Nonprofit farm offers volunteer opportunities, visits

A couple of years ago, a calf was found wandering the Hill Country Ranches community with his mother and a number of other cows, just southwest of the Dripping Springs area. Neighbors corralled the small herd and worked with authorities to locate their owners, but when no one came forward for the calf, Ed and Laura Hoppe gave him a home. He was named “Christmas” — after his presumed birthdate.

The adoption was not surprising for those who knew the Hoppes. Besides cattle, the Hoppes have taken in a number of farm animals needing new homes for one reason or another: chickens, roosters, donkeys, mini donkeys, goats, alpacas and mini horses.

Their farm, a 501(c)(3) organization known as Mt. Hoppe, caters to locals and visitors alike. The Hoppes are licensed to babysit foster children on the farm, providing a respite for foster parents and kids. Volunteers at the farm are welcome, and visitors who meet the animals are given the opportunity to feed and pet each animal.

The Hoppes, both Rhode Island natives, were sweethearts in high school and college. Though they went their separate ways, marrying others and raising families, they eventually married. In 2017, they bought the 14-acre Mt. Hoppe farm together.

Visits to Mt. Hoppe are currently being offered through the Wimberley Community Civic Club on March 26, benefitting high school seniors pursuing higher education and local nonprofits. Tickets are $12 per person, and children under two years old enter for free.

The farm accepts donations to help feed and care for the animals. For more information, or to donate, visit mthoppefarm.org.