Discovery Park of America, Union City, Tenn., announced a new partnership with Farm Credit Mid-America that kicked off a new phase in the museum and heritage park's dedication to educating children and adults on innovation in agriculture. The Farm Credit Mid-America Education Pavilion will be located between Discovery Park's vineyard and "AgriCulture: Innovating for Our Survival," an exhibit that opened in early 2021.
Farm Credit Mid-America is a financial services cooperative that has served the credit needs of farmers and rural residents across Indiana, Ohio, Kentucky and Tennessee for over a century providing loans for real estate, operating, equipment, housing and related services such as crop insurance and vehicle, equipment and building leases.
"One of the most impactful ways our association can help secure the future of rural communities and agriculture is through educational initiatives that deliver value for people," said Andrew Melton, regional vice president of agricultural lending at Farm Credit Mid-America. "This partnership with Discovery Park of America will provide an interactive educational experience to a variety of visitors--many of whom have no background in agriculture. We're excited to partner with them in their mission of inspiring children and adults to 'See Beyond.'"
The public is invited to a ground-breaking ceremony for the greenhouse that will take place on March 22 at 11 a.m. during the park's National Ag Day celebration.
Discovery Park's education department and others will be utilizing The Farm Credit Mid-America Education Pavilion to spotlight topics relating to the business of agriculture along with growing cycles, garden design, soil health and other topics relating to the basics of plant science. The area will also feature two greenhouses. One greenhouse will provide an opportunity for guests to see members of the Discovery Park grounds team working with plants that will be used to enhance the park's 40-acres of landscaping. An additional greenhouse will be designated for children and adults for educational-related programs and hands-on experiences.
"The beauty of the grounds was very important to Discovery Park founder Robert Kirkland, and for many years, we talked about all the good things we could do with our own greenhouse," said John Watkins, the director of grounds for Discovery Park. "Being able to have an entire area dedicated to growing plants and educating our guests on plant science aligns perfectly with our mission."
Other organizations and individuals are also encouraged to give to support the building of the greenhouses. Large gifts have been made or are committed by leading agri-tech company Green Plains, Inc., Betty and John Tanner, Michelle and Al Creswell and Diana Frankum.
Categories: Kentucky, Business