Jefferson Farm & Gardens
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The Jefferson Institute is developing a new educational farm on the southeast edge of Columbia, Missouri. Jefferson Farm & Gardens will provide information and inspiration on contemporary Midwest farming and gardening topics. Work on the farm and gardens is underway.
Learn more by visiting the Farm & Gardens website at www.jeffersonfarm.org.
Overview
Jefferson Farm & Gardens will help school children, families, farmers, landowners, and other visitors throughout the region understand the important role agriculture and horticulture play in their daily lives through interactive exhibits and classes on topics such as crop cultivation and use, land management strategies for protecting wildlife and water quality, energy conservation, and biofuels use.
Completed attractions at the farm include:
- MFA Children?s Barn with farm animals
- Large machine shed with a variety of farm equipment
- Jefferson Garden with over 200 vegetables and herbs
- Harry Minor Genetic Diversity Garden
- Demonstration fields of traditional and alternative Missouri field crops
- Orchard with varieties of apples, cherries, pears, peaches, pawpaws and more
- Daffodil and daylily walk with over 230 plant varieties
- Demonstration area of grapes, blueberries, blackberries, and raspberries
- Wildflower Meadow showcasing native plants
- Permeable paving parking demonstration with 60 parking spaces
- 7-acre lake with native plants and abundant aquatic life
Future attractions will include:
- A Visitor Education Center with exhibit hall, classrooms and teaching greenhouse
- Children?s garden of food and fiber plants, with colorful signage on plant uses
- Missouri native tree grove with walking trails
- Wetland areas for water filtration and plant and animal habitat
- A ?Discovery Stream? designed for wading and exploration
Cultivating interest in agriculture and horticulture with young people will be one of the primary goals of Jefferson Farm & Gardens. A special emphasis on curriculum-based educational programs for K-12 school groups is planned. Elementary and high school science classes, FFA, 4-H clubs, Boy & Girl Scouts, and other diverse youth organizations will utilize the Farm for tours, activities, and special events. Other youth will be involved through summer camp and internship programs.
Learn more
For more information, please visit the Farm & Gardens website at www.jeffersonfarm.org.
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