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<title>Urban Ag Connect Volume 7 Issue 3 | December 2023</title>
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<p class="MsoNormal">It looks like you are not subscribed to our newsletter. I thought you might like to know about some upcoming events. If you like the newsletter, you can subscribe at the very bottom. It is scheduled quarterly: December, March, June, September.
And if there is anything that you would like me to include in the newsletter relating to local food and Small farm events, please let me know.
<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Wishing all of the CCGA family the happiest of holidays. <o:p>
</o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in">Sarah Batka<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:.5in">Local Foods Small Farms Program Coordinator<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:.5in">U of I Extension, Serving Cook County<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:.5in">8753 S Greenwood #100, Chicago, IL 60619<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:.5in">w. 217-300-8636<br>
<u><span style="color:#0563C1"><a href="mailto:sbatka@illinois.edu"><span style="color:#0563C1">sbatka@illinois.edu</span></a><br>
</span></u>All Cook County Extension offices will be closed for Holiday break 12/22/23 – 1/1/24<o:p></o:p></p>
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Cook County</span></a><o:p></o:p></span></p>
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Food Systems and Small Farms</span></a><o:p></o:p></span></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.95pt"><strong><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#13294B">Volume 7 Issue 3 | December 2023</span></strong><b><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#13294B"><o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:11.25pt"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#676F78">A newsletter from Cook County's Local Food Systems & Small Farm Team<o:p></o:p></span></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:12.0pt"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#676F78">Raised beds with row covers withdrawn due to warmer temps. (photo: Zack Grant, Illinois Extension)<o:p></o:p></span></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:15.75pt;line-height:16.8pt"><strong><span style="font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#1D58A7">What's happening at the SoSuCo farm?</span></strong><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#444D56"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
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<span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#444D56">As I write this update, I can hear the first biting winds of winter outside my window. The next two weeks in the forecast present nighttime lows barely into the mid-20s all the way
through into the new year. While it is a stretch to view these relatively singular warm weeks of weather as definitive point source proof of climate change (although it is a part of the story), there is no doubt that on average, winters in Illinois have gotten
warmer. A better source than any to confirm this is the newly updated <a href="https://i-links.illinois.edu/?ref=mrgAAL5biiV64saJtFjvzMnT6icSqmULAQAAADvw9DYLIAbsQh2JS5yP-7bz54hSH7ik9Q54_gnTH0uRPOxzfrNkjlw_W_--JMTeKP94LtQVDEGJq8Kl315qaYQRonPNAG_xtxpV4zVzMkox94BJk2_qJkiJrpz-WFeI5xCxubaacR13I93z4v-ISJBOu1IeDGnSbm0JPwv0Qq9oZI_e8bdsK51_0PSc9qHFTD9SwOhgfTasOyIwdRcNIseWDaU-4fQ1XJNU9my3G0jN">
<span style="color:#D43916">USDA hardiness zone maps</span></a>. The updated map includes interpolated data from actual weather stations from 1991-2020, which is the data set climatologists now refer to as the “new normal” to describe baseline climate data.
The updated map for Illinois now for the first time includes hardiness zone 7a in southern Illinois, and firmly puts the vast majority of Chicagoland in hardiness zone 6a with pockets of 6b along the lakefront. I would encourage you to read our
<a href="https://i-links.illinois.edu/?ref=mrgAAAhy2rOEcTW6QWyAqexVJ_T5LMoGAQAAADvw9DYLIAbsQh2JS5yP-7bz54hSH7ik9Q54_gnTH0uRPOxzfrNkjlw_W_--JMTeKP94LtQVDEGJq8Kl315qaYQRonPNAG_xtxpV4zVzMkoxHzkpM1Dg7H3wQwaxeM8t1orWesGwE16DPfi3HwKSX2h6NRPZVEG9CLQ_A77vjouHtDkqRQdqK34S-WJAtqChCKJHtiSE38F_G9KYtsel74jU7cpWZzLtrmQTpoV3A-xiF4uk5oaw8fDl5wObFZ_gkjMUMcEzXxLCcWH4W1C9OjUlWwncttRHiGNu_GWjnGJKtvC3-rePrUjR00McHll-Gg">
<span style="color:#D43916">state climatologist Trent Ford’s take</span></a> on the updated zones. What does this mean practically for growing vegetables? While an increase in hardiness zone helps the case for a longer season, these hardiness zones are based
on average winter temperatures. I would encourage you to base your planting season around the
<a href="https://i-links.illinois.edu/?ref=mrgAAAA9Qg8VXCDvNgposCOWxn_02fhjAQAAADvw9DYLIAbsQh2JS5yP-7bz54hSH7ik9Q54_gnTH0uRPOxzfrNkjlw_W_--JMTeKP94LtQVDEGJq8Kl315qaYQRonPNAG_xtxpV4zVzMkoxHzkpM1Dg7H3wQwaxeM8t1orWesGwE16DPfi3HwKSX2jJ5B5jt7lS5Kpxc_AObIY_DG8lNCXIKPmfZfxPP0b7zXAV7P9gC1DkWpO4PzYJXA4slBa-inQapOyMmGnCytOWhFK2BlcBs900HLzocwQUBXoacYM3Mp33WvIaZpFbPGk">
<span style="color:#D43916">updated frost date data</span></a> also from state climatologist Trent Ford. Rather than use the traditional median date for last frost, I would recommend using the 90<sup>th</sup> percentile and latest possible frost date to decide
when to set out tender and warm loving vegetables. Based on this, I don’t normally set outdoor tomatoes, peppers, or cucumbers in their beds until May 15<sup>th</sup>-20<sup>th</sup> at the earliest without good protection (row cover).<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:15.75pt;line-height:16.8pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#444D56">At SoSuCo the winter crops are firmly established and holding well in the high tunnel. There has been very little
need to add the low tunnel row cover inside the larger high tunnel as temperatures inside the high tunnel have yet to dip below 22F. One potential benefit to a warmer winter in Illinois is that it will become much easier to grow high quality cold hardy crops
in the winter using high tunnels. If we have to use the row covers less inside the high tunnel, as the coldest nights on average become tolerable to most winter crops, then it will require much less labor to manage the high tunnel. Another consequence of using
the row covers less is that more light will make its way to crops and therefore drive slightly more photosynthesis, which could equate to higher yields for the winter months. Ideally, it would be nice to be able to minimally heat the tunnel to maintain a bare
minimum low of 32F. This would eliminate the need for an additional row cover low tunnel inside the high tunnel. However, it can be a slippery slope when it comes to introducing heat. Careful fuel cost calculations and sustainability metrics might need to
be factored in to determine if the increase in crop quality or yield makes economic sense, or if you are trying to minimize your carbon footprint.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:15.75pt;line-height:16.8pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#444D56">For this upcoming year, in addition to the Urban Ag Connect Vlog series below, I am going to make an attempt at
re-vamping our Instagram channel<a href="https://i-links.illinois.edu/?ref=mrgAAJ3lzcuclAWTwvWOhFUgL1FcQSIMAQAAADvw9DYLIAbsQh2JS5yP-7bz54hSH7ik9Q54_gnTH0uRPOxzfrNkjlw_W_--JMTeKP94LtQVDEGJq8Kl315qaYQRonPNAG_xtxpV4zVzMkoxnYcyqs7-Yu1guDmb6QBnNd4KTMqbSAjnIc0toROK-0BHsJU33aqpYJ0RJKFMlL2yPOBYZ0fei87H9mkVaAUMJZiXKH1kka2GKj19VcHOXRWNy3JS0YBfWbNGSzM7ZaVg7IwsAj3PLsptQ7caT2iwog"><span style="color:#D43916"> sosuco_urban_ag</span></a>.
Please follow us there! Instagram makes it easier to get pictures and video out quicker rather than going through the editing process. Maybe I will finally start posting on a weekly basis! Be sure to continue to stay connected to the
<a href="https://i-links.illinois.edu/?ref=mrgAAAmp5Zer5EV54mkRrAeSKEWOOqteAQAAADvw9DYLIAbsQh2JS5yP-7bz54hSH7ik9Q54_gnTH0uRPOxzfrNkjlw_W_--JMTeKP94LtQVDEGJq8Kl315qaYQRonPNAG_xtxpV4zVzMkox-2O-Kw49wvmhY11coWSlCT6-czuv8JXYnGIa_tNMpBJkluAur4XQIZ57Wb1r-JAZ4lbMDsoShhxDQIjM3v8YUNSgtKTYuBbhPGTJGr9cKGH7yscagSMqDgiIOp9E3RPGhDSKDpOnHO9-JdqvHeBKpUpTx67vbQpPM8HXrmCtgJ82aRpNzlEF8pR0weU2Rj4FN3-0B6Q6V5ntBfMu0297bg">
<span style="color:#D43916">Urban Ag Connect vlog</span></a> series for other updates related to SoSuCo.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:15.75pt;line-height:16.8pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#444D56">Have a wonderful holiday season!<o:p></o:p></span></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:15.75pt;line-height:16.8pt"><strong><span style="font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#1D58A7">Where are they now?</span></strong><b><span style="font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#1D58A7"><br>
</span></b><em><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#13294B">An interview series with our Master Urban Farmer graduates</span></em><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#444D56"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
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<span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#444D56">This month we’re featuring four former students who’ve been in the news, received major grants, and who’ve been simply knocking it out of the park with their urban food production. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:15.75pt;line-height:16.8pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#444D56">Paula Acevedo, MUFTP 2016, was recently in the news! She’s working on a project with DePaul University Researchers to
analyze whether people of diverse backgrounds feel welcome in a public space. The project has participants wear high-tech eye-tracking glasses which include a camera and the ability to record where your head points, eye movement, and location and heart rates.
Read more about how this three-year project is being implemented at El Paseo Community Garden in <a href="https://i-links.illinois.edu/?ref=mrgAAI8d2Hk52NdTE91VL_QFhhnrlIAsAQAAADvw9DYLIAbsQh2JS5yP-7bz54hSH7ik9Q54_gnTH0uRPOxzfrNkjlw_W_--JMTeKP94LtQVDEGJq8Kl315qaYQRonPNAG_xtxpV4zVzMkoxU8qpU9YgjkXKra99LwzicOJzkf_NqvZEIUrGONIDcfRrl23E4PfNlW_y8x3a6BNWqrixW6UoU9NTTg63OSGbMTr7Kikgcyabr2YfkW4-qY25_dyj3GZ_B0LtbEz8r3jdIz2tBCvLymXhytSLLCz6qUb7R1RMRX6y6hgN9UP46jwhqM8plwBBLEDVF15AvNjm7KXo8567msTszqtfcfYCSXV6jcJaGkRryOUTKpNNI6EgOvNG4JGA5Wxuqmp6hbob"><span style="color:#D43916">this
December 8 Chicago Tribune article</span></a>. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:15.75pt;line-height:16.8pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#444D56">Two MUFTP graduates, Natasha Nicholes (2019) and Bonnie Harrison (2023) have seen significant success with grants
this year. Natasha, <a href="https://i-links.illinois.edu/?ref=mrgAALbkiAbs8eLNiwVQyTqonezueVJ-AQAAADvw9DYLIAbsQh2JS5yP-7bz54hSH7ik9Q54_gnTH0uRPOxzfrNkjlw_W_--JMTeKP94LtQVDEGJq8Kl315qaYQRonPNAG_xtxpV4zVzMkoxKFC1IfTeQfL7Wl7HZIFDVOl7Aznl1Rxvcv9cGozgss8cSGuWA7xCGGO4aQ0QS-pwAM8vDjMlu-V2fFSDOMXjghg2egUVJemzv1cVE4IEXtg">
<span style="color:#D43916">We Sow We Grow</span></a>, received a <a href="https://i-links.illinois.edu/?ref=mrgAADpGhE9Rw-LEPy-QuKCgI3iPIlttAQAAADvw9DYLIAbsQh2JS5yP-7bz54hSH7ik9Q54_gnTH0uRPOxzfrNkjlw_W_--JMTeKP94LtQVDEGJq8Kl315qaYQRonPNAG_xtxpV4zVzMkox5qDxIA8De0j9HxWsTJy4e5P_staTysBwNn5A4vVrE3IVCKOeFFv1FUpkCFZs06lwfZAiCdmZIfImi5qORAKOAXK5laX4De49fDHtA3NZsOswNDSUTRz2pbcytjiwrU65zs81FJF9-wET7_IrCOsXrVQ5OdVc0JHHb_-SEth9Q7_eVeEFoRnk8dGr_zjSd3L-h4hkbg8eHvGXa3UK-E6AZ9iO_rRyZajb9-GPjU0p7FQ">
<span style="color:#D43916">Chicago Community Growers grant</span></a> for $150,000 to help her develop and expand her production areas,
<a href="https://i-links.illinois.edu/?ref=mrgAAFz71zdYiiYmGpD5emdYLFWpf72OAQAAADvw9DYLIAbsQh2JS5yP-7bz54hSH7ik9Q54_gnTH0uRPOxzfrNkjlw_W_--JMTeKP94LtQVDEGJq8Kl315qaYQRonPNAG_xtxpV4zVzMkoxKFC1IfTeQfL7Wl7HZIFDVLEW7HFlh2KeWF7tW_lDhGgamnuiGAmsvjqYxd2ToVEPX7kMCLr8UGABp-t2Cpx1GTTkTnqHgZXvA9K_FaICXV1RqOpI4jUQp1vC1oCVfHtQTsGpiojSDQzeiLufM2glhUcRe5MNK1TnvwzBRI_bLMUPwGnwtnk4cj9tSuP3sqoMDAuF25iY6QU-ifJIZPdLuw">
<span style="color:#D43916">including expansion on to nearby empty lots</span></a> just across the street from her current farm in Pullman. Natasha was a featured guest during our 2023 MUFTP class offering great grant-writing tips such as “Be yourself. Be transparent.
And, tell <em><span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">your</span></em> story, not the story you think they want to hear.” In December Bonnie, CoGro Biodynamic Farm and the associated non-profit Roots, Eggs and Greens, received $45,000 in unrestricted
funds from the Chicago Food Policy Action Council’s <a href="https://i-links.illinois.edu/?ref=mrgAAJsT_3szI92Xc1XqPkBB3pgN40nIAQAAADvw9DYLIAbsQh2JS5yP-7bz54hSH7ik9Q54_gnTH0uRPOxzfrNkjlw_W_--JMTeKP94LtQVDEGJq8Kl315qaYQRonPNAG_xtxpV4zVzMkox66bJ7RmJ_97hfQc3LQ_qOkJL0L8MZP4Nq6wy01F7JftE2wvmsytYttra44WTcZnLwpt7pAVeglgEBGePNN2Ox5j7E_lBlPrfJ9veRVcyDHEsgRJvZ1MjlMxvgZ2IbluHFzarFCpADPBCbHfSDDY15ug9qbzScIOkoMMDeYPxkFuBx5UVePP3Pn8nOrx8509gvWWdeBz4Ik67OrbJgMW7pwCQQ33w-O2mLFeZPxLKqGWd_UcT3cPo64ndn5qcORdszOMXMfbrhQBtfJC9fXrFLekLAB0cK7-ovW9SdkMLy8PP3tER9wp9Oc7kbLAlglIdR-IVw3wBHvnTfYMfs-5p26byEv-6dz1Ld_feZKlcYquH9gjVu7-vkqz1O6sKYEIO">
<span style="color:#D43916">Good Food Purchasing Initiative (GFPI) Community Fund</span></a>. Bonnie plans to use the money to repair the roof of the barn where her wash-pack station is located, purchase a BCS walking tractor, and hire a seasonal farm manager.
Bonnie used her time in MUFTP this fall to begin building a whole-farm business plan. Bonnie was also a 2022-2023 recipient of the
<a href="https://i-links.illinois.edu/?ref=mrgAAAgiplFpR3irhYV2EznP-vuhr4PQAQAAADvw9DYLIAbsQh2JS5yP-7bz54hSH7ik9Q54_gnTH0uRPOxzfrNkjlw_W_--JMTeKP94LtQVDEGJq8Kl315qaYQRonPNAG_xtxpV4zVzMkox66bJ7RmJ_97hfQc3LQ_qOkJL0L8MZP4Nq6wy01F7JfsIAvAZbTSCf01LujrFyvHD9KYykbqmXgjc25y4mbpTzbTvokz2tthKQAYBWVNSR1A7x7Btt8BK3UEx2ZLgX0zpB8l_n3ZEVKYePEa3rdKFngn3ELBTeGK4WRMUG01H-yij5ROVCd8eDl3rFMSgIXvokytF7Eue8e6osoxSAMPVRw">
<span style="color:#D43916">Suburban Cook County Microgrant</span></a> which was a collaboration between CFPAC, the Cook County Department of Public Health and the Cook County Good Food Task Force. Keep an eye on
<a href="https://i-links.illinois.edu/?ref=mrgAABlh7hQ5TasrMnc1ubohpW6gSIR7AQAAADvw9DYLIAbsQh2JS5yP-7bz54hSH7ik9Q54_gnTH0uRPOxzfrNkjlw_W_--JMTeKP94LtQVDEGJq8Kl315qaYQRonPNAG_xtxpV4zVzMkox66bJ7RmJ_97hfQc3LQ_qOkJL0L8MZP4Nq6wy01F7JfvsYJ1_82RSQaof_eYmUtyhra-oy_yjSId8WR8R7iWqCySCUbn8dvLM-6ITMFzDQklokKPCiy1Li3U5BO5yeJrUnfhgUSXsd4QSdKLarSVy6A">
<span style="color:#D43916">CFPAC’s news page</span></a> for an upcoming feature on Roots, Eggs, and Greens.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:15.75pt;line-height:16.8pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#444D56">This year Mary Harkenrider, MUFTP 2019, grew 6,010 pounds of food for free distribution at the
<a href="https://i-links.illinois.edu/?ref=mrgAAF_2ljbfJq32kzxtHyTltHiTsR3PAQAAADvw9DYLIAbsQh2JS5yP-7bz54hSH7ik9Q54_gnTH0uRPOxzfrNkjlw_W_--JMTeKP94LtQVDEGJq8Kl315qaYQRonPNAG_xtxpV4zVzMkoxLtt04Vv7oqgfGF0aPTwUUFg_SeI4b_kSXyJvS5Lw2VskABHYpMRAVStc2xFb-s3d6aHdCMyghdmNOkip4bPbywXP-dKMFGZ9oKiLH6Zxy1e93U_tW-QKwyG7C7DCCb11">
<span style="color:#D43916">Precious Blood Urban Farm</span></a> at 51<sup>st</sup> and Elizabeth in Chicago. This was their second straight year of producing over three tons of food on just 7,000 square feet. Mary has devoted herself to implementing many of
the systems she learned about in Master Urban Farmer as well as installing new infrastructure to help her be more efficient. The farm includes a small cool bot, wash pack station, on-site composting, bee hives, chickens, low tunnels, and drip irrigation. On
December 14 they were still harvesting carrots, beets and spinach. This year saw the installation of an outdoor pizza oven, chef-led cooking classes at the farm, and a 2023 Chicago Excellence in Gardening Award.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:15.75pt;line-height:16.8pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#444D56">If you are a former student and have updates to share or would simply like your work in urban agriculture featured
in this column and on our blog, <a href="https://i-links.illinois.edu/?ref=mrgAAItUyt_3N4US2qvLszuTA93Z9VorAQAAADvw9DYLIAbsQh2JS5yP-7bz54hSH7ik9Q54_gnTH0uRPOxzfrNkjlw_W_--JMTeKP94LtQVDEGJq8Kl315qaYQRonPNAG_xtxpV4zVzMkox-tDZf5jBKrAH3Gv-hkYMKUvoS0I57i3OwSKfMVpwb1KORzWYH3jcXmu5ivI1VCuU-q2TeV4uvZaoREInF5tRoDckieRPiFErgh5BCwmq44VBqLzaXEHGQtTPqc7iHnWxgbr5f5hB84k5_HpCHZClxzjedv7_XgTz81jQSDXdK7I" target="_blank">
<span style="color:#D43916">Cultivate Cook County</span></a>, let educator Kathryn Pereira know about your work. Email her at
<a href="mailto:kpereira@illinois.edu"><span style="color:#D43916">kpereira@illinois.edu</span></a>.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:12.0pt"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#676F78">Most of the 2023 MUFTP class at our field day on September 30, 2023. (photo by Sarah Batka)<o:p></o:p></span></p>
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<strong><span style="font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#1D58A7">Illinois Extension upcoming activities and programs</span></strong><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#444D56"><br>
<br>
<a href="https://i-links.illinois.edu/?ref=mrgAAFgPelTI7ZPD446ZXOu0SyeGzKa1AQAAADvw9DYLIAbsQh2JS5yP-7bz54hSH7ik9Q54_gnTH0uRPOxzfrNkjlw_W_--JMTeKP94LtQVDEGJq8Kl315qaYQRonPNAG_xtxpV4zVzMkoxJMJ_HrqMPuwrbza6qYSwm3rCop2XKFhU14VrWP6mw24Ya0n7cSkQwwUvXBK5JrEOMM5H5iimQLcmlx6s5MSQL7M2YqsFIDAV3ZsiUNBpHLp6tvzXN5Mytt2m7DXMyy9lgTuzpkpCs8G5jCgasI4ABG9PL3UMafa5TzT59KTAWKxtbJEZaHa6xy0hm3NgcfAT" target="_blank"><span style="color:#D43916">Native
Landscape Design Workshop</span></a><br>
Transform your landscape: learn design principles and native plant selection in this free, two-part online workshop series with University of Illinois Extension. <br>
This workshop has two parts:<br>
1. An educational lecture by Extension horticulture educators and a Master Gardener. This session will focus on landscape design principles, native plants resources, and incorporating native plants into your landscape. <strong><span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">January
30th from 6-8pm CST via Zoom.</span></strong><br>
2. At the end of the lecture, attendees will be invited to attend one of two virtual coaching sessions, where they will be mentored by a Master Naturalist or Master Gardener who will help with garden layout, plant selection, and troubleshooting. These coaching
sessions will be held on <strong><span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">Zoom on February 13th and 27th, from 6-8pm</span></strong>.<br>
<a href="https://i-links.illinois.edu/?ref=mrgAAHwA4rxwgbrSOPFDyFrdNy-BOy9iAQAAADvw9DYLIAbsQh2JS5yP-7bz54hSH7ik9Q54_gnTH0uRPOxzfrNkjlw_W_--JMTeKP94LtQVDEGJq8Kl315qaYQRonPNAG_xtxpV4zVzMkox-tDZf5jBKrAH3Gv-hkYMKeg4xNwY6SmnS3Ztbq92uD4SiGa4jjmm-TpgNxkyby2m4bPHgOGEjU_zi-ouLjmNc6w91jlXxNJ0zhCtLmEC25QY5iaetTbq6lBysKNOkxXnSfyVFpM1mwh7oKq5wLZKLO5N670-9rBPa4-xSZU5z-EKQQ6LzhzKE-32QL5JAtc2" target="_blank"><span style="color:#D43916">Register</span></a>
by January 28, 2024<br>
<br>
<a href="https://i-links.illinois.edu/?ref=mrgAAH7Ito6WK5YdHzWUW4WzBIC_al3qAQAAADvw9DYLIAbsQh2JS5yP-7bz54hSH7ik9Q54_gnTH0uRPOxzfrNkjlw_W_--JMTeKP94LtQVDEGJq8Kl315qaYQRonPNAG_xtxpV4zVzMkoxJMJ_HrqMPuwrbza6qYSwm3rCop2XKFhU14VrWP6mw24Ya0n7cSkQwwUvXBK5JrEOP9IC-DvLxc6klOCwTg-_I8mYWUrsuhEQwKmnd90QumrxieElHeG7RQA3bPRRzU0kSkNSYLWo8_H-SNt6_TMmekxl1oAhkFkkr1cMIouhZSMiM032ShruLUmfz_JfFTva" target="_blank"><span style="color:#D43916">Legal
Training for Illinois Small Farms</span></a><br>
This is a quarterly webinar series presented by<a href="https://i-links.illinois.edu/?ref=mrgAAAjCcyPWzuVyKNyVUMV4eZy7szt5AQAAADvw9DYLIAbsQh2JS5yP-7bz54hSH7ik9Q54_gnTH0uRPOxzfrNkjlw_W_--JMTeKP94LtQVDEGJq8Kl315qaYQRonPNAG_xtxpV4zVzMkoxw6nhpkDIAdKnpVXnhH9IxMqASITvLD95qAmt8903Jp3hTH92uUFcFhG7xfVJpopXk7mUpj4-nLL5czuis0cwGE0B-Agw6QNpbB2CoTKBNG7vJD2YOEy06T-SN4K-3S2s" target="_blank"><span style="color:#D43916"> Farm
Commons</span></a>.<br>
Sessions will be held quarterly on Mondays from 7 – 8 pm CST, via Zoom. <br>
<strong><span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">Forming an LLC, March 18, 2024</span></strong> - <a href="https://i-links.illinois.edu/?ref=mrgAABQTjPYWePxnrrVI5J1uQzyLIbHVAQAAADvw9DYLIAbsQh2JS5yP-7bz54hSH7ik9Q54_gnTH0uRPOxzfrNkjlw_W_--JMTeKP94LtQVDEGJq8Kl315qaYSUxLytTU8lfe3O9ShpdRxjG1QdSO6xzWsHbzpfHOsadVLQbW6a2-dKE0iK3-69oNgYJL8YLQe8RIwHD4-LxEGHzGwYDlimuPnkVHdmd9ZT9fflFkSkaR6bNCuqmRrVF-Bzxwb_iXigcQAqvY0GPN7d" target="_blank"><span style="color:#D43916">go.illinois.edu/FormingAnLLC</span></a><br>
<br>
<strong id="isPasted"><span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">Forming an LLC </span></strong>presented by Rachel Armstrong, Executive Director Farm Commons. If you or your producers are curious about the details of an LLC, you’re not alone! Most farmers
choose the LLC as their preferred business structure. The good news is that forming one is quite simple. But at the same time, farmers and ranchers need to know a few keys to ensure they get the benefits they’re expecting from this entity. We’ll do a quick
recap of why an LLC is a good risk management tool before going into how to form one, which best practices to implement after it’s formed, and regular obligations to keep the LLC in top legal shape. Even farmers who have had an LLC for years will learn some
things about how to preserve their resilience. <br>
<br>
<a href="https://i-links.illinois.edu/?ref=mrgAALBjhK_XbZDHXaonJIF4Dcp0NhoXAQAAADvw9DYLIAbsQh2JS5yP-7bz54hSH7ik9Q54_gnTH0uRPOxzfrNkjlw_W_--JMTeKP94LtQVDEGJq8Kl315qaYQRonPNAG_xtxpV4zVzMkoxJMJ_HrqMPuwrbza6qYSwm3rCop2XKFhU14VrWP6mw24Ya0n7cSkQwwUvXBK5JrEOBNNHLDIgkvkwCg4Ec6dMfmboTB3rFkS_4KbmhbRtbK7Ymu9xDyr5pFMcwq9lnqaVCphaMJmzdiTBT4cjf3FfADFw00_XwrpqI3ZE1mSaCZdX7hGGYqHezaUwjkHIEgBD" target="_blank"><span style="color:#D43916">School
and Community Gardening Training</span></a><br>
This three-part, free training series will help you gain the knowledge and confidence to start your own school or community garden! All three sessions will be conducted over Zoom. All audiences are welcome and encouraged to attend this free program, but technical
assistance is available only to garden sites in Cook County, IL. You may choose to attend one, two, or all three sessions:<br>
<strong><span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">Thursday, February 15 from 6 to 8 PM - Introduction, Getting Started, and Volunteer Engagement</span></strong><br>
<strong><span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">Thursday, February 22 from 6 to 8 PM - Vegetable Gardening</span></strong><br>
<strong><span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">Thursday, February 29 from 6 to 8 PM - Ornamental Gardens and Curriculum</span></strong><br>
<strong><span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">Register at </span></strong><a href="https://i-links.illinois.edu/?ref=mrgAAGESlzhqh06F5eT7R0w6hLKhjRQvAQAAADvw9DYLIAbsQh2JS5yP-7bz54hSH7ik9Q54_gnTH0uRPOxzfrNkjlw_W_--JMTeKP94LtQVDEGJq8Kl315qaYQRonPNAG_xtxpV4zVzMkox-tDZf5jBKrAH3Gv-hkYMKeg4xNwY6SmnS3Ztbq92uD568cwgTaO_PdImNliUhE-sH1nICtNOtTvkAyzM6Z2BZNBt1bgdyTY3V9guBw2bYIuokD2he-rMZWbd0NRYB8j03h_b1_6xOy6bqVvNxDyKfKPxoXLZErf89IqDzD2Con9KjkyZGvPN1ZAdZA7II-8eyMeTXIHY6pBwmtEtH4d-B7FKl_MSqSAUcej-QLUuceEzZZOYbsJuLNHxqKNNcxDm" target="_blank" title="https://extension.illinois.edu/events/2024-02-15-2024-cook-county-virtual-school-and-community-garden-training-series"><strong><span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#D43916;font-weight:normal">go.illinois.edu/</span></strong></a><strong><span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif"><a href="https://i-links.illinois.edu/?ref=mrgAAGESlzhqh06F5eT7R0w6hLKhjRQvAQAAADvw9DYLIAbsQh2JS5yP-7bz54hSH7ik9Q54_gnTH0uRPOxzfrNkjlw_W_--JMTeKP94LtQVDEGJq8Kl315qaYQRonPNAG_xtxpV4zVzMkox-tDZf5jBKrAH3Gv-hkYMKeg4xNwY6SmnS3Ztbq92uD568cwgTaO_PdImNliUhE-sH1nICtNOtTvkAyzM6Z2BZNBt1bgdyTY3V9guBw2bYIuokD2he-rMZWbd0NRYB8j03h_b1_6xOy6bqVvNxDyKfKPxoXLZErf89IqDzD2Con9KjkyZGvPN1ZAdZA7II-8eyMeTXIHY6pBwmtEtH4d-B7FKl_MSqSAUcej-QLUuceEzZZOYbsJuLNHxqKNNcxDm" target="_blank" title="https://extension.illinois.edu/events/2024-02-15-2024-cook-county-virtual-school-and-community-garden-training-series"><span style="color:#D43916;font-weight:normal">Garden2024</span></a></span></strong><br>
<br>
<a href="https://i-links.illinois.edu/?ref=mrgAAO6vQF0y43JQw1FSbFFLaf-GbUkqAQAAADvw9DYLIAbsQh2JS5yP-7bz54hSH7ik9Q54_gnTH0uRPOxzfrNkjlw_W_--JMTeKP94LtQVDEGJq8Kl315qaYQRonPNAG_xtxpV4zVzMkox09HRaRs2hzdwwCfoLSfSWwczsICHjssye0_JLdQbUlA5XnQHYliLkJ3zuQ0qjkf6PklRVYP6fWm8Iut8pB-OZt8GOE9-HX0YGJVyO60n0zefHS0MCjffLEiqgBCv4fI-f1vkSyZG5or00qxukPxgcyfzp-nRv8bvwpPeYQbnwhDU5BMOLyoE_nc3dFPByOL23m_CKGMR-87QN2ORZtT9zee80y3dtWYNZfWWgNRCvlU" target="_blank"><strong><span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#D43916;font-weight:normal">Stateline
Fruit and Vegetable Growers Conference</span></strong></a><br>
</span><strong><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black;font-weight:normal">Monday, February 19, 2024 at NIU-Rockford, 8500 E State Street, Rockford, Illinois </span></strong><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#444D56"><br>
</span><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black">$35 includes lunch and choice of 5 sessions </span><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#444D56"><br>
<br>
</span><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black"><a href="https://i-links.illinois.edu/?ref=mrgAAJf-K6bAK3Cwx8QLkufryJLazvg0AQAAADvw9DYLIAbsQh2JS5yP-7bz54hSH7ik9Q54_gnTH0uRPOxzfrNkjlw_W_--JMTeKP94LtQVDEGJq8Kl315qaYQRonPNAG_xtxpV4zVzMkoxJMJ_HrqMPuwrbza6qYSwm3rCop2XKFhU14VrWP6mw24Ya0n7cSkQwwUvXBK5JrEOQhx7gFH-1n8KY-FpnTW7jCQvr2XcaB2SIqeomGIAIeFjf9FqRatHbxGNFEVicYRK8IEdCX8R5Wny7xue23f6FPmMILkmWMs3cGMLyfJQg1WYKAhWWlat7SjJg7Zr8vZV" target="_blank"><span style="color:#D43916">Compost
Ambassador Training</span></a></span><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#444D56"><br>
Wednesdays 6:00 - 8:00 pm March 6, 13, April 10, 17, 24, May 1, 2024. Via Zoom<br>
The six 2-hour virtual live sessions cover topics that will strengthen your ability to compost at home, teach others how and why they should compost, and understand the science behind composting. <br>
<a href="https://i-links.illinois.edu/?ref=mrgAAMa_khnNSqdtI7CSz1GSg0jqfaAsAQAAADvw9DYLIAbsQh2JS5yP-7bz54hSH7ik9Q54_gnTH0uRPOxzfrNkjlw_W_--JMTeKP94LtQVDEGJq8Kl315qaYQRonPNAG_xtxpV4zVzMkoxPobHySWBZqHry7PSCpZhWQjv8s8AQp6m0hPlPp2rx8joxFQYIoaAp8sWkXipQlWPXro8lEN9NyxOI6x99-dwLmSAkzuyH3c3XIor1NjWpvKtmgSrvdWwcRGwmcrSdpsszHCKCJVtty68VB2PeX6UhA" target="_blank"><span style="color:#D43916">Sign
up for the Interest List</span></a><br>
<br>
</span><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black">Digging Deep Into Data</span><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#444D56"><br>
February 29 and March 7, 2024 via Zoom, 6:30 – 8 pm AND March 15, in person from 9 am – 3 pm. <br>
In person session at U of I Extension Cook Co. 8753 S Greenwood Ave, Chicago <br>
How to use cash flow worksheet, production planning, balance sheets, enterprise budgets, irrigation scheduling/water test tracking, soil/media fertility calculators, recordkeeping, Google Earth Pro for site assessment, to manage your farm. Contact <a href="mailto:sbatka@illinois.edu"><span style="color:#D43916">Sarah
Batka</span></a> to be added to an interest list. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:15.75pt;line-height:16.8pt"><strong><span style="font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#1D58A7">Seed Swaps</span></strong><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#444D56"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
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<span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#444D56">Saturday January 20, 2024, Lecture 1 pm, Swap 2 – 4 pm<br>
<a href="https://i-links.illinois.edu/?ref=mrgAAN_XbvXlI0MVZoVcS6X8HIX7FJQQAQAAADvw9DYLIAbsQh2JS5yP-7bz54hSH7ik9Q54_gnTH0uRPOxzfrNkjlw_W_--JMTeKP94LtQVDEGJq8Kl315qaYQRonPNAG_xtxpV4zVzMkoxFFayHa2IZxGeTvhpRk8OlDCnPqVPE-a70vi133njl1s3Gj1cKtmK-bGSngu2lgtG07hf7ZHdu2bFC5T_BxZHc8FWbbuURsTV1liTN7SqVfLROMowepD5fWctoi1HaqIQ9b1eEaOVd5jQwE4i4PfkGheiabtetEI2h33sBa8Tztc" target="_blank"><span style="color:#D43916">Chicago
Botanic Garden</span></a><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:15.75pt;line-height:16.8pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#444D56">Saturday January 27, 2024 10:00am - 12:00pm<br>
<a href="https://i-links.illinois.edu/?ref=mrgAAD8HHOJpFcoYZI-y1FMcdue7sq0UAQAAADvw9DYLIAbsQh2JS5yP-7bz54hSH7ik9Q54_gnTH0uRPOxzfrNkjlw_W_--JMTeKP94LtQVDEGJq8Kl315qaYQRonPNAG_xtxpV4zVzMkoxHlaeJK8lCrhu4i_uRHyRBPjLxMEI8981ZZB3JP2T1rmUw7Bd_wImvzggko9Pb9HWQGKT6773Lldt_Yd0W7h0Cu3S-oULjuUy4qj1nVbxXCHn3T7aBRIp-aUORWJXEZtmEYN6y1rWG-f27p0wuDEqmA" target="_blank"><span style="color:#D43916">Aurora
Public Library Branches</span></a><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:15.75pt;line-height:16.8pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#444D56">Saturday January 27, 2024 12 noon - 3:00pm<br>
<a href="https://i-links.illinois.edu/?ref=mrgAAAmaD_Xfck7Y994FYgq804lGGJI3AQAAADvw9DYLIAbsQh2JS5yP-7bz54hSH7ik9Q54_gnTH0uRPOxzfrNkjlw_W_--JMTeKP94LtQVDEGJq8Kl315qaYQRonPNAG_xtxpV4zVzMkox83TuzxFRd7usSdMYidNziRkgYEHDwwBw1bAfbi8ttZEF-xIr2obdjFHjQpHn8oMZk1Js6vEDHozP-HNfzQPvds_8-xLtKnJwxyJVe2Y5v8-akGUIBSDGE_CB-cs4zfoAadBpkE-fUoSUUNHfbCLFOQFsPWPHahSCJuvv7UZhSxSmbI1UnZvQBg7-GPM6b-_u" target="_blank"><span style="color:#D43916">Morton
Arboretum</span></a>, Thornhill Education Center, 4100 Illinois 53, Lisle, IL<br>
<br>
Sunday January 28, 12 noon - 3 pm<br id="isPasted">
<a href="https://i-links.illinois.edu/?ref=mrgAAP1YjzIbkQI6PJggQDre1Bg591QzAQAAADvw9DYLIAbsQh2JS5yP-7bz54hSH7ik9Q54_gnTH0uRPOxzfrNkjlw_W_--JMTeKP94LtQVDEGJq8Kl315qaYQRonPNAG_xtxpV4zVzMkox1GZ8Q5rHWoiHwwTz2O2ZUY6H-NaGL1Z0BHJ4ouxmq3fX1P_TFyRil81AXCQRmZSKQHjpyRdSVQdX_TNND9ePP1u2t68R3rmhAeppw31CCnCo-ApMpvDlEH-I09x5XoanWxEHjWAF_6NvlLjtG0lqcINcwOHK52EbjURmpJAaGzk" target="_blank"><span style="color:#D43916">Oak
Park Conservatory</span></a>, 615 Garfield, Oak Park<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:15.75pt;line-height:16.8pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#444D56">Saturday, February 3, 2024, 10 am – 2 pm<br>
<a href="https://i-links.illinois.edu/?ref=mrgAALMI_ONYp0wY_MX7k8ezzyurQ7DEAQAAADvw9DYLIAbsQh2JS5yP-7bz54hSH7ik9Q54_gnTH0uRPOxzfrNkjlw_W_--JMTeKP94LtQVDEGJq8Kl315qaYQRonPNAG_xtxpV4zVzMkoxJMJ_HrqMPuwrbza6qYSwm3rCop2XKFhU14VrWP6mw24Ya0n7cSkQwwUvXBK5JrEOb7eHZUvpPYlCYAqZXUAfEZfz2DKODDOaOflfW-FdACaVde1FyY8gH3ZIDQn33S6FAF1H9_jkadN7Sufm6dPTbKrwmWr1924y87uYgRVLQdlat7ieAB4e8CltKfhT33Pz" target="_blank"><span style="color:#D43916">McHenry
County College</span></a><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:15.75pt;line-height:16.8pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#444D56">Saturday, February 3, 2024, 9 am – 12 noon<br>
Kendall County Master Gardeners Seed Swap<br>
U of I Extension, 7775b IL Route 47, Yorkville, IL 60560<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:15.75pt;line-height:16.8pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#444D56">Saturday, February 10, 2024, 10 am – 2 pm<br>
<a href="https://i-links.illinois.edu/?ref=mrgAABo3WOwne4tLY7CNVYKgUTNsRmceAQAAADvw9DYLIAbsQh2JS5yP-7bz54hSH7ik9Q54_gnTH0uRPOxzfrNkjlw_W_--JMTeKP94LtQVDEGJq8Kl315qaYQRonPNAG_xtxpV4zVzMkoxJMJ_HrqMPuwrbza6qYSwm3rCop2XKFhU14VrWP6mw24Ya0n7cSkQwwUvXBK5JrEOcsuoIBQX0aTpo5p9ZN6d_mhgWRPIuA4lupHw0spxnW96GmYyvaSS1thb2X8NdQQA81Rlps7atWcUGFt5lVSHRyUPD8XcX8RNYL94I-uRKM4iYxaj0PJJd7aRnc7ByGGE" target="_blank"><span style="color:#D43916">Round
Lake Beach Cultural and Civic Center</span></a>, 2007 N Civic Center Way, Round Lake Beach, IL 60073<br>
Farmers market, vendors, local environmental organizations, tons of free seeds from different organizations. The event is free and open to the public.<br>
<br>
Thursday February 15, 2024, 4 – 7 pm<br>
<a href="https://i-links.illinois.edu/?ref=mrgAAFrhXjODhLknxDQN0tNZdYfGN9Q_AQAAADvw9DYLIAbsQh2JS5yP-7bz54hSH7ik9Q54_gnTH0uRPOxzfrNkjlw_W_--JMTeKP94LtQVDEGJq8Kl315qaYQRonPNAG_xtxpV4zVzMkox2keHOHqc0FhAzulJkmPcEoJd0K2zzMHGYBCNN9nm4x3rifu3_b2loEdjTpTiIRrMmFNR9hnHSS6jeD5_x3nmDyxnpKRaG0e6sP9h-MqdRj-F9A3y_o-doJIyDtiyfwRbVeGM3_NezgDAJGVYlByEPvqCdpR82Hj5u9mutRqxiKA" target="_blank"><span style="color:#D43916">Dan
Ryan Woods Pavilion</span></a>, 8700 S Western Ave, Chicago <br>
Native plant presentation followed by seed and plant sharing.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:15.75pt;line-height:16.8pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#444D56">Sunday February 25, 2024, 12 noon – 3 pm<br>
<a href="https://i-links.illinois.edu/?ref=mrgAAEWJWj4su8B38dVTHGVsh3jBFQxSAQAAADvw9DYLIAbsQh2JS5yP-7bz54hSH7ik9Q54_gnTH0uRPOxzfrNkjlw_W_--JMTeKP94LtQVDEGJq8Kl315qaYQRonPNAG_xtxpV4zVzMkoxUdRsVcFO8OShkEAVA4oMUQ0h5xoGBWAC3j7K3e4rqH1zl6-2HVd2ZUYxX4s46n04uuGmlFrbBwYaGryiCKxnRlTm4nve5dlIAy-7YRntuwZisl7X_dkql0AeVYyexH8jtPav7IsdyJFWsNB8qtFl4A" target="_blank"><span style="color:#D43916">Avondale
Gardening Alliance</span></a> @ The Beer Temple, 3173 N Elston Ave, Chicago<br>
<br>
Sunday March 3, 2024, 8:30 – 11 am <br>
Will Co Seed Fest <br>
<a href="https://i-links.illinois.edu/?ref=mrgAAFKcqTzGe0JMSItfmeDWOh6eMPCoAQAAADvw9DYLIAbsQh2JS5yP-7bz54hSH7ik9Q54_gnTH0uRPOxzfrNkjlw_W_--JMTeKP94LtQVDEGJq8Kl315qaYQRonPNAG_xtxpV4zVzMkox-tDZf5jBKrAH3Gv-hkYMKY3gx-nwMobIGLIN6IOnBedF2Ga4bx8_VQBfD9N1pQ1GmxfBJwmt_lJekKISf7VtWJOuhoT_KnhB5JH9pnFPlZRIs7lie45z23oBgZ0e3L-eNEl5JVMtJs3HGw9lgNrukA" target="_blank"><span style="color:#D43916">Event
Listing Coming Soon</span></a><br>
Will Co Farm Bureau Building, 100 Manhattan Rd, Joliet, IL 60433<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:15.75pt;line-height:16.8pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#444D56">Saturday April 13, 11 am – 2 pm<br id="isPasted">
Gardeners Exchange Extravaganza <br>
Morgan Park Presbyterian Church, 2017 W 110th Pl, Chicago<br>
<br>
Sunday May 19, 2024<br>
Metropolitan Brewery 3106 N Campbell, Chicago <br>
<a href="https://i-links.illinois.edu/?ref=mrgAAEx-wLQKfdbF4T0qRrbR7wFX5MjTAQAAADvw9DYLIAbsQh2JS5yP-7bz54hSH7ik9Q54_gnTH0uRPOxzfrNkjlw_W_--JMTeKP94LtQVDEGJq8Kl315qaYQRonPNAG_xtxpV4zVzMkoxUdRsVcFO8OShkEAVA4oMUQMUo9F9vdoMqnxPyZw7wBl4gj6W6soNOq5YtHhngrUZhJvpMf2fH7AOlwrFQBC0szH8w5H3GEr5YdfkAm-c8vUEqjCPisWgy8T_dQMgaNlyei2cx0iK-nJTEUgTLuvoAA" target="_blank"><span style="color:#D43916">Avondale
Gardening Alliance seedling swap and sale</span></a><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:15.75pt;line-height:16.8pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#444D56">If you know of other swap/expo events in the Chicagoland Area, please send me the details and I will update my
list!<o:p></o:p></span></p>
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<strong><span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black">Market and Volunteer Opportunities</span></strong><span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black"><br>
<br>
Lemont Farmers Market Seeks Vendors for 2024 <br>
Tuesdays 4 - 7 pm, June 11th through October 15th<br>
No fee for produce, up to $20 fee for other booths<br>
Must follow food safety guidelines<br>
<a href="https://i-links.illinois.edu/?ref=mrgAAJtdFfjGDythJh7Xe3gOKmIUNZ44AQAAADvw9DYLIAbsQh2JS5yP-7bz54hSH7ik9Q54_gnTH0uRPOxzfrNkjlw_W_--JMTeKP94LtQVDEGJq8Kl315qaYQRonPNAG_xtxpV4zVzMkox-ghKSRjvE67mzr8H2MsdYGlGkQD4jobEtGjl2WcVIxYKXBnrFh1Oiwodcchh94HTMudoY853mQ-t1Kv8lo2W0FlIBJmm59OWjrAqtmKkmED9uKscK3z1H1wXfFOr4It5" target="_blank"><span style="color:#D43916">Lemontfarmersmarket.com</span></a><br>
<a href="mailto:Manager@lemontfarmersmarket.com"><span style="color:#D43916">Manager@lemontfarmersmarket.com</span></a><br>
<br>
Old Schoolhouse Garden Seeks Volunteers<br>
4733 W Cermak, Hillside, IL <br>
Allotment and market garden donates food to Westchester Food Pantry. Some fruit trees, small greenhouse, and building on site. Website :
<a href="https://i-links.illinois.edu/?ref=mrgAAPF-QS3JMFNVXOE9IHXXTzJhWZNVAQAAADvw9DYLIAbsQh2JS5yP-7bz54hSH7ik9Q54_gnTH0uRPOxzfrNkjlw_W_--JMTeKP94LtQVDEGJq8Kl315qaYQRonPNAG_xtxpV4zVzMkoxZ_uQMQRb-888xFXJA6h8gjki7mNLMFqV-4BCLlukxFmxiNvVYZyPTkuQb_8XRXhuXfBkKVosW2NhTF3kq5oNvx8uA7lG3e3yfN57rVBFGtIqh47jO2PbY89mljOReVI0RwEbHEAhaq15_r5eO9S7yw" target="_blank">
<span style="color:#D43916">https://www.icahillside.org/communitygarden</span></a><br>
Tom Czubernat <a href="mailto:oldschoolhousegardens@gmail.com">oldschoolhousegardens@gmail.com</a><br>
<br>
<strong><span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">Funding Opportunities</span></strong><br>
<br>
</span><span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#D43916"><a href="https://i-links.illinois.edu/?ref=mrgAAGNUtpWg5EZX1MLtlX9uYtX1KvNgAQAAADvw9DYLIAbsQh2JS5yP-7bz54hSH7ik9Q54_gnTH0uRPOxzfrNkjlw_W_--JMTeKP94LtQVDEGJq8Kl315qaYQRonPNAG_xtxpV4zVzMkox0Lo8CR2SeYoSP9ulIrt02hgLjtj73QiuiQJP4UvKA602qHbFqYTWLVhj2y7tux_EvyiG9wInGr_Aik1d9sPlfruNrz_KuWpSddGCft0NciyqBmCf4qJZbZuMw6gUjeOh6pQLzmnP68D60sWL76CykS_c_bojrqn2bFXpE526EJm0hUUXiWY57xtzHed6OFaLakUnCCZOndEEn9sAjca-wM4TC3_WQNw_Ma0zF5GWqd8" target="_blank"><span style="color:#D43916">Land
Connection Professional Development Scholarships</span></a></span><span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black"><br>
for historically disadvantaged farmers In increments of $250, $500 or $1000. <br>
Simple application, could include printed resources, training/webinars, conference admissions and anything in between.</span><span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:15.75pt;line-height:16.8pt"><strong><span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black">USDA accepting Requests for the Discrimination Financial Assistance Program</span></strong><span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black"><br>
Farmers, ranchers, and forest landowners who experienced discrimination in USDA farm lending programs prior to January 2021 may be eligible for the Discrimination Financial Assistance Program. The deadline to apply is Jan.13, 2024 via </span><span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#D43916"><a href="https://i-links.illinois.edu/?ref=mrgAACE6kmPFML2DdSFaHsPqNWn_GbTiAQAAADvw9DYLIAbsQh2JS5yP-7bz54hSH7ik9Q54_gnTH0uRPOxzfrNkjlw_W_--JMTeKP94LtQVDEGJq8Kl315qaYSUxLytTU8lfe3O9ShpdRxjFonqx8VtNVyk2bxHXWtwxfxWv4RhH_micLtnShaGvj66jsELoETuxysX82gnYMe9b79-VrGncRAgU3padPUbkrAThV2DxrYakHor8eUucuQ" target="_blank"><span style="color:#D43916">22007apply.gov</span></a><a href="https://i-links.illinois.edu/?ref=mrgAACE6kmPFML2DdSFaHsPqNWn_GbTiAQAAADvw9DYLIAbsQh2JS5yP-7bz54hSH7ik9Q54_gnTH0uRPOxzfrNkjlw_W_--JMTeKP94LtQVDEGJq8Kl315qaYSUxLytTU8lfe3O9ShpdRxjFonqx8VtNVyk2bxHXWtwxfxWv4RhH_micLtnShaGvj66jsELoETuxysX82gnYMe9b79-VrGncRAgU3padPUbkrAThV2DxrYakHor8eUucuQ" target="_blank"><span style="color:#D43916"> </span></a></span><span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:15.75pt;line-height:16.8pt"><strong><span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black">Employment Opportunities</span></strong><span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black"><br>
<br>
Cook County Extension is hiring for an office support person to serve our Westchester office. </span><span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#D43916"><a href="https://i-links.illinois.edu/?ref=mrgAAJVLjVLLssiBx9HhtB5wKNYMZoIHAQAAADvw9DYLIAbsQh2JS5yP-7bz54hSH7ik9Q54_gnTH0uRPOxzfrNkjlw_W_--JMTeKP94LtQVDEGJq8Kl315qaYQRonPNAG_xtxpV4zVzMkoxy571H7fSaoqiID8hNL4b5ThFiYeVDbQV11K-so1CfjygvaeO2QmSin0yQtkTTktZ1mRq8FqmTlStjcrxDS4h_hDuNqFkQqwnaPPDWLupnO1pv_NHTB1bK-cL3_LwxMc1jQtsqziPtuwpqgDe7OsqX3iqMRgeY5amW8Z3Dw8tXGMMbwc9u-cYkC4RbDTm4y-g3Bp7fxCKAjSff1ZAFEe62g" target="_blank"><span style="color:#D43916">https://illinois.csod.com/ux/ats/careersite/1/home/requisition/8834?c=illinois</span></a></span><span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black"><br>
Closing Date 1/3/2024. Full time with great benefits. Hourly $20.71</span><span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:15.75pt;line-height:16.8pt"><strong><span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black">In Person Events</span></strong><span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black"><br>
<br>
<a href="https://i-links.illinois.edu/?ref=mrgAAHoMSMUKbUbvb7Ft6LrnV59eLJxmAQAAADvw9DYLIAbsQh2JS5yP-7bz54hSH7ik9Q54_gnTH0uRPOxzfrNkjlw_W_--JMTeKP94LtQVDEGJq8Kl315qaYQRonPNAG_xtxpV4zVzMkoxJMJ_HrqMPuwrbza6qYSwm3rCop2XKFhU14VrWP6mw24Ya0n7cSkQwwUvXBK5JrEO-909nDc_LD2cVTI7hif-zudXXu6Oc2cF2Tgc1IIuL_euZdyErjAzvbmOyhqE7UtuQHC6Q_DQPqH4_S84eq3bfDaoMNOA_EvKUZfpcMQ4q8jP_8a4NkOPiQR_h9bSQXd4" target="_blank"><span style="color:#D43916">Central
IL Beginning Beekeeping </span></a><br>
Sat Jan 27, 8:30 am - 5 pm<br>
Bloomington High School<br>
$125 non-members<br>
<a href="https://i-links.illinois.edu/?ref=mrgAAOiNW01MZVPZOWkJD75RdOIIwEasAQAAADvw9DYLIAbsQh2JS5yP-7bz54hSH7ik9Q54_gnTH0uRPOxzfrNkjlw_W_--JMTeKP94LtQVDEGJq8Kl315qaYSUxLytTU8lfe3O9ShpdRxjWTyhaVm7N4s18Ox8UeaH00rHuaLRyDg1BlKZTm6AXjLAF7IqZ0n-5t_e3uXLz9woZvWyNitC6_7ErSV3s4TmFO5fhMx6v_a-7nt5ZWoQ314" target="_blank"><span style="color:#D43916">cibabees.org</span></a><br>
<br>
<a href="https://i-links.illinois.edu/?ref=mrgAAJORkE5W06CIPo9nlbjWBvigUIlTAQAAADvw9DYLIAbsQh2JS5yP-7bz54hSH7ik9Q54_gnTH0uRPOxzfrNkjlw_W_--JMTeKP94LtQVDEGJq8Kl315qaYQRonPNAG_xtxpV4zVzMkoxcfhG83WDxQBJLvTmxV2Hv0qVLHqPot1Omwqe5phDoX8pcKLdfsVWcZzWotnc4Sc5XrTugQ7XsW6LfpjsNOJhi8N1QfezR-42LKqbn27R0cUQDqcHlr4FgIJkw-c0sAA_XkGYUnVPvxIoHxwbWrIrSKJUHVRqNqJ4C2eqdzw6bs0" target="_blank"><span style="color:#D43916">Everything
Local Conference 2024 - IL Specialty Growers </span></a><br>
Jan 17 - 19, 2024 in Springfield, IL <br>
$75 members/$175 Non-Members before Jan 5</span><span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:15.75pt;line-height:16.8pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black"><a href="https://i-links.illinois.edu/?ref=mrgAABFkpDe6G7sDwBZXNLtObyq4USdAAQAAADvw9DYLIAbsQh2JS5yP-7bz54hSH7ik9Q54_gnTH0uRPOxzfrNkjlw_W_--JMTeKP94LtQVDEGJq8Kl315qaYQRonPNAG_xtxpV4zVzMkoxea3H8N38fSUyxY0ei9lis2Pg4qTPE5kCdjhRfdfGeKlFRL2P-OmmdqKJ9r26bp2e-FJU2ZuK8fJhtP8PbNuCkAo14C6_lcC0Uq0nEbWBLJRWrKSN2Da9r3j2ypI_ZxguBDR8gFfq0Ga5b30jkUWUnw" target="_blank"><span style="color:#D43916">Porter
County IN Garden Show and Swap </span></a><br>
Saturday, January 20, 2024, 8 am - 4 pm CST (Chicago Time)<br>
Admission $10 Cash or Check<br>
Porter County Expo Center, 215 East Division Road, Valparaiso, IN 46383<br>
<br>
<a href="https://i-links.illinois.edu/?ref=mrgAAGqnI9tOEWVNTrCF0k6iV5LWrWWsAQAAADvw9DYLIAbsQh2JS5yP-7bz54hSH7ik9Q54_gnTH0uRPOxzfrNkjlw_W_--JMTeKP94LtQVDEGJq8Kl315qaYQRonPNAG_xtxpV4zVzMkoxqfXeyYGXQVAYJpDnzPZ9kIQwE1jGfC3Lm_12JF85G-MugBXrteuJUheOvXDDEYx48BpZrHd48ZGruyJIPEedNIXf_4l6-rDRA7ZIaz8cX_q3RgX7J5nIN1YWSx34Tp8H" target="_blank"><span style="color:#D43916">In
Person Pesticide Safety Training and Testing Sites Announced for 2024</span></a><br>
Additional locations listed, but these are the closest to us: <br>
April 3 - Crystal Lake<br>
April 17/18 - Matteson<br>
April 24/25 - Skokie<br>
<br>
</span><span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#D43916"><a href="https://i-links.illinois.edu/?ref=mrgAAG64cLKycTAONJIGXIrzOG6J8emGAQAAADvw9DYLIAbsQh2JS5yP-7bz54hSH7ik9Q54_gnTH0uRPOxzfrNkjlw_W_--JMTeKP94LtQVDEGJq8Kl315qaYQRonPNAG_xtxpV4zVzMkoxJMJ_HrqMPuwrbza6qYSwm3rCop2XKFhU14VrWP6mw24Ya0n7cSkQwwUvXBK5JrEOs5T_6uZ8mgqxx49tzHCFDg_HeJkd8u3TLV0SlkY5HguzxW860v-cEn2rB4H2EepfgymvQ4VWsqEBiyjVmUGrvYy0ZXCrW5H4VGvPtV_SDSkLtmShNO8Mygl8jo-QKWBr" target="_blank"><span style="color:#D43916">NW
Indiana Vegetable Growers Series</span></a></span><span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black"><br>
Feb 1, 1 - 4 pm<br>
Valparaiso Public Library, 103 Jefferson St, Valparaiso, IN 46383 <br>
Free, Registration Coming Soon at <a href="https://i-links.illinois.edu/?ref=mrgAABZkLolGLh3JWfOC2Fx_32AVbRhrAQAAADvw9DYLIAbsQh2JS5yP-7bz54hSH7ik9Q54_gnTH0uRPOxzfrNkjlw_W_--JMTeKP94LtQVDEGJq8Kl315qaYQRonPNAG_xtxpV4zVzMkoxXw20IzqB_mXy5hODhVodp_oV20kXGHb7in6q5w_7v4akYTEf5mdhMaWAxGbegvhQH-5UpA24UDH-v7J0qJ9QzQ2IkZCcffRxjb9eXBF2Ss1eRoVj439JIRuEgo0BQZc9"><span style="color:#D43916">https://tinyurl.com/NWIVegSeries</span></a><br>
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<strong><span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">Virtual Opportunities</span></strong></span><span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:15.75pt;line-height:16.8pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black"><a href="https://i-links.illinois.edu/?ref=mrgAADs7g1IYnNVwqTuWmcjYg_EXMfqHAQAAADvw9DYLIAbsQh2JS5yP-7bz54hSH7ik9Q54_gnTH0uRPOxzfrNkjlw_W_--JMTeKP94LtQVDEGJq8Kl315qaYQRonPNAG_xtxpV4zVzMkoxY7o7HITlpyyOVyR-ZrNy_n8zJgnsVUUdm0FTqPFZHMbjOHCIwuoFUX2VJMB5KeNhg4rNcoM27hzPC4i8uGpx_hH7QjZ1rXf3ZULRMXmGTYRc0KLqROsD0Cqi54a2btT3Vf8AkZujgOQ_UzfIFvzt17kN4UtsKsKcZincApPCGI_3E-rtAus-evN90Ze_2NHU" target="_blank"><span style="color:#D43916">Building
A High Tunnel Step by Step </span></a><br>
Six video series that walks you through every step of high tunnel or greenhouse construction. NCAT Sustainable Agriculture Specialist Chris Lent helped with the making of these videos, and he's available if you have questions about adding a high tunnel or greenhouse
to your farm. <a href="mailto:askanag@ncat.org">askanag@ncat.org</a> or by calling 800-346-9140</span><span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:15.75pt;line-height:16.8pt"><strong><span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black">OTHER ANNOUNCEMENTS</span></strong><span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black"><br>
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Chicago <a href="https://i-links.illinois.edu/?ref=mrgAAMsYKtk4uglqJ73F67AbgizVLWb5AQAAADvw9DYLIAbsQh2JS5yP-7bz54hSH7ik9Q54_gnTH0uRPOxzfrNkjlw_W_--JMTeKP94LtQVDEGJq8Kl315qaYQRonPNAG_xtxpV4zVzMkoxO8Cvpmx9Z-5_U2xkUt6jAitMGz7wX4Jjwb4xgIFwmetmLnzChklqpfIloXlay-m4tiCRl2qDFMM4JVrfx6ULp3RUr2dISSFbq-IBGVHA7IHKc1g7bLCnzuO02HryIjvaA8A6Brx06OeSfr0Ua29DY7wifx_ggohtllbgCIul0aQ" target="_blank">
<span style="color:#D43916">Holiday Light Recycling Collection Points</span></a><br>
December 1 - January 31</span><span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:15.75pt;line-height:16.8pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black">Free Well Testing in Steger/Saulk Village Areas<br>
<a href="https://i-links.illinois.edu/?ref=mrgAAFzv_BqusmltIA8TbDcbgL9UqD9dAQAAADvw9DYLIAbsQh2JS5yP-7bz54hSH7ik9Q54_gnTH0uRPOxzfrNkjlw_W_--JMTeKP94LtQVDEGJq8Kl315qaYSUxLytTU8lfe3O9ShpdRxjG1QdSO6xzWsHbzpfHOsadZPsG3MYMwu1NjrpAj_HNlGvXIoBMq4_wMxuhyt5BZR4zGVHN7VpVEJshYpjwnBy1CzysGP9WEIIC4A6OwPwF2IAbANKyVdGX_xA_uKRLvKR-HKXOAU5CYiZZYuniZXrUA" target="_blank"><span style="color:#D43916">go.illinois.edu/private_water_quality</span></a><br>
Project Leader: Evan Rea, phone 217 300 8295 | <a href="mailto:erea@illinois.edu"><span style="color:#D43916">erea@illinois.edu</span></a><br>
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<strong><span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">NEW PUBLICATIONS</span></strong><br>
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A New Issue of the IL Fruit and Veg News has been Published<br id="isPasted">
<a href="https://i-links.illinois.edu/?ref=mrgAAL1hfrEZlop7fA32aWmKZMIGqJT2AQAAADvw9DYLIAbsQh2JS5yP-7bz54hSH7ik9Q54_gnTH0uRPOxzfrNkjlw_W_--JMTeKP94LtQVDEGJq8Kl315qaYQRonPNAG_xtxpV4zVzMkox-tDZf5jBKrAH3Gv-hkYMKeQ_wKPinkKajgzsyTHwnIHG55e2n_hc1P2vk4XUard3r-wNnzzCrBGAoDjodvVefZfl7wou5n2UMzFY93e-YY67hyOnZa-yJP9cudVGgDYF3vccjJbRSLL4fmWZ3erumP1wnXYGmJMmpgwhjF2lKGJWk0oFFGlGbZjnLlfh1LFL"><span style="color:#D43916">https://extension.illinois.edu/newsletters/ifvn/ifvn-vol-29-no-11-december-2023</span></a></span><span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Barlow;color:#4A4A4A">Please note that all Extension offices will be closed for winter holiday break from December 22 - Jan 1, 2024. </span><span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black"><br>
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<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:12.0pt"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#676F78">Sarah Kathryn and Zack<o:p></o:p></span></p>
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</span></b><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#444D56">We just might know the answer. If not, our mission is to help you find a solution or to connect you to someone who can provide an answer. Visit our
<a href="https://i-links.illinois.edu/?ref=mrgAAIlLD3JWKyx-QAlf0NdT5f7Mggf-AQAAADvw9DYLIAbsQh2JS5yP-7bz54hSH7ik9Q54_gnTH0uRPOxzfrNkjlw_W_--JMTeKP94LtQVDEGJq8Kl315qaYQRonPNAG_xtxpV4zVzMkox-tDZf5jBKrAH3Gv-hkYMKf1XBJscVCzePrLfkMPWu4eOF7gD2q025ISSX8jA7HRCZ6e9rD5liZtYs-vxVYyFyhMMSP1FRo2cE5PyYQQ9y4R2NPkkruGei1cj6QHgQfHY6piWXN4299NkMGtgwaKQwSMnpKUt5DCZiA15xwJWkX4" target="_blank">
<span style="color:#D43916">Cook County Local Food Systems and Small Farms main page</span></a> to learn more about our work and how to contact us. We’re working towards regular blogging at
<a href="https://i-links.illinois.edu/?ref=mrgAAItUyt_3N4US2qvLszuTA93Z9VorAQAAADvw9DYLIAbsQh2JS5yP-7bz54hSH7ik9Q54_gnTH0uRPOxzfrNkjlw_W_--JMTeKP94LtQVDEGJq8Kl315qaYQRonPNAG_xtxpV4zVzMkox-tDZf5jBKrAH3Gv-hkYMKUvoS0I57i3OwSKfMVpwb1KORzWYH3jcXmu5ivI1VCuU-q2TeV4uvZaoREInF5tRoDckieRPiFErgh5BCwmq44VBqLzaXEHGQtTPqc7iHnWxgbr5f5hB84k5_HpCHZClxzjedv7_XgTz81jQSDXdK7I" target="_blank">
<span style="color:#D43916">Cultivate Cook County</span></a> and vlogging via <a href="https://i-links.illinois.edu/?ref=mrgAAFJZ1-24PopUqB7Ekj4YhfOOCTkLAQAAADvw9DYLIAbsQh2JS5yP-7bz54hSH7ik9Q54_gnTH0uRPOxzfrNkjlw_W_--JMTeKP94LtQVDEGJq8Kl315qaYQRonPNAG_xtxpV4zVzMkoxLgT714PX-ZgH6zMGzUUcWXqQqHxBnA6sdqp1KnBxXmMS56_MobIzaRJaW-6YCStWGI-84r8ewyKX4Uz0ofWGvkt3BwY2lD7qno2fIxJ5YbH1KtvKX0dpOmk3JelqLOta-5TOYM8klrXjtSWFsRjkAQ" target="_blank">
<span style="color:#D43916">Urban Ag Connect Vlog</span></a> on YouTube.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:15.75pt;line-height:16.8pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#444D56">Your Cook County Local Food Systems and Small Farms Team,<br>
Kathryn, Sarah, and Zack<o:p></o:p></span></p>
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