A friend in his 80s once asked if I would give him a ride to an event at the Lockwood Farm in Hamden. The gentleman was a lifelong farmer and, even in his later years, ran a farmstand from his home.

“I can’t think of a more worthwhile way to spend a beautiful August day,” he said. “I’d hate to miss it.”

That’s how, one beautiful August day in 1999, I made my first visit to Plant Science Day at Lockwood Farm in Hamden. I’ve attended almost every year since. The Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station (CAES) sponsors the event on the first Wednesday of the eighth month each year. This year, Aug. 3 will mark the 112th year since it began in 1910 under the name “Field Day.”

Unlike many fairs and events with agricultural roots, Plant Science Day is free of charge and totally “unplugged.” There are no bouncy houses or arcade games. You don’t need to be a farmer or a plant geek. Bring your plant and landscape questions to the information tents, where you can meet with scientists. Bring samples of diseased plants or insects for identification or diagnosis. Drop off soil samples and obtain a soil report via email at no charge.

Kids are welcomed with a treasure map and rewarded when they complete the activities. They can visit “chemistry for kids” demos, as well as other interactive stations. Girl Scouts can earn badge credits.

B

ring a picnic; there are plenty of places to sit. A food truck and an ice cream vendor offer food options, too. Coffee and iced drinks are free.

Five concurrent activity tracks run from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Gates open at 9:30 a.m.

In the central pavilion, this year’s speakers will address food security in Connecticut, soil organic carbon and laboratory analysis of food and commodities in the state. Katie Dykes, commissioner at the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection, will deliver the keynote address. The Fairholm Farm of Woodstock will receive the Century Farm Award.

You can join a walking tour or take a bus tour to outlying field plots. There are native plant gardens and butterfly plantings to peruse.

Barn B houses exhibits. This year they’ll include wild bee diversity in the state, biochar for agricultural uses, urban tree health, beech leaf disease and pests of Christmas trees.

There’s also a community tent. A dozen or more guest organizations such as the Connecticut Botanical Society and the Natural Resources Conservation Service will be available to answer questions and distribute literature.

In separate technical demonstration tents, scientists will discuss beekeeping systems and the management of aquatic weeds.

People who need pesticide credits for license renewal can earn up to 3.25 credits at no charge.

The Lockwood Farm alone is worth the visit. The setting is open and sunny, but there’s no lack of shade if you need to get out of the sun. The farm is an active research facility with agricultural and horticultural test plots scattered around a 75-acre rolling landscape. Hamden’s scenic Mount Carmel, the “Sleeping Giant” of state park fame, is in full view.

Free parking is on the farm at 890 Evergreen Ave. off Route 10 in Hamden.

One last note: CAES requests no pets. Service animals only. Visit portal.ct.gov/CAES/ to learn more about attending Plant Science Day.

Like my friend said on that day long ago, I can’t think of a better way to spend a beautiful August day.

Thanks to Vicki Bomba-Lewandoski and Dr. Kirby Stafford for the photographs and information.

Kathy Connolly is a writer and speaker from Old Saybrook. Visit her website at SpeakingofLandscapes.com.