A new agriculture facility in Archer will focus on increasing conservation efforts and maintaining the local water supply. City officials said the initiative began when they noticed that high amounts of nitrates in raw sewage were harming the drinking water supply.
Congressman Ted Yoho and other elected officials from Alachua County helped acquire the $644,000 plot of land for the facility. Its 74 acres will host a wildlife habitat for conservation methods, recreational items such as hiking and horseback riding trails and a new wastewater management facility.
City Manager Al Grieshaber said 90 percent of the park will be returned to native Florida habitat for the enjoyment of all the residents of Archer and the surrounding areas.