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The Mission:
At Munnell Run Farm we strive to integrate agriculture and ecology education through hands-on programs for students and adults in watershed management, nonpoint source pollution control, stream ecology, wetlands, forestry and agriculture.
Our vision for Munnell Run Farm is to nurture a conservation ethic in our youth, agriculture producers, and community members in order to affect a positive cultural, economic and environmental impact in our rural community. It is further our vision that Munnell Run Farm shall become a destination for school children, educators, civic organizations, agriculture producers, and families to explore and discover the interrelationship between agriculture, the natural and cultural environments and our economy.
The Farm:
Munnell Run Farm contains163 acres of cropland, woodland, pasture and riparian forested wetland owned by the County of Mercer and managed by the Munnell Run Farm Foundation, Inc., which holds a long term lease and a conservation easement on the Farm. The Mercer County Conservation District provides valuable support for the Farm's mission. It is located 1 mile north of Mercer, PA on State Route 58 West. Visitors to MRF have an opportunity to explore the interactions of agriculture and ecology in a real-world setting. Featuring outdoor, hands-on activities designed to meet PA Chapter 4 Academic Standards, Munnell Run Farm Foundation, Inc. received the Governor’s Award for Environmental Excellence in Education and Outreach in 2003. MRF depends on grants and donations for its educational programs, maintenance, and infrastructure improvements.
Munnell Run Farm gets its name from the stream that flows through the property. Although we can't verify which Munnell the stream is named after, it has been said that the Munnell family occupied a farm just south of the existing Munnell Run Farm property. We continue to look for records that indicate the name of that family and would appreciate any information that anyone may have. For those that enjoy history, there is an interesting account of the (Civil War) Battle of the Mine, Capture, and Escape to Union Lines originally written by John J. Munnell of Company F, 100 Regiment of the Pennsylvania Volunteers. This can be viewed at the following site: http://www.100thpenn.com/munnellescape.htm |
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Bigler House at Munnell Run Farm:
The Bigler House is a piece of Mercer County history that began in Delaware Township in 1844. It is now located on the grounds of Munnell Run Farm, where it will educate visitors not only about its rich history, but also the history of mid nineteenth century rural life and agriculture in Pennsylvania. For more details about the history and future of this structure visit Bigler House |
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History of the Property:
MRF is a remnant of the agricultural land that surrounded and supported the Mercer County Home and Hospital. In 2002 Munnell Run Farm Foundation, Incorporated and signed a 99-year lease and conservation easement with the Mercer County Commissioners, granting operational control of the farm to the foundation. |
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Oats harvesting from the past at MRF |
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Partnerships:
MRF collaborates with many other groups to foster conservation, education, and a sense of community. The groups include Rains Angus, the Mercer County Historical Society, Trout Unlimited, the Girl Scouts, and the Mercer County Conservation District. |
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Trout at Munnell Run Nursery |
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Highlighting Resource Conservation & Utilization:
MRF is an active beef farm situated in the Munnell Run Watershed within Mercer County. Munnell Run is a headwater tributary of Neshannock Creek. The farm serves as a venue to protect and enhance the soil and water resources of Munnell Run Watershed while educating others about the benefits of sound rural land use. |
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MRF Cattle |
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Tour of Property:
Visit the key elements of the integrated conservation system in place at Munnell Run Farm. This includes a walk-it-yourself guide to the areas of interest at the farm. Click for printable farm guide and map.
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Touring the Farm |
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Riparian Enhancement and Stewardship Forest:
More than twenty-eight acres of trees have been reestablished on once marginal pastureland. Eighteen acres are dedicated to a Stewardship Forest focusing on hardwood tree species. The remaining 10-plus acres have been planted in the riparian corridor of Munnell Run that has been fenced to limit livestock access to the stream. For more information, click here. |
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Planting Trees |
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| Children’s Vegetable and Ornamental Garden:
Annual vegetable and ornamental plants are cultivated in raised beds at the farm. Young visitors explore healthy soil and small-scale organic production in this fenced garden. In the past, a large portion of the annual crop is harvested and sold at local farm markets. Income generated from the sales supplemented education programs at the farm. In 2010, a consortium of local churches known as Boaz, used the garden to produce vegetables that were given to the local food pantry. |
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Children's Garden |
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Regional Food Venture at Munnell Run Farm:
The Regional Food Venture is an initiative to create a shared kitchen that is based on the business incubator concept. Farmers, market gardeners, caterers and other entrepreneurs can initiate a business venture by adding value to their raw commodities in a safe environment without having to invest in their own facility. The goal is to create a commercial kitchen incubator where producers from the surrounding region can add value to their vegetable and fruit commodities. Baked goods, jams, jellies, salsas, and other vegetable or fruit product will be produced, packaged, and marketed here. |
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Children
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Staff
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Contact Us - 753 Greenville Road – Mercer, PA 16137 – 724-662-2242
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