LUCAS — New exhibits showcasing conservationist Louis Bromfield’s unconventional farming practices are now on display at Malabar Farm State Park.
The Ohio Department of Natural Resources reopened the exhibit hall Tuesday morning at the State Park’s Visitor Center.
ODNR representatives were joined by first- and second-grade students from Mansfield St. Peter’s School as they unveiled the new interactive exhibits with a ribbon cutting.
New exhibits provide interactive, educational experience
A press release from ODNR said the center will provide park visitors with a positive, educational and entertaining experience while exploring the area’s unique natural and cultural history.
The exhibits highlight the significance of healthy soil to successful farming, the relationship between wildlife and the farm environment, and conservationist Louis Bromfield’s unconventional farming practices.
A display of Bromfield’s history shows he purchased three adjoining farms in 1938 near Mansfield and named the property Malabar Farm.
The farm was fully operational by 1942 and Bromfield’s home — The Big House — was designed and constructed around an existing farmhouse to become a 32-room house.
Over the course of his life, Bromfield became one of the nation’s most famed farmers, as well as a Pulitzer Prize winning author.
Malabar Farm was dedicated as a State Park in 1976 — 20 years after Bromfield’s death.
Highlighting Bromfield’s contributions to Malabar Farm
Malabar Farm State Park’s Visitor Center opened nearly 20 years ago.
Josh Gardner, ODNR District Parks and Watercraft manager, said it was time to refresh the exhibit hall.
“The goal from this is to capture Louis Bromfield and his contributions to the farm as a conservationist,” Gardner said.
“We’ve been very fortunate in Ohio State Parks to see capital investment over the last decade or more. These are the fun projects. We’re here to educate and hopefully inspire.”
Erin Bisteline, ODNR historian, said she learns something new about Bromfield — and the history surrounding him — each time she enters The Big House.
“His views on conservation and his importance in the agricultural community reinforce my determination to include him in my teaching and my research,” she said.
“The updated exhibit that we are celebrating today maintains the multilayered history of Malabar Farm, while also offering a new look at that history, and opening up a space for new additions to the story of the farm.”
ODNR Director Mary Mertz, appointed in January 2019, said it’s important to keep Bromfield’s agricultural ideas alive.
Mertz said his focus on restoring the worn farmland was important to the development of different agricultural approaches.
“We want to honor and cherish all that he talks about in agriculture, and we want to promote even more of that,” she said.
“We want to teach all of you guys about it, so you can take care of all this land in the future,” Mertz said to students in attendance Tuesday.
Malabar Farm State Park is open to visitors daily 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
ODNR celebrating 75th anniversary
In 1949, the enactment of Amended Senate Bill 13 signified the inception of Ohio’s Department of Natural Resources and the creation of Ohio State Parks.
ODNR will celebrate its 75th anniversary with different events scheduled throughout 2024.
Glen Cobb, chief of Ohio State Parks and Watercraft, said there’s several good things happening with State Parks around Ohio.
“Our vision for each nature center in visitor centers is to spark interests of learning about nature and resource conservation of Ohio’s precious natural resources.”
To learn more about upcoming events, visit the ODNR website.
