On April 15, Crabtree Farms broke ground on the Evelyn Davenport Navarre Educational Building, an onsite facility which will house educational programs, events, community meetings, and more.
The project, which is scheduled for completion by this fall, was funded by the Lyndhurst Foundation, the Chrysalis Foundation, the Community Foundation, and private donations.
“We already have big plans for the new facility,” says Andrea Jaeger, programs coordinator for Crabtree Farms. “It will provide a comfortable space for our volunteers and visitors to relax, learn, and socialize on the farm, and we want to invite our community to make use of the space as well.”
The 2,496 square foot building will feature a demonstration kitchen, restrooms, a dining and community room, and a covered porch. The building can be reserved for meetings, weddings, parties, and corporate dinners, which will help Crabtree Farms cover its overhead costs of managing the facility. Reservations can be made starting this summer. Fundraising events for the farm and Crabtree’s education and outreach programing, such as the annual Spring and Fall Plant Sales and The 100 Dinner, will be held rain-or-shine in the facility.
Crabtree Farms continues to seek funding and support from the community for the building project. Donations can be made online at www.crabtreefarms.org or by check payable to Crabtree Farms.