Nestled in Jacksonville’s Moncrief Springs neighbourhood lies a space transforming urban agriculture: Eartha’s Farm & Market. What appears at first glance to be an ordinary urban farm, this 10.5-acre regenerative oasis is in fact an inspiring place of growth, sustainability, and change for the community. Visiting Eartha’s Farm & Market is an experience in itself, and with the guidance of Mika Hardison-Carr, founder of The Herban Bee, it becomes a journey into the heart of Jacksonville’s rising agritourism and urban beekeeping movement.
The Story of Eartha’s Farm & Market
Eartha’s Farm & Market was named after Eartha Mary Magdalene White, a pioneering civil rights activist and philanthropist from Jacksonville. Eartha White’s legacy, shaped by a lifelong commitment to supporting underserved communities, is honoured here through a partnership with the Clara White Mission, a local nonprofit dedicated to feeding, training, and housing Jacksonville’s homeless and veterans. Today, Eartha’s Farm builds on her legacy by addressing food insecurity in a community identified as a food desert, where access to fresh, healthy food is limited.
Every Saturday, the farm holds a market from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., offering local residents affordable, locally grown produce. However, Eartha’s Farm & Market is more than a source of fresh food; it’s a community hub. Through workshops on topics such as organic gardening and composting, it teaches sustainable living practices and self-sufficiency. The farm also provides space for local entrepreneurs to share their goods, further supporting economic development in the area.
Meet Mika Hardison-Carr and The Herban Bee
Mika Hardison-Carr is a force within Jacksonville’s urban agriculture scene. Through her venture, The Herban Bee, Mika introduces beekeeping to new audiences, particularly encouraging diversity in an industry traditionally lacking representation. The Herban Bee teaches urban residents about beekeeping, raising awareness of the critical role bees play in our food systems and in sustaining urban farms like Eartha’s. With a growing Instagram following and hands-on workshops, Mika has successfully expanded the conversation around urban beekeeping, making it more accessible and engaging for people from all walks of life.
For Mika, beekeeping is more than a profession; it’s a means of connection and a way to foster inclusivity in agriculture. Her classes attract a diverse range of participants, from aspiring beekeepers to curious community members. By hosting these sessions at Eartha’s Farm & Market, Mika integrates her passion for bees with the mission of providing educational opportunities to the community, creating a sense of unity through learning and shared purpose.
Along her journey, Mika credits fellow farmer Sarah Salvatore, from Columbus, Ohio for sharing invaluable knowledge and farming insights that have shaped Eartha’s Farm & Market and, The Herban Bee’s approach to sustainable agriculture. Learn more about Sarah here.
Exploring Eartha’s Farm with Mika
As I toured Eartha’s Farm with Mika, her passion and enthusiasm is contagious. Our first stop is the Community Apiary, home to rows of hives buzzing with activity. Mika describes how bees are essential to agriculture, not only by pollinating crops but by fostering biodiversity within urban spaces. Observing the bees in action, you can’t help but feel a newfound respect for these tiny, tireless workers. Mika shares tips on sustainable beekeeping, emphasizing methods that prioritize bee health and environmental sustainability.
From the apiary, we move on to the farm’s vegetable plots. Rows of leafy greens, herbs, and seasonal vegetables fill the area, each one grown with organic and regenerative practices in mind. Eartha’s Farm uses no synthetic pesticides or fertilizers, instead employing compost and natural soil enhancers. This approach not only improves the produce quality but also supports the surrounding ecosystem. Mika points out the symbiotic relationship between the bees and the plants here: “The bees help pollinate these crops, which in turn provide them with nectar—it’s a win-win for nature and the community.”
Agritourism: The Rise of Urban Farms as Destinations
Urban farms like Eartha’s are part of a growing trend in agritourism, where people are drawn to experience agriculture in a city setting. Agritourism allows urban residents, who might not otherwise have exposure to farming, to see firsthand where their food comes from. Eartha’s Farm capitalizes on this interest by welcoming visitors from all over Jacksonville, offering tours that educate while showcasing the beauty of sustainable agriculture.
Through The Herban Bee, Mika has contributed to making Eartha’s Farm a true agritourism destination. Her workshops draw people from around the city, creating opportunities for dialogue about food systems, sustainability, and the importance of diversity in agriculture. These events help demystify beekeeping and farming, making them accessible to all and inspiring more people to consider urban agriculture as a viable pursuit.
A Model for Community Resilience and Sustainable Living
Eartha’s Farm & Market is a testament to what can be achieved when a community comes together with a shared vision. This farm addresses more than just food insecurity; it is a beacon of hope and resilience. By fostering an environment where education, sustainability, and inclusion are at the forefront, Eartha’s Farm creates a ripple effect throughout the neighbourhood. Residents gain skills, access healthy food, and build stronger connections with each other and the land.
Mika and The Herban Bee play an integral role in this mission, proving that one person’s passion can inspire others and ignite positive change. Her work brings diversity and fresh perspectives to urban beekeeping, while her partnership with Eartha’s Farm strengthens its mission and expands its impact.
Visiting Eartha’s Farm & Market
Eartha’s Farm is open for tours and hosts a weekly market every Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., where visitors can purchase fresh, locally grown produce and support local vendors. For those interested in learning more about beekeeping or sustainable gardening, The Herban Bee and Eartha’s Farm offer regular workshops—be sure to check their websites or social media for schedules and details.
Visiting Eartha’s Farm & Market is more than just a trip to the farm; it’s an opportunity to witness how regenerative agriculture can transform communities, promote inclusivity, and inspire sustainable living. With leaders like Mika and organizations like the Clara White Mission, Jacksonville’s urban agriculture scene is blossoming into a model for other cities to follow.
Location: 4850 Moncrief Rd. Jacksonville, FL 32208
As you embark on your travels, remember that our journey leaves an impact. Embrace eco-friendly accommodations, support local communities, and reduce plastic use. Respect wildlife by observing from afar and conserve resources like water and energy. Choose sustainable transportation, leave no trace behind, and participate in conservation efforts. Educate yourself and others about the environment you’re exploring. Let’s ensure that we tread lightly on our planet, leaving only footprints of kindness and taking home memories that inspire others to protect our beautiful world. Happy responsible travels!