In the News

Jefferson Institute Breaks Ground on Visitor Education Complex
Thomas Jefferson Agricultural Institute
May 8, 2008

By Jennifer Lindsay Smith
jsmith@jeffersoninstitute.org

WHAT: Visitor Education Complex groundbreaking

WHO: Jefferson Institute, U.S. Senator Kit Bond and local leaders

WHEN: Friday May 9, 2008

2 – 2:30 p.m. Groundbreaking ceremony

2:30-2:45 p.m. Tree planting with Senator Bond and New Haven Elementary students

WHERE: Jefferson Farm & Gardens

4800 New Haven Road, one mile east of U.S. Highway 63

WHY: Jefferson Farm & Gardens is a $3.5 million facility dedicated to educating visitors on the importance of contemporary Midwest farming, gardening and conservation. The Farm & Gardens is slated open in spring 2009.

The Visitor Education Complex will serve as a central hub for what will be one of the premier educational farms in the United States. With an open timber-frame exhibit hall, multiple classrooms, children's reading room, glass greenhouse, conference space and more, the Visitor Education Complex will provide information and inspiration to thousands of visitors each year.

"With rising food and fuel prices, and increased environmental awareness, people should know what it takes to get food from farm to fork," said U.S. Senator Kit Bond. "When it is up and running, this facility will provide thousands of school children and adults with a better understanding of contemporary food production practices." ###