FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Can you tell me more about how Tryon Farm is structured?

Tryon Farm is organized into six settlements – the Farmstead, Pond, Woods, Meadow, Dune and Grove. Each settlement has a distinct architecture. Homes are built clustered together in a settlement so the remaining land can be protected as open space. The Farmstead and Woods are closed to new development. The remaining settlements have new home sites available.

I’d like to know more about building a new home at Tryon Farm.

New homes are still for sale at Tryon Farm. For more information, go to http://tryonfarm.com/.

I’d like to know more about the Tryon Farm Institute.

Tryon Farm Institute, Inc. (TFI) is an Indiana chartered non-profit land trust and education membership organization with a mission to connect human and natural communities by promoting habitat diversity and sustainable land husbandry.

TFI currently holds title to 112 acres of Indiana preservation lands, including restored native prairies, wetlands, and woodlands. Additionally TFI maintains the agricultural heritage of Tryon Farm through an active partnership with a neighboring local farmer. TFI is an independent organization from the HOA. For more information on the Tryon Farm Institute, go to http://tfinstitute.org/.

Do I have to be a homeowner to be a member of the Tryon Farm Institute?

No, TFI members do not need to be residents. TFI members have access to the TFI managed property at Tryon Farm including the 5-miles of hiking trails, the fishing pond and nature viewing platform. TFI also offers many educational and social events throughout the year for TFI membership.

Can I visit Tryon Farm?

Tryon Farm is private property. However, many homes are available for short or long term rental for visitors. TFI members are also welcome to enjoy the TFI property. See the “About Us” page for more information on visiting Tryon Farm.

Is the GW Bed and Breakfast part of Tryon Farm?

GW Bed and Breakfast is not legally part of Tryon Farm. They are great neighbors, however, and their guests are welcome to walk Tryon Farm property so long as TFHA and TFI protocols are respected.

Are dogs allowed at Tryon Farm?

All pets, including dogs, must be on a leash at all times, and all animal waste must be picked up. For your convenience, there are free dog waste bags and deposit boxes by mailboxes along the roads.

CAN I RIDE MY BIKE ON THE TRAILS?

Yes, mountain bike riding is allowed on the trails as well as cross country skiing if conditions allow. No motorized vehicles are allowed on trails including motorcycles or ATVs.

Are campers or trailers allowed at Tryon Farm?

No campers or trailers are allowed into Tryon Farm. ATVs are also not allowed at Tryon Farm.

Can I rent the Barn for an event?

The barn is owned by the Tryon Farm Institute. It is being assessed for restoration and is currently not available for rental.

I’m a professional photographer, can I bring clients to Tryon Farm?

Yes. You must obtain a permit from the Tryon Farm Institute, and there is an associated fee. Contact president@tfinstitute.org for more information.

IS iT true you’re not connected to city sewer at Tryon Farm?

Tryon Farm has a unique septic system called a Controlled Waste Water Wetland (CWWW). Tryon Farm is NOT connected to the City sewer system. Sanitary waste travels to a traditional septic system and then gray water is pumped through constructed wetland systems built around the property. In CWWWs, plants naturally clean the water before it is released to irrigate the land. For this reason, environmentally friendly soap, shampoo and toilet paper are required so as not to damage the plant-life. Further there are no garbage disposals at Tryon Farm. Do not put anything down your drains other than gray water (the waste water from baths, sinks, dishwater, etc.) The system cannot handle items such as food scraps, coffee grounds, or grease. Finally, do not flush anything other than toilet paper. Items such as facial tissues, wipes, tampons, Q-tips or dental floss as well as bleach or chlorine can result in blockages, malfunctions, and high maintenance costs as well as harm to the natural environment.

I get the sewer, but are you connected to City Water?

Yes. Drinking water is supplied by Michigan City. Its source is Lake Michigan. The pump by the community garden is ground water fed, however. It is not connected to City water.

WHERE DO I TAKE MY GARBAGE AND RECYCLING?

Trash disposal and recycling dumpsters are located on the service road east of Tryon Farm Lane, north of the second turnoff for the Pond Settlement. (See map.) Please place all items inside the appropriate dumpster and close the doors and lids to keep critters out. If the lid is not closed, it happens on occasion for a raccoon to get inside the trash container. If you find this condition, go ahead and place your garbage in the container, but then please leave the lid open, placing a large stick (one should be available) into the container to give the raccoon a way to exit when it is safe to do so. By next morning, if you’re the one to get there first and there is now no raccoon, please remove the stick and close the lid securely.

For recycling, please do NOT drop your recyclables in a plastic bag. They will then be considered un-recyclable at the sorting centers. Instead, open the bags and deposit your cans/bottles/cardboard as loose items in the container.

We do not accept plastic bags for recycling but many supermarkets and other stores have containers to accept this item.

If you have unwanted items that are not trash or recyclable, (e.g. clothing, furniture, linens, construction waste, electric appliances, oil-based paint), please take them to an appropriate acceptance center (e.g. charity drop off, electronic recycling). Do not put them in or leave them loosely outside the trash or recycling container. Go to the City of Michigan City website https://www.emichigancity.com/206/ for more information on how and where to dispose of these items.

Is there space for me to park more than one car at the house I am renting?

Typically, only one parking is space is provided for each unit. One additional car can be parked in the designated common overflow area. See the accompanying map for locations. Cars cannot block other parking spaces, garages or walkways (or park in non-designated areas) and may be towed at the renter’s cost if rules are not followed.

Can I have an outdoor fire at my rental unit?

No open fires of any type are permitted at any Tryon Farm homes except if a metal fire pit is provided by the property owner.

Is there communal wood I can use for my fireplace?

Your unit owner may have provided you with a supply of wood. If you need more, Al’s Supermarket at 1002 N. Karwick (5 min drive) sells bundles of wood. Any cut wood at Tryon Farm is reserved for residents.

Are there quiet hours?

Please respect your neighbors - quiet hours are 11:00pm to 7:00am. Loud music, parties and fireworks are prohibited. The property owner will be contacted if problems occur.

What if there is a snow storm while I’m here?

Tryon Farm contracts for snow removal with a private company. When severe winter weather conditions occur, please be patient. The following guidelines will be followed:

-          ASPHALT ROADS - to be cleared and salted (environmentally friendly) when there is 2” or more of snow.

-          GRAVEL ROADS - to be cleared when there is 4” of snow and “salted” as needed. 1-1/2 to 2” of snow will remain on the gravel after plowing.

-          WALKWAYS – stairs to units 8, 9, 10, 11, 12 in the Farmstead and 316 in the Grove; the walkways will be cleared when snow exceeds 4”.

-          Note that snow melt is not to be used near homes with corrugated metal siding. Snow melt will also not be used at units 62-72 and 82.

Can we go swimming in the pool by the barn?

The swimming pond by the white barn at the entrance to Tryon Farm is available to pool members only. Renters are not allowed access to the pool.

Can we feed the chickens?

The chickens in the coop by the barn are owned by the GW Bed and Breakfast. Please contact them first to see if it is time to feed the chickens.