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Powell Gardens tells county it acquired Colonial Farms and will expand youth environmental education
Summary
Powell Gardens said it acquired Colonial Gardens in Blue Springs and seeks Jackson County support to expand an education and regenerative‑agriculture campus that could serve up to 6,000 students through field trips and hands‑on programs.
Sharon Ramsey, chief development officer for Powell Gardens, and CEO Cody Joliff told the committee Powell Gardens acquired Colonial Gardens in Blue Springs after the site’s parent company entered bankruptcy. "We acquired Colonial Gardens, in Jackson County in Blue Springs," Joliff said, and described plans for an education, conservation and regenerative‑agriculture campus.
The presenters said the county grant would underwrite youth programming — field trips, soil‑health and pollinator education — and help increase participation from about 30 schools at that location to at least 60. Powell Gardens asked legislators to consider funding that would enable broader access for students, especially from underserved districts, to outdoor learning and agricultural literacy experiences.
