ACES - Graham Farm & Nature Center

The site of The Graham Farm and Nature Center (GFNC) is the ancestral property of Nita Head. The property had been in the family for 81 years. Nita and husband, Bob Head, are educators who formerly lived in Estillfork, Ala., and now reside in Murray, Ky. Bob and Nita both retired from Murray State University in Murray, as professors of art and physical education.

According to Jackson County Extension Coodinator, Themika Sims, “Nita was born and raised in the house and attended the Paint Rock Valley High school as a little girl. She left to pursue a degree at the University of North Alabama. Nita, whose maiden name was Graham, was the youngest of three children and is the only survivor in the family. The goals of the Heads are to give back to the community through education. They donated this 486-acre farm to the Alabama Cooperative Extension System via the Jackson County Extension Office to leave a legacy of education."

The property is currently being developed as a center that will have a strong focus towards youth development along with natural resource and animal science education. However, it will serve as a prospective site for a wide variety of programming for youth and adult alike.

“The Grahams intended the farm would be used to teach youth and adults of natural resources conservation, animal science education, ecology, historical preservation, youth development, oral history, wildlife management, ornithology, aquatics, and fruit and vegetable production,” says Sims.

“We hope to, one day, have a lodge, educational center, cabins and chalets for the citizens of the state and surrounding areas to enjoy. In addition, we have partnered with an organization that will provide Veterans programming for men and women of the military.”