Crabtree Farms broke ground on April 15, 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 the fall, was funded by the Lyndhurst Foundation, the Chrysalis Foundation, the Community Foundation, and private donations.
Crabtree Farms is a non-profit organization established in 1998 whose mission is to connect Chattanoogans with our local foodshed. Its urban teaching farm, at 1000 East 30th Street in Chattanooga, hosts Farm-To-School visits for local youth, volunteer opportunities, workshops, and adult education programs. Through tours and hands-on demonstrations of farming and gardening, Crabtree Farms teaches the importance of healthy living and sustainable agriculture. With a focused learning environment in the new educational building, Crabtree will have a more inviting space to facilitate programs, enhancing educational opportunities for Chattanoogans of all ages.
“We already have big plans for the new facility,” said 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.