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<p class="MsoNormal">CCGA Education Committee: Would you consider sharing this email with your list serve?
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<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:13.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif"><br>
We are excited to share the details of our upcoming:<br>
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<b>Urban Farmer Training Short Course</b><br>
Meets online via Zoom: 6 to 8 pm on Mondays, Feb. 17, Feb. 24, March 3, and March 10, 2025<br>
Cost<b>:</b> $40<br>
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<b>Feb 17: Begin Planning Your Urban Farm</b><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:13.0pt"><span style="font-size:13.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif">This session will cover the first steps you should take when planning an urban farm. You’ll learn the why and the how of designing vision and
mission statements and of business planning. The principles apply whether you are planning a commercial farm, a non-profit farm, or a large community garden. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size:13.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif">Feb 24: Basics of Soil</span></b><span style="font-size:13.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:13.0pt"><span style="font-size:13.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif">This session will highlight the basics of urban vs. native soils, soil quality and organic matter. You will learn the importance of soil management
and its effects on vegetable production methods. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size:13.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif">Mar 3: Urban Site Assessment and Basic Production Planning</span></b><span style="font-size:13.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:13.0pt"><span style="font-size:13.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif">This session will outline the considerations needed when evaluating a new or existing site for urban agriculture. How to use tools like Google
Earth and Web Soil Survey to assess your site, and spreadsheets to plan your production schedule and harvest forecast. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:13.0pt"><b><span style="font-size:13.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif">Mar 10: Finding and Planning for Your Start-up Funds <br>
</span></b><span style="font-size:13.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif">This session will cover how to make a realistic start up budget and how to find and write small grants to cover some of your costs.<b> </b><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:13.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif">This program is open to everyone until capacity. You can
<b>register here: <a href="go.illinois.edu/ShortCourse">go.illinois.edu/ShortCourse</a></b> and I’ve attached a graphic that you are welcome to share with colleagues and neighbors who may also be interested.
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Please feel free to call me if you have any questions about this program. Im happy to help you find a good fit for your urban ag goals. Let me know how I can help you.
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<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:13.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif"> Sarah Batka</span><span style="font-size:13.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;mso-ligatures:none"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:.5in"><span style="font-size:13.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif">Local Foods Small Farms Program Coordinator<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:.5in"><span style="font-size:13.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif">U of I Extension, Serving Cook County<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:.5in"><span style="font-size:13.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif">8753 S Greenwood #100, Chicago, IL 60619<o:p></o:p></span></p>
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<span style="font-size:13.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif">w. 217-300-8636<br>
<a href="mailto:sbatka@illinois.edu"><span style="color:#0563C1">sbatka@illinois.edu</span></a><span style="color:black"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
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