In today’s fast-paced, hi-tech world with smartphones and all things electronic, sometimes it’s nice to completely disconnect and enjoy nature for all she has to offer. If this sounds like fun to you, then consider visiting The Florida Agricultural Museum . The Florida Agricultural Museum was established in 1983 by a group of concerned agriculturalists and historians at the request of Agricultural Commissioner Doyle Conner to help preserve this important part of Florida’s heritage. Originally located in Tallahassee, the museum was part of the Division of Agriculture and Consumer Services.
This popular attraction is really so much more than a museum, featuring half and full day adventures to Florida’s rural past. In 1997, the Florida Agricultural Museum moved to its new home on 460 acres in Flagler County. It’s located in Palm Coast on Florida’s East Coast between Daytona Beach and Jacksonville. The attraction offers a full calendar of events including equestrian rides, a walk back in time, blues and folk festivals, and seasonal events around Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Christmas.
The grounds of the attraction are home to hundreds of wildflowers. Two of the flowers, the Catesby’s Lily and Hooded Pitcher plants, are very rare and considered to be threatened plants. There are 13 primary vegetative communities present on the museum’s property, featuring Dog Fennel, Frog’s Bit, and Meadow Beauty.
Another part of the museum’s mission is the preservation of heritage livestock breeds. The Museum has a variety of chickens including the Turken, unique because of its turkey-like bare neck. Ducks, including Swedish Blues, waddle across the farm. The Museum’s cows and horses are Florida Cracker, descendants from animals introduced to Florida in the St. Augustine area by the Spaniards during the 1500s.
Perhaps we can use our era’s advancements in technology to free up some time for us to enjoy nature.
