The Beaches Local Food Network began as a small farmer's market in a parking lot in Jacksonville Beach. With hopes of finding and promoting more local farmers and bringing healthy foods to our community, we chugged along. We discovered that local farms are not that easy to come by in northeast Florida, as we have lost 52% of farmland in Duval County alone in the past four years, mostly to development. With that in mind, we knew we needed to help create a love for growing food and hopefully grow new farmers for the future. Knowing we needed hands-on gardening and educational opportunities, the community garden seed was planted.
Beaches Green Market
Every Saturday
2-5 PM
Jarboe Park, Neptune Beach
(Intersection of A1A and Florida Blvd.)
http://beacheslocalfoodnetwork.web.officelive.com/greenmarket.aspx
UNF VERB Garden
The UNF Organic Garden is a working demonstration and food production mini-farm. The garden incorporates 6 raised beds containing a seasonal variety of vegetables, a small fruit tree orchard including citrus, peaches, and figs, and an area dedicated to composting crop residues.
How I can get involved
- The adopt-a-bed program allows interested groups of students, clubs and organizations to grow their own vegetables on a shared plot of land.
- The garden offers free workshops throughout the year. (see the get inovled page for more details)
- Volunteer! Learn about gardening while lending a hand. Stop by the Eco-adventure office to sign up or contact Jonathan Felts.
Contact
Jonathan Felts
j.felts@unf.edu
1 UNF Dr. Jacksonville, FL 32224
