Chapman Field

Chapman Field is a botanical garden and research station in Miami-Dade County with extensive mangrove forests and saltwater wetlands. The grounds also include developed park areas where various plant species are grown and studied scientifically.

The site began in 1917 as a U.S. Army aviation training field during World War I. After the war, it was converted into a plant research center that tested new species for the region.

The place is named after David Fairchild, a botanist who introduced and tested plants from around the world here. Visitors can see how this scientific work shaped agriculture and the landscape of South Florida.

The site has boat docks for canoes and kayaks as well as parking for visitors. Access to different areas varies, so it helps to ask about the best routes before exploring.

A portion of the grounds was transferred to the University of Miami's Rosenstiel School of Marine Science in 1949, which conducts marine research there. This connection to ocean science gives the place a dual role as both a land and marine research center.

Location: Miami-Dade County

GPS coordinates: 25.64170,-80.29510

Latest update: December 14, 2025 18:09