Chicago Community Gardeners Association

KWANZAA CELEBRATING “KUUMBA” CREATIVITY (THE 6TH PRINCIPLE)
2019-12-31 13:00 - 16:00 (America/Chicago) | The Gold Dome, 100 N Central Park Avenue, 100 N Central Park Avenue, Chicago, 60612, United States
You are invited to join The Garfield Park Advisory Council, celebrating Kawanza.
CELEBRATING “KUUMBA” CREATIVITY
(THE 6TH PRINCIPLE)
Special dedication: Najwa I, Artistic Director Emeritus Najwa Dance Corps,
Bolozi Wazee Council of Elders, the History Makers, renowned dancer and choreographer
Art Market Light Refreshments Entertainment

Aquaponics with Plant Chicago
2020-01-10 14:00 - 17:00
Join Plant Chicago in this workshop introducing aquaponics (raising fish plus growing plants in water). Delve deeper into the science behind aquaponics and learn more about the aquaponic nitrogen cycle! Participants will be challenged to build their own aquaponic system (not for taking home) using predetermined materials.
Space is limited and first come, first serve.
Learn more: https://chipublib.bibliocommons.com/events/5d76612bd4ffc12400c5798a?s=cdn&utm_medium=cdn

Grow Your Own Microgreens and Baby Greens Workshop
2020-01-14 17:30 - 19:30 | U of I Extension Chicago office, 8753 S Greenwood #100, Chicago, IL, 60619, United States
Join Local Foods & Small Farms Educator Zack Grant for an in-depth workshop on curing the winter blues with indoor greens production. You will learn how to grow nutrient packed microgreens safely indoors. You’ll leave with a seeded 1010 tray and seeds to start your next planting. In addition, there will be discussion on how microgreens can scale up into a small business enterprise.
U of I Extension South Cook County Office
4747 Lincoln Mall Drive, #601
Matteson IL 60443
Cost $15
Please register early at go.illinois.edu/microgreens as capactity is limited and registration closes January 12. There is no on-site registration.
If you require any special acommodations to participate in this workshop, please contact Sarah Batka at 773-233-2900 or sbatka@illinois.edu.

KAMII's Food Justice & Sustainability Weekend - January 19 & 19
2020-01-18 16:00 - 2020-01-19 17:00 | KAM Isaiah Israel, 1100 E. Hyde Park Boulevard, Chicago, 60615, United States
Please join us for the 11th Annual KAMII MLK Food Justice & Sustainability Weekend, “Climate Change & A Chicago Public Food Forest” January 18 and 19, 2020. The event starts Saturday at 4:00p with a community design workshop. A group of experts, with input from the audience, will transform a 470 acre former industrial site into a public food forest. A reception follows. Then on Sunday, from 10a – 3p, choose from 16 different workshops led by urban farmers, soil scientists and social justice advocates. There’s a complimentary lunch at noon on Sunday. The entire weekend is free of charge and open to the public. For more details and to register please visit www.kamii.org/mlk

January CCGA Coordinating Meeting
2020-01-21 18:00 - 20:00 | The Hatchery, 135 N. Kedzie Ave, Chicago, IL, 60612, United States
Please join us for our monthly coordinating meeting. Representatives from all the working groups come together to coordinate our actions. Meeting locations switch between The Hatchery & the Chicago Center for Green Technology. All community gardeners and supporters are invited to attend.
Check the CCGA website for location details and as agendas become available.
NOTE: All CCGA coordinating meeting minutes are available for you to review on the website. Look under the menu tree at ‘Who We Are’ and then ‘CCGA Organization’ and you will see links here for the coordinating committee documents by year.
Chicago Center for Green Technology (CCGT)
445 N. Sacramento Blvd.
The Hatchery
135 N. Kedzie.

Beginning Beekeeping Class at Garfield Park Conservatory
2020-01-26 09:00 - 14:00, 2020-02-29 09:00 - 14:00 | Garfield Park Conservatory, 300 N. Central Park Ave. , Chicago, IL, United States
Want to start your own hive or join a crew of volunteer beekeepers? Or just curious about bees and beekeeping? Spend the day with the Head Beekeeper at Garfield Park Conservatory, Marcin Matelski, to learn the basics: beekeeping equipment, hive design and construction, bee biology and behavior. This comprehensive class is a pre-requisite for joining our volunteer beekeeping program.

Crop Planning with Windy City Harvest
2020-02-08 10:30 - 15:00 | Farm on Ogden, 3555 Ogden Ave, Chicago, IL, 60623, United States
This workshop covers site analysis, vegetable garden plan components, space-saving techniques, cool and warm season crops, crop and variety selection, three-season and succession planning. There will be crop plan examples and at emplate for you to start your own crop plan. Bring a drawing of your farm site with dimensions.

February CCGA Coordinating Meeting
2020-02-18 18:00 - 20:00

Advanced Business Analysis for Urban Farms
2020-02-20 09:00 - 16:00 | U of I Extension Chicago office, 8753 S Greenwood #100, Chicago, IL, 60619, United States
Farm profitability is crucial for sustainability whether your farm is a commercial-focused business or a non-profit venture. Learn how to utilize Veggie Compass in this season-long, hands-on program that includes 2.5 days of in-person group training and 6 individual phone check-ins. Veggie Compass is a free tool developed by the University of Wisconsin-Madison to help farmers actively manage for increased farm profits by helping them understand their cost of production by product and by market channel. This information enables farmers to make strategic decisions to adjust prices, reduce costs, shift market channel focus, reduce or drop unprofitable products, and expand production of their most profitable ventures.
For more information click here or call Kathryn Pereira at 773-233-2900.
Registration Link is https://go.illinois.edu/VeggieCompass

Youth Farm Facilitator Training
2020-02-22 08:30 - 15:30 | Farm on Ogden, 3555 Ogden Ave, Chicago, IL, 60623, United States
Are you interested in learning more about how to work with youth in an urban agriculture or school garden setting? Would you like to know more about structuring a youth development program centered on sustainable agriculture and food systems during the summer or school year? Please join the Windy City Harvest Youth Farm staff for a day of focused learning. We will discuss incorporating standards for social and emotional learning, adultism, managing student behavior, lessons learned, and challenges faced.

Avondale Gardening Alliance Seed Swap
2020-02-23 12:00 - 15:00 | Metropolitan Brewery, 3057 North Rockwell, Chicago, Illinois, 60618
Seed swap! Come meet your neighbors and talk garden plans! Lots of seeds available, even if you don’t have your own to trade. Soup and bread available for small donation. Come enjoy the fantastic view of the Chicago River from Metropolitan Brewery.

AUA's 8th Annual Urban Livestock Expo
2020-02-29 10:00 - 13:00 | Prosser Career Academy, 2148 N. Long Ave., Chicago, IL, 60639
The *Urban Livestock Expo* returns with FREE, family-friendly workshops on
raising bees, goats, chickens, ducks, quail and more in your yard!
Workshops will cover daily care, ideal breeds, how to troubleshoot common
problems, and professional tips for being a good neighbor with animals in
the city. Also get a chance to explore the amazing urban agriculture
program at our host site, Prosser Career Academy!
Spanish interpretation provided and all skill and experience levels
welcome. Additionally, area urban livestock groups and businesses will
staff resource tables with information on further learning opportunities,
support networks, sources of supplies, equipment, and more.
Further details on our Facebook event and to follow.

CCGA Vegetable Workshop & Tool Distribution
2020-03-07 09:00 - 12:00 | Center for Green Technology, 445 North Sacramento, Chicago, IL, 60612, United States
We are delighted that vegetable growing expert Dan Gibbs will give a workshop on early season vegetables you can get started soon in your community garden (or on your window sill). Each attending community garden will receive packets of the appropriate seeds. Also, the Resources Committee has purchased brand new garden tools from Lowes (at a big discount). We will distribute a tool to each community garden attending Dan’s workshop.

Please pre-register and email your name and the name and address of your garden to mamiegray2012@gmail.com by Friday, March 6 at 4:00pm.

Fruit Tree Pruning Workshop
2020-03-07 09:00 - 13:30 | Washington Park Youth Farm, 555 East 51st Street, Chicago, United States
This hands-on class is for beginning to intermediate growers. The session will include an introduction to the different fruit tree pruning forms, when to prune, strategic pruning, and general fruit tree maintenance. We will also cover how to care for fruiting crops that thrive in Plant Hardiness Zones 5-7.

Little Village Gardeners Coalition Seed Swap / Coalicion de jardineros de la Villita Intercambio de Semillas
2020-03-07 13:00 - 15:00 | Iglesia Amor de Dios, 2356 N. Sawyer, Chicago, IL, 60623, United States

Extend Your Season With Alternative Income 2020
2020-03-13 10:00 - 14:00 | Prairie State College Matteson Area Center, 4821 Southwick Drive, Matteson, IL, 4821 Southwick Drive, Matteson, IL, 60443, United States
Curious about how you can extend your farming season and make your farm business more profitable? Join us at this panel discussion field day!

University of Illinois Extension Educator Zack Grant and Lovefood Farmer David Bachhuber will discuss ways in which you can extend your seasonal income. You will learn about microgreen production, high tunnels, and herb production. You’ll also learn about the financial elements and feasibility of extending your season, knowing your market, and the real question–do I really want to work that much all winter long?

Workshop - Cold Season Growing- March, April, May
2020-03-14 09:00 - 13:30 | Arturo Velasquez Institute Greenhouse, 2800 S Western Ave , Chicago, IL, 60608, United States
Get growing all year round! This is a technical training course intended for aspiring growers interested in learning best-practice season-extension techniques. It will combine classroom and hands-on work to prepare students to keep growing as the months get colder. It will involve farm work activities in all weather conditions. Students are expected to work indoors and outdoors.

Chicago Flower & Garden Show® - CANCELLED
2020-03-18 10:00 - 2020-03-22 19:00 | Navy Pier, 600 E Grand Ave, Chicago, IL, 60611, United States
Whether you are an accomplished gardener, just looking to learn how not to kill your houseplants or looking for a great family outing the 2020 Chicago Flower & Garden Show has it all. The 2020 theme “20/20 FOCUS ON FLOWERS” is in collaboration with The Get Growing Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to cultivating the next generation of gardeners.

Together small businesses, skilled-labor unions, industry professionals, authors, sponsors and talented friends of the Show (far too many to mention) have invested in this year’s theme, to bring the beauty of flowers (more than 800+ varieties – 80 varieties of tulips alone!), art and design together for an amazingly creative and unforgettable show. New gardens include American Quilter’s Society, I&M Canal, Perfect Parkways, Plant Truck Chicago, Focus on Spring, Zen Garden and Trail Marker Tree garden. Plus 75 education programs!

CCGA 8th Annual Conference - POSTPONED
2020-03-21 09:00 - 14:30 | Whitney Young Magnet High School, 211 South Laflin Street, Chicago, IL, 60607, United States
This year’s theme, “Connections through Gardening: Plants, People and the Environment,” aims to explore and celebrate the interconnectedness of our shared garden work and to foster relationships and conversations that shape and support best practices for sustainable living and growing in Chicago.
Community gardens are increasingly seen as a viable means of promoting restoration, transformation, and conservation of often abandoned or under used property in the city. They have become a powerful tool for promoting good nutrition, physical activity, environmental stewardship, and social connections.
Join us on Saturday, March 21 for an exciting and informative gathering of Chicago’s amazing community gardeners!

Windy City Harvest Aquaponics Class
2020-03-21 10:30 - 15:00 | Farm on Ogden, 3555 Ogden Ave, Chicago, IL, 60623, United States
Participants will learn the fundamental principles of aquaponics productions as well as tips and tricks for building an at-home or small-scale aquaponics system. This course will include hands-on work with the nursery system and the 52,000 gallon aquaponics production system.

UIC Heritage Garden Spring Seed Swap
2020-04-05 13:00 - 15:00 | Jane Adams Hull House Museum Residents’s Dining Hall, 800 South Halsted St., Chicago, 60607, United States
What role do seeds play in advancing food sovereignty? How does community gardening cultivate cultural diversity? How does gardening heal a community?
Join the UIC Heritage Garden for our Sixth Annual Spring Seed Swap! We invite gardeners, organizations, and community members interested in learning more about gardening, environmental sustainability and social justice. Anyone can come to share knowledge, stories, and resources with others, and make new friends from around the city.
Note: The UIC Union for Puerto Rican Students (UPRS) will be seeking donations for relief efforts in Puerto Rico as they experience continuous climate disasters and a lack of aid.
Admission is free; you do not have to bring seeds to attend
Refreshments will be served.
When: Sunday, April 5, 2020, 1:00pm – 3:00pm
Where: Jane Addams Hull-House Museum Resident’s Dining Hall, 800 S Halsted St., Chicago 60607
If you would like to bring seeds from your garden or organization please email us at heritagegarden.uic@gmail.com by Monday March 23, 2020. If you need any accommodations, please email us as well.

April CCGA Coordinating Meeting
2020-04-21 18:00 - 20:00

May CCGA Coordinating Meeting
2020-05-19 18:00 - 20:00

June CCGA Coordinating Meeting
2020-06-16 18:00 - 20:00

Maxwell Street Community Garden Mural Dedication
2020-08-11 18:30 | Maxwell Garden, 1150 W 13th street, Chicago, IL, 60608, United States
You are invited to attend the Dedication Ceremony Tuesday, August 11, 6:30 PM for the new Maxwell Street Community Garden mural, designed by Chicago artist CONTINUOUS GROWTH Anne Farley Gaines produced by Anne and four dedicated students who live near the garden – Andrew Epps, Brianna Norwood, Marshanda Norwood, and Jade Shumpert. at the Maxwell Steet Community Garden on 13th Street between Racine and Blue Island Avenues

60 Second Garden Challenge
2020-08-31 08:00 - 17:00
Chicago Excellence in Gardening Awards has been around for 4 years with a focus on environmentally friendly gardening practice in chicago only. This year, with Covid concerns it has been opened to any garden, anywhere, using a 60 second video format. please check out the website and share with your members.
https://chicagogardeningawards.org/.

September CCGA Coordinating Meeting
2020-09-15 18:00 - 20:00

Windy City Coop Tour
2020-09-19 10:00 - 16:00
The Windy City Coop Tour is back for its 10th year showcasing backyard
poultry, eco-yards and urban livestock across Chicago!
Saturday, September 19, 10:00am – Sunday, September 20, 4:00pm. RSVP
Here: https://www.addevent.com/event/Wj4977494
During this self-guided tour, hosts open their yards to visitors and share
their experience keeping backyard livestock in an urban setting. The Windy
City Coop Tour provides access to local examples of the broader nation-wide
movement toward sustainable yards. Hosted by Chicagoland Chicken Enthusiasts
& Angelic Organics Learning Center

CCGA Resources Perennial Distribution
2020-09-25 12:00 - 15:00 | New Horizons Community Garden, 401 S. Central Park, Chicago, IL, 60624, United States
CCGA Fall Perennial Distribution Flyer

CCGA Resources Perennial Distribution
Friday September 25th starting at Noon
New Horizons Community Garden, 425 S. Central Park Blvd. Chicago, IL 60624
Presented By: CCGA Resources Committee
