Chapman Field Subtropical Horticulture Research Station has announced the annual Community Day event from 10am to 3:30pm, co-hosted by The Florida Federation of Garden Clubs. This is a rare opportunity for the public to visit this important, historic site, responsible for the introduction and/or development of many of our favorite plants and fruits here in South Florida.

Fruit, Flowers, Fragrance and Flavors are the the featured attractions of Community Day.

See how agricultural research and experiments are done, and learn the fascinating history of this property. Dating from 1898, it is one of the oldest such entities in South Florida.

Previously, the site served as an Army air corps training field. The field was named after Victor Chapman, the first American flyer to die in France during the First World War.

The introduction of economically useful plants into the US is a three-step process: (1) explorers find the plants in foreign countries; (2) the plants are sent back to a USDA introduction garden where they are evaluated; (3) successful plants are distributed to farmers and nurserymen. Chapman Field is the original introduction garden for tropical plants.

Over 20,000 plant introductions have been registered at the Miami station since its establishment. Emphasis has been on rubber, cacao, coffee, mango, palm, avocado, lychee, and other plants.

This free event, open to the public, is an opportunity to learn more about the many contributions that scientists at this facility have made, and continue to make, for the benefit of our community and our nation.

USDA‐ARSCHapman Field is located at 13601 Old Cutler Road, at the east end of SW 136 Street. The entrance is off of Deering Bay Drive.