Today we’d like to introduce you to Tina Jenkins.
Hi Tina, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
Jaybird Hammock Farm is the product of generations rooted in Nassau County. Both Jay and I are fourth-generation residents, our families having settled here in the late 1920s. Growing up on this land, our relationship with nature formed in parallel. I was taught to admire and respect the natural world, while Jay spent his days exploring, running through the pine forests, and living wild. These early experiences shaped us. We both held onto that deep connection, and during the COVID-19 shutdown, we returned to it. While I taught remotely at FSCJ and homeschooled our three children, we began tending to the property. We cleared brush by our pond, creating shaded spaces for our family. One goat became two, and soon our small farm grew. We realized how healing this land was, not just for us, but for others. That’s when the vision for Jaybird Hammock Farm was born—something that would sustain our family while offering others the peace we found. We bred our goats with purpose, knowing we would start goat yoga. After our first kids were born, I reached out to yoga instructors, which is when I met Dr. Ronnetta Williams. Her expertise in psychology and mindfulness brought meditation and sound baths to the farm. Then I met Kayla Jones, who led goat yoga and paddleboard yoga on our aquifer-fed pond. Together, the farm blossomed into something bigger than us.
As the herd grew, I walked them through our pine forests and thought, people would love this. Now, we have families, like Wild Oaks Explorers, who come twice a week to learn about nature, just as we did as children. My mom, Myra, my daughter, Raemi, and my husband, Jay, are all involved. Jay is the backbone behind the scenes, keeping everything running. It’s become a true community space. Here, families walk with goats, rest under ancient pines, watch wildlife, and find the same healing we did. Jaybird Hammock Farm is now a place to reconnect—with nature, with community, and with yourself
The name Jaybird Hammock Farm is all about family. My husband’s grandmother, Connell Jenkins, was the firstborn daughter of Frank Ward—yes, the one the road is named after. Even though my husband is now a towering 6’4″ and a former boxer, his grandma always called him “Jaybird” or “Birdling.” And “Hammock” is a nod both to the tree hammocks on our land and the cozy hammocks we have for relaxing—a perfect mix of our family’s legacy and peaceful nature.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Starting a small business definitely comes with its own set of unique challenges, especially when you’re juggling multiple full-time roles. Both my husband and I work full-time—I’m a professor at FSCJ, and he’s in auto glass repair. On top of that, we manage our farm, which means we’re deeply involved in animal husbandry, taking care of our goats and the constant fence repairs they inspire! I handle all the business aspects, from answering emails and building the website to managing social media and advertising. It’s a big job, and we truly appreciate everyone’s patience along the way.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
Jaybird Hammock Farm is a family farm in Nassau County, Florida where we share the beauty of the land, our animals, and the slower pace of life that still exists here. What started as our home has grown into a place where people come to spend time outdoors, breathe fresh air, and experience nature in a simple, meaningful way.
Guests visit the farm for experiences like Goat Yoga, guided Nature Walks with our goat herd, Stand-Up Paddleboard Yoga on our spring-fed pond, and Hammock Meditations beneath the tall pines. Whether people come for a peaceful walk, a little laughter during goat yoga, or a quiet evening under the trees, the goal is the same — to create space for people to relax, reconnect, and enjoy the natural surroundings.
This land has deep roots. Our families settled in this area generations ago, and that sense of history still lives in the landscape. The farm is surrounded by tall pines, winding trails, and open pasture that reflect the character and beauty of Old Florida.
Caring for the animals and tending the land is part of everyday life here. Our goats roam, browse, and bring their playful personalities to the farm, and they’ve become a favorite part of the experience for many visitors.
What we’re most proud of is the feeling people take with them when they leave — a sense of peace, connection, and appreciation for time spent outdoors. Jaybird Hammock Farm is simply a place where people can enjoy goats, trees, trails, and the quiet beauty of nature.
In terms of your work and the industry, what are some of the changes you are expecting to see over the next five to ten years?
My family’s roots run deep in this region’s history. Northeast Florida thrived in the late 1920s with the turpentine and pulpwood industries, and my family was at the heart of that boom. We have antique tools from the pulpwood era that I want to display as a historical tribute. In addition, I have a sugarcane grinding mill and a cane syrup boiler from my family property. I hope to bring them here, transforming them into an educational centerpiece—and with the right partnerships, like grants or museum collaborations, I believe we can bring this living history to life for future generations.
Pricing:
- Goat Yoga $35
- Meditation & Sound Bath in Pine Forest Hammocks $60
- Nature Walk with the Goat Herd $15
- Stand-up Paddleboard Yoga $35
- Private Events Available
Contact Info:
- Website: www.jaybirdhammockfarm.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jaybird_hammock_farm
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1D4xkpboSk/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@JaybirdHammockFarm
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/jaybird-hammock-farm-fernandina-beach
