Patti Johnson Farm: Rural Education in Pinellas Park

Pinellas Park residents can explore agricultural education and sustainable growing practices at Patti Johnson Farm, located at 6199 94th Avenue, adjacent to Helen Howarth Community Park. The farm's mission is to celebrate the traditional family farm while incorporating modern sustainable methods and fostering environmental stewardship.

The farm aims to reacquaint children with the origins of their food and remind the community of the balance needed to meet human needs while caring for natural resources and wildlife. Visitors can experience a small farm setting that evokes nostalgia for traditional farming.

Admission to Patti Johnson Farm is currently free. The farm welcomes visitors Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 2 p.m. to 4 p.m., and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. The farm is closed on Sundays.

The farm prioritizes educational visits for school-aged children, which may affect drop-in visiting hours. Check the farm's Facebook page for last-minute updates.

Visitors should wear closed-toed shoes and sunscreen. Bring a reusable water bottle, as there are no water fountains or vending areas. Hand sanitizer is recommended; a hand wash station and restrooms are available.

While many animals are friendly and welcome gentle petting, the farm operates differently than a typical petting zoo, allowing animals to choose interaction. Animal rides are not offered.

For snacks, use Tupperware-style containers to minimize the risk of animals ingesting plastic or foil. Do not feed human food treats to the animals, as this can cause digestive issues. Organic and untreated food donations are welcome, including muscadine grape leaves or Brazilian pepper branches for goats, dandelion greens and lettuces for various animals, apples and berries as treats, carrot tops and celery leaves for rabbits, hibiscus for tortoises, cilantro and parsley for rabbits and goats, oranges for Wade the cow, and squash for goats, tortoises, pigs, and cows. Green peas are accepted for ducks. Bread items, processed human foods, and iceberg lettuce are not accepted.

Groups of 12 or more should contact the farm in advance to ensure adequate staffing.