EFC FARMS EXHIBIT OPENS AT GOLISANO CHILDREN’S MUSEUM OF NAPLES
CMON creates brand-new farming exhibit space!
NAPLES, Florida (June 12, 2025) – Golisano Children’s Museum of Naples (CMON) announces the opening of an entirely new exhibit, EFC Farms, in partnership with EFC Farms and U.S. Sugar. In this brand-new exhibit, children will be introduced to different types of farming, plants that are locally grown in Southwest Florida, beekeeping, and so much more!
Created in partnership with EFC Farms in Fort Myers, which stands for Earth, Family, Community, this exhibit will highlight the farming practice of aquaponics and give children the opportunity to pretend they are the farmer planting into their aquaponic tubes. Children will be able to measure their height compared to different plants and farm animals, explore a bee box and try to find the queen bee on a honey panel, and even climb inside a giant chicken coop to sort eggs!
"CMON is excited to launch a new kind of exhibit for the museum," said CEO Jonathan Foerster. "While still providing great opportunity for imaginative play for kids of all ages, the EFC Farms exhibit also provides fun ways to explore elementary school science curriculum and inspire career curiosity in our 3rd through 5th grade visitors. We are thrilled to be able to partner with EFC Farms owners David and Dr. Alise Bartley. Their leadership made this project possible. And we are grateful to U.S. Sugar for seeing an opportunity to help inspire the farmers of tomorrow at CMON."
CMON also partnered with U.S. Sugar to help bring a specific focus on career curiosity and agricultural production. As one of the largest food producers in Florida, U.S. Sugar's expertise helped build a section of the exhibit where families can learn about soil and seeds, the various fruits, vegetables, livestock, and seafood grown in our region, as well as a variety of cool jobs that support plants and animals.
“Public education is the key to understanding where our food comes from and how Florida farmers play an integral role in our nation’s food supply,” said Ryan Duffy, U.S. Sugar Senior Director for Corporate Communications. “U.S. Sugar is proud to offer Southwest Florida students an opportunity to learn and understand how important agriculture is not only to our region’s economy, but also the broader ecosystem.”
Join CMON staff to celebrate the official Grand Opening and ribbon cutting at the museum on Monday, June 16 at 1:00 p.m. and enjoy an afternoon snack, enter to win fun prizes, and of course - play together as a family in the fresh new farm space! All included with admission.
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About Golisano Children’s Museum of Naples
A 501(C)(3) not-for-profit charitable organization founded in 2002, Golisano Children’s Museum of Naples is a brain-building powerhouse and Southwest Florida’s first museum devoted to children and families. CMON is a two-story, 30,000 square foot cultural institution with hands-on and fully accessible exhibits developed by experts in child psychology, including 8,000 square feet of outdoor play space. With hands-on exhibits, the accessible museum invites children and their caregivers to journey through the swamps of the Everglades, climb a two-story banyan tree, or experiment with the water play station. Children can become weather forecasters, farmers, chefs, artists, architects, veterinarians or anything else they can imagine. They will experience the whoosh of the wind, the sound of the sea, and the effects of gravity. Throughout the day, special activities encourage our guests to get involved, try something new, and make memories. CMON provides an exciting, inspiring environment where children and their families play, learn, and dream together.
Connect with us:
Facebook: @childrensmuseumofnaples
Instagram: @childrensmuseumofnaples
For more information about Golisano Children’s Museum of Naples, or to make a contribution, visit www.cmon.org or call 239-260-1604
About EFC Farms
EFC Farms is a sustainable aquaponics farm located in Fort Myers, Florida, dedicated to growing nutrient-dense produce using innovative, eco-friendly methods. Rebuilt after Hurricane Ian, the farm serves as a local sanctuary focused on land stewardship, education, and community wellness. With a commitment to regenerative agriculture and modern farming practices, EFC Farms provides fresh food and an inspiring model for sustainable farming.