with this amazing community during my transition,” said Bye. “In addition to expanding our education programs and outdoor activities, we are busy gearing up for maple sugaring and springtime planting.”

Bye, who lives in West Hartford, shared her admiration and commitment to the vision of farm founder Beatrice Fox Auerbach.

Bye will utilize her extensive experience in education and non-profit management to connect children to nature and farming. In the past, Bye worked with Auerfarm as a consultant for the Bloomfield Public Schools. She helped develop the Wintonbury Early Childhood Magnet School farm theme and facility. Wintonbury and Auerfarm have an ongoing relationship, as all students from Wintonbury regularly visit the 4-H Farm throughout the school year.

The 4-H Education Center at Auerfarm is a private, non-profit education center located on 120 acres. All education programs meet the standards of State Educational Curriculum for Science and the organization is a recent Winner of the 2015 Bloomfield Chamber of Commerce’s Non-Profit Award of the Year based on its outstanding contributions to the community. Visit www.auerfarm.org for more information.