The objectives of the program are to promote increased growing and consumption of healthy and affordable local food, establish productive uses for vacant . . . → Read More: Homegrown Chicago Accepting Applications]]> The HomeGrown Chicago community food garden network, sponsored by Openlands, is a training program that focuses on fostering neighborhood groups to assess, plan for, and build long-term stewardship for community-managed green spaces.

The objectives of the program are to promote increased growing and consumption of healthy and affordable local food, establish productive uses for vacant lots, build personal connections among neighbors, and reinforce a citywide network of local gardeners for the exchange of ideas and experiences.

HomeGrown Chicago provides participants a series of four workshops (see schedule below) annually that focus on:

• Finding and securing land,
• Establishing a sustainable organizational structure,
• Designing a garden and growing food organically, and
• Building garden structures.

The program also provides customized workshops for garden groups; offers a program manual; donates lumber, soil, seeds, and other materials; and encourages participants to share advice and seeds at the beginning of each growing season.

• Workshop 1-  March 24, 2012 – 9:30  a.m.-12:30 p.m.   Meet successful allotment gardeners and learn the history of this movement.  Learn how to find, test and secure land for your garden.
• Workshop 2- March 31, 2012 – 9:30  a.m.-12:30 p.m.   Learn how to establish a healthy organization as the first step to ensure that the garden is run effectively, cooperatively and sustainably.
• Workshop 3-  April  7, 2012 – 9:30  a.m.-12:30 p.m.   Designing the garden, and growing vegetables organically.
• Workshop 4- April 14, 2012 – 9:30  a.m.-12:30 p.m.  Hands-on demonstrations of building & installing garden structures such as raised beds & trellises in a garden.

Workshop participants will receive a manual, garden materials,  technical assistance and membership in the HomeGrown Chicago Food Garden Network.

Registration: HomeGrown is for groups, not individuals. A minimum of 4 people from each garden is suggested. Tuition for the program is $150.00 for four members and four classes. Registration is limited and starts January 13, 2012 , ends March 10, 2012. For an application contact Julie Samuels (312.863.6256) or click here.

-Openlands

Explore Sustainable Seafood

Shedd’s Sustainable Seafood Cooking Class for Kids

Thursday, February 9th

7:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.

Dirk’s Fish and Gourmet Shop

2070 N Clybourn

For more information, contact bhavlik@sheddaquarium.org.

Did you know your seafood choices . . . → Read More: Shedd’s Sustainable Seafood Cooking Class for Kids, February 9th, 7:30PM]]>

Explore Sustainable Seafood

Shedd’s Sustainable Seafood Cooking Class for Kids

Thursday, February 9th

7:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.

Dirk’s Fish and Gourmet Shop

2070 N Clybourn

For more information, contact bhavlik@sheddaquarium.org.

Did you know your seafood choices can have a big impact on the health of our waters? Everyone can make a differe

Panelists: Lindsay Record, Illinois Stewardship Program LaDonna Redmond, Institute for Community Resource Development Angela Mason, Director, Community Gardening and Green Youth Farm, Chicago Botanic Garden

Moderator: Laurel Ross, Urban Conservation Director, ECCo, The Field Museum

Join local . . . → Read More: The Field Museum presents a FREE lecture 10.21.10]]> Photo credit: Windy City Harvest Kenneth Street Farm





























Lecture Tonight:Food from Your Backyard: Sustainable Farming in Illinois

Panelists:
Lindsay Record, Illinois Stewardship Program
LaDonna Redmond, Institute for Community Resource Development
Angela Mason, Director, Community Gardening and Green Youth Farm, Chicago Botanic Garden

Moderator:
Laurel Ross, Urban Conservation Director, ECCo, The Field Museum

Join local and regional leaders as they discuss government policy and education initiatives that can contribute to sustainable food systems in Illinois. Leaders in the field will discuss steps that can be taken to support and build a sustainable food system and explore its impact on climate change in the region.

This event is FREE
Registration is strongly encouraged
312-665-7400

Sunday, August 8 2010 at 2pm

Roots and Rays Community Garden

1513-1519 W Cullerton

Composting your kitchen scraps and yard trimmings is an easy, low maintenance way to reduce your household waste by up to 30%. Join C3 (Chicago Conservation Corps) Trainee and Roots and Rays Gardener Christine Ferriter to learn how to . . . → Read More: C3 Leader Christine Ferriter Composting Workshop in Pilsen]]> Composting Workshop!

Sunday, August 8 2010 at 2pm

Roots and Rays Community Garden

1513-1519 W Cullerton

Composting your kitchen scraps and yard trimmings is an easy, low maintenance way to reduce your household waste by up to 30%. Join C3 (Chicago Conservation Corps) Trainee and Roots and Rays Gardener Christine Ferriter to learn how to turn your grass clippings, young weeds, veggie scraps, fruit peels, coffee grounds, and egg shells into free nutrient-rich, chemical-free compost for your garden and houseplants.

This workshop will include demonstrations on various types of composting from outdoor aerobic and anaerobic methods to indoor vermicomposting. There are many different types of composters on the market today, each with their own benefits; discover which method is right for you and your family or learn how to build your own backyard compost bin out of found materials.

Don’t have a backyard? Don’t worry! Vermicomposting is a safe and clean indoor method for recycling everyday kitchen scraps into a rich, dark, earth-smelling soil conditioner using red-wriggler worms. Setting up a worm bin in your kitchen is a great way to begin composting in an urban setting and can keep up to 200lbs a year of nutrient rich food waste out of landfills. This workshop will take you through the steps of how to set up and maintain your very own worm bin!

Please join us for an afternoon of family activities, healthy snacks & raffle prizes! Raffle prizes include (1) Earth Machine Outdoor Composter, (1) Rain Barrel, and (6) Ready-to-go Worm Bins. Informational brochures and $30 City of Chicago rebate forms for purchased outdoor composters or rain barrels will also be available.

Registration is not required but space and materials are limited, please RSVP to rootsandrays@gmail.com