Barton Orchards Vandalized, But Two Kids Came Forward To Apologize

It's never something you want to see happen at one of the Hudson Valley's favorite family destinations, but thankfully this story has a positive ending.

Barton Orchards Vandalized in Poughquag, NY

It all started last week when the folks at Barton Orchards in Poughquag announced on Facebook that someone had deliberately damaged one of its greenhouses sometime during the night of Friday, July 24. According to the farm, numerous holes were intentionally punctured through the greenhouse cover, leaving behind more than $1,000 in repair costs.

Barton Orchards Aerial Pic — Barton Orchards Facebook

In the post, Barton Orchards said it was especially disappointing because they work hard to create a fun, welcoming place where Hudson Valley families can make memories together.

The farm also reminded visitors that children should always be supervised while visiting and asked anyone who may have seen something suspicious to come forward. Barton Orchards said security cameras were being reviewed and hoped the community could help identify those responsible.

Thankfully, it didn't take long for the story to take a positive turn.

Community Response Leads to Positive Outcome

A short time later, Barton Orchards shared an update that many people were hoping to see.

The farm thanked everyone who shared the original post, reached out with support, and helped spread the word. According to Barton Orchards, two young people came to the farm with their parents to admit what they had done.

Culprits Apologize

The kids apologized in person, offered to help, and listened as staff explained that the damage involved much more than simply replacing the greenhouse cover. In addition to the cost of materials, employees now have to spend valuable time making repairs instead of working on other projects around the farm.

Rather than publicly identifying those involved, Barton Orchards said it would not release any names or photos.

"They were kids who made a mistake," the farm said, adding that they believe the two learned an important life lesson by accepting responsibility and apologizing face-to-face.

It's a refreshing ending to a story that could have turned out much differently and a reminder that taking responsibility for your actions can go a long way. Barton Orchards also thanked the community once again for its overwhelming support and invited everyone back to the farm to continue making great family memories.