Chicago Community Gardeners Association

NRCS Field Day - Lynwood
2025-05-20 18:00 - 20:00 (America/Chicago) | IL
Tuesday May 20, 6 – 8 pm
Location:
Willowthorne
2701 Glenwood Dyer Rd, Lynwood, IL 60411

Reimbursable conservation practices like Micro-Irrigation Water Management Planning, Forestry Management Planning, Conservation Cover Planting and High Tunnels are now available to small scale urban growers.

Extension educators, along with Farmers Gosia and Mike , will discuss the conservation practices implemented on Willowthorne’s U pick blueberry farm; and speak of their contract experience with the NRCS program. They’ll discuss

Blueberry Bush care/maintenance, pruning
the importance of Maintaining other people’s work with love and care
Soil pH and Fertility

We’re thrilled to welcome Joseph Bridges and Alicia Lozano, the USDA NRCS Soil Conservationists for Cook County who will be on site to meet farmers and answer your questions about applying for these reimbursement programs.
Please note that all attendees will need to sign a liability waiver upon arrival, and children under 5 are not permitted.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact Jesse Schaffer at jschaff@illinois.edu or 312-585-9128
NRCS Field Day Willowthorne Flyer 5.20.25

U of I Extension Community Forum - River Forest
2025-06-09 11:00 - 13:00 | Thatcher Woods Pavillion, 8030 Chicago Ave, River Forest, IL, 60305, United States
We’d love for you to join us for an upcoming Community Forum hosted by the University of Illinois Extension serving Cook County. As we plan our focus areas for the next three years, we want to hear directly from our residents—people who know the community best.
This forum is a space to share your experiences, highlight the issues you’re seeing, and explore how we can work together to serve our neighborhoods better. Your voice is essential in helping us understand what’s working, what’s needed, and how we can make a greater impact together.
Reserve your seat today!
Community Forum Details
Date: Monday June 9, 2025
Time: 11 AM to 1 PM
Location: Thatcher Woods Pavilion, 8030 Chicago Avenue, River Forest, IL 60305
Lunch will be served.
Register at: go.illinois.edu/communityforum1
We’d be honored to have you at the table. Let’s build something meaningful—together.
If you have any questions about this event, or to request a reasonable accommodation to attend, please contact nash@illinois.edu

June Lunch & Grow: Conversations with Conservationists and Gardeners
2025-06-11 12:00 - 13:00 | Zoom
June Lunch & Grow: Conversations with Conservationists and Gardeners Lunch & Grow: Conversations with Conservationists and Gardeners

Chicago Grows Food is hosting a monthly event that will be a space to learn from an expert about what to focus on each month in your garden. Additionally, this is an opportunity to engage and grow with the gardening community. Come with questions or listen to others. Either way we will be here to chat.us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/whc9WmHzTCuwvXWyuhcXnQ

June CCGA Coordinating Meeting
2025-06-17 18:00 - 19:30 | IL
Please join us for our monthly coordinating meeting. Representatives from all the working groups come together to coordinate our actions. All community gardeners and supporters are invited to attend.
CCGA coordinating meetings are held on the 3rd Tuesday of the month, except for July & August. Click on the link next to the bullet to download the document(s) listed below.
NOTE: Most CCGA Coordinating meetings are being held via Zoom. In-person meeting locations may switch between The Hatchery Chicago & the Chicago Center for Green Technology.
If you want to attend the coordinating meeting and are not already a member of one of the CCGA working groups, please send an email to: communications@chicagocommunitygardens.org and request to join the monthly meetings.
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.

Historic Pullman Garden Walk
2025-06-28 10:00 - 16:00 | IL
Historic Pullman Garden Walk
The Historic Pullman Garden Club invites everyone to its annual Walk on Saturday, June 28, 10 am – 4 pm featuring self-guided and guided tours, with a boutique and plant sale. This year’s Garden Walk will highlight the incredible work being done in Pullman’s public gardens and historic park spaces—including our community-tended beds in Arcade Park, Pullman Park, Gateway Garden, and more. We’re also excited to include one private garden as part of the tour, offering a glimpse into the personal touches that make our neighborhood so special. Tickets are $13 with advance reservation or $16 at the door. Tour begins at the Pullman Exhibit Hall, 11141 S Cottage Grove Ave, Chicago. For information email historicpullmangardens@gmail.com or purchase tickets online at www.hpgc.org
Co-sponsored by the Historic Pullman Foundation.
We hope you’ll join us for this celebration of community care, local history, and green beauty.

July Lunch & Grow: Conversations with Conservationists and Gardeners
2025-07-09 12:00 - 13:00 | Zoom
July Lunch & Grow: Conversations with Conservationists and Gardeners Lunch & Grow: Conversations with Conservationists and Gardeners
Chicago Grows Food is hosting a monthly event that will be a space to learn from an expert about what to focus on each month in your garden. Additionally, this is an opportunity to engage and grow with the gardening community. Come with questions or listen to others. Either way we will be here to chat.
us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/whc9WmHzTCuwvXWyuhcXnQ

CCGA+AUA Chicago Urban Agriculture Plan Listening Session 1
2025-07-09 17:30 - 19:30 | Whitney Young Magnet High School, 211 South Laflin Street, Chicago, IL, 60607, United States
What matters to you most as a gardener in Chicago? Please join CCGA + AUA for a listening session on July 9 to share your thoughts and experiences, there’s still time to register! What challenges have you encountered and what opportunities you do envision? With your collaboration, we’re gathering ideas that should be included in Chicago’s urban agriculture plan to make growing food, medicine, habitat and ornamentals more accessible in our city. This is the first in a series of listening sessions!
Wednesday, July 9
6 to 7:30pm, doors open @ 5:30pm
Whitney Young Magnet High School
211 S. Laflin St., Chicago, IL 60607
Includes refreshments & food
Break out discussion topics will include land access, soil health and fertility, composting and waste management, licensing, educational programming, and workforce development.

Native Planting Day - Marquette Park
2025-07-12 10:00 - 12:00 | Marquette Park Field House, 6743 S Kedzie, Chicago, IL, 60629, United States
Where: Meet behind Marquette Park Field House
6743 S Kedzie, Chicago, IL
What: Planting 100 native plants to boost biodiversity and prevent any more erosion on the shoreline!
When: Saturday, July 12th, 10 AM-12PM

Edgewater Glen 52nd Annual Garden Walk
2025-07-13 12:00 - 17:00 | Edgewater Glen Neighborhood, Chicago, 60660, United States
Historic District Edgewater Glen will hold their 52nd annual Garden Walk on Sunday July 13, 2025 from noon to 5pm, rain or shine. This is a chance to see the talented creations of our gardeners in the 1400 & 1500 blocks in this easily-walkable route with plenty of street parking.
Starting point is 1354 W. Norwood (6034N) at Glenwood (1400W).
Suggested donation is $5 per adult payable by cash, check, or PayPal.

Garden Walk - Westchester
2025-07-19 09:00 - 14:00 | IL
The 7th annual Westchester Garden Walk, set for Saturday, July 19 from 9am – 2pm, features 11 beautiful gardens, including a prairie-style native garden at the public library, a flourishing native plant garden in the park next to the town fountain, and 9 lovely gardens at homes in Westchester. This year’s expanded garden walk coincides with the village’s centennial celebration. Proceeds from ticket sales are donated to the Westchester Food Pantry. For more information visit grassrootsgardengroup.org where advance tickets are on sale now.
Westchester Garden Walk Poster (003)

Buena Blooms for Brennemann
2025-07-20 12:00 - 17:00 | Brennemann Elementary School, 4251 N Clarendon, Chicago, IL, 60613, United States
This self-guided tour invites you to view some of the most beautiful gardens in our historic community. Support Friends of Brennemann and enjoy a memorable day, strolling through the heart of Buena Park. All proceeds from Buena Blooms for Brennemann will benefit Friends of Brennemann, a 501C-3 dedicated to supporting our local Chicago public elementary school. Tickets are $30 each in advance, $40 at the door and include wine and refreshments afterwards at Haymarket House where there will be a silent auction with an incredible array of items. Gardens are open on Sunday, July 20th from 12-3pm. Refreshments and Silent Auction at Haymarket House (800 W Buena) from 2-5pm.

Bilingual Soil Health Field Day - Depaul College Prep
2025-07-23 16:30 - 18:30 | Depaul College Prep, 3333 N Rockwell, Chicago, IL, United States
Wednesday July 23, 4:30 – 6:30 pm
DePaul College Prep High School
3333 N Rockwell St, Chicago, IL 60618
Register at go.illinois.edu/FieldDayJuly23
As part of Illinois Extension’s Summer Technical Assistance Field Day Series, in partnership with the Farm Service Agency (FSA) and the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), we are hosting a field day focused on soil health. This event and program is part one of a two-part series focused on Bilingual Soil Health, with Spanish interpretation available.
Extension educators, along with Farmer David Toledo will discuss soil stewardship and conservation practices implemented by Contemporary Farmer, Inc. at DePaul College Prep. We’re thrilled to welcome Joseph Bridges and Alicia Lozano, the USDA NRCS Soil Conservationists for Cook County who will be on site to meet farmers and answer your questions about applying for reimbursement programs. Reimbursable conservation practices related to soil health that are available to small scale urban growers will also be discussed.
Please join us for the other field days in this series:
July 30: LaVillita 5 – 7 PM (Billingual Soil Health) Little Village Chicago
August 20: Growing Home 5-7 PM (Organic Certification Cost Share), Englewood, Chicago
Sept 16: The Talking Farm 5-7 PM (Navigating FSA & NRCS Programs) Skokie
October 14: We Sow We Grow 4:30-6:30 PM (Navigating FSA & NRCS Programs) West Pullman, Chicago

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact Jesse Schaffer at jschaff@illinois.edu or 312-585-9128

Summer Wine Fest at Lincoln Park Zoo
2025-07-25 19:00 - 22:00 | Lincoln Park Zoo, Cannon Dr. at Fullerton Parkway, Chicago, IL, 60614, United States
Get ready to stroll through lush gardens with a glass of fine wine at Lincoln Park Zoo’s annual Summer Wine Fest! This 21+ urban garden party promises to be a memorable summer evening at the zoo with garden tours of the only accredited herbaceous hibiscus collection in the U.S., samples of 50+ varietals from 20 wineries, photo ops, and live music.
All tickets include:

Guided garden tours with Lincoln Park Zoo’s horticulture experts
Twenty tastings from leading winemaking regions
New this year: 3-ounce Lincoln Park Zoo souvenir tasting cup
Free rides on the Endangered Species Carousel
Live music on Main Mall
Lawn games and outdoor activities
Food for purchase at zoo restaurants

Tour with the experts: Did you know that Lincoln Park Zoo is also an accredited botanical garden? The zoo is home to the only accredited herbaceous perennial hibiscus collection in the United States, a showcase of more than 100 taxa of hybrids and cultivars of four native North American species. Be sure to join the zoo’s horticulture experts during Summer Wine Fest for a guided tour to learn more about these floral treasures.
New this year: Add a stunning event-exclusive hibiscus print to your ticket! A collaboration between zoo horticulturists and illustrators, this limited-run print is a beautiful summertime Chicago memento that features a variety of hibiscus you can find in Lincoln Park Zoo’s nationally recognized collection. There are only 100 prints available, so grab yours before they sell out! The 18×24” print will be rolled into protective sleeves and is available for pick-up only at Summer Wine Fest.

Marquette Park Stewardship Day
2025-07-26 10:00 - 12:00 | Marquette Park Field House, 6743 S Kedzie, Chicago, IL, 60629, United States
Where: Meet behind Marquette Park Field House
6743 S Kedzie, Chicago, IL
What: Check in and water newly established Native plants, learn how to prune a tree, light clean up around the trails.
When: Saturday, July 26th, 10 AM-12PM

Bilingual Soil Health Field Day - Little Village
2025-07-30 17:00 - 19:00 | La Villita Farm, 3108 S Albany Ave, Chicago, IL, 60623, United States
July 30, 2025, 5 – 7 pm
La Villita Park, 3108 S Albany Ave, Chicago, IL 60623
Register at go.illinois.edu/FieldDayJuly30
As part of Illinois Extension’s Summer Technical Assistance Field Day Series, in partnership with the Farm Service Agency (FSA) and the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), we are hosting two bilingual field days focused on soil health. This event and program is part one of a two-part series presented in English, with Spanish interpretation available. The first Bilingual Soil Health field day (focused on raised beds) will be hosted by Contemporary Farmer at DePaul College Prep on July 23rd from 4:30-6:30pm. You can register for that Field Day at go.illinois.edu/FieldDayJuly23
Extension educators, along with Farmers Nateo, Viviana, and others will discuss soil stewardship and conservation practices implemented at The La Villita Community Farm.
We’re thrilled to welcome Joseph Bridges and Alicia Lozano, the USDA NRCS Soil Conservationists for Cook County who will be on site to meet farmers and answer your questions about applying for reimbursement programs. Reimbursable conservation practices related to soil health that are available to small scale urban growers will also be discussed.
Save the Dates for the other field days this year:
July 23: Contemporary Farmer 4:30-6:30 PM (Bilingual Soil Health)
August 20: Growing Home 5-7 PM (Organic Certification Cost Share)
Sept 16: The Talking Farm 5-7 PM (Navigating FSA & NRCS Programs)
October 14: We Sow We Grow 4:30-6:30 PM (Navigating FSA & NRCS Programs)

Night Market at Edna White - Morgan Park
2025-07-31 18:00 - 21:00 | Edna White Community Garden, 1812 W Monterey Ave, Chicago, IL, 60643, United States
All are welcome to spend a relaxing, family friendly evening in the garden among neighbors and new friends.
Night Markets feature good tunes, local artisans, food and cocktails for purchase, although you are more than welcome to pack a picnic.
Ample seating, firepit after dusk, weather permitting. Free parking in Dist 22 lot, north of the garden and restrooms next door.
join our Facebook group to stay up to date on garden events: https://www.facebook.com/groups/221301244573122

August Lunch & Grow: Conversations with Conservationists and Gardeners
2025-08-13 12:00 - 13:00 | Zoom
August Lunch & Grow: Conversations with Conservationists and Gardeners Lunch & Grow: Conversations with Conservationists and Gardeners
Chicago Grows Food is hosting a monthly event that will be a space to learn from an expert about what to focus on each month in your garden. Additionally, this is an opportunity to engage and grow with the gardening community. Come with questions or listen to others. Either way we will be here to chat.
us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/whc9WmHzTCuwvXWyuhcXnQ

Deadline to Apply for Urban Farmer Training - online
2025-08-14 | Online, Online, Chicago, IL, United States
Master Urban Farmer Training Program 2025
Mondays Sept 22 – Dec 8, 6 – 8 pm on Zoom
In person Field Day Sat. Sept 27 in Matteson, IL
$150
for More information about the program: go.illinois.edu/MUFTP or Call Sarah
at 217-300-8636
to Apply: go.illinois.edu/UrbanFarmer

Nutrient Management Field Day - Chicago Heights
2025-08-14 11:00 - 15:00 | IL
Cook County Farm Bureau Nutrient Stewardship Field Day
Thurs Aug 14, 11 am – 3 pm
Smits Farm, 3437 East Sauk Trail, Chicago Heights, IL This event is free and open to all. Call (708) 354-3276 to RSVP.

Evening in the Garden - Kilbourn Park
2025-08-14 18:00 - 20:00 | Kilbourn Park Organic Greenhouse, 3501 N. Kilbourn, Chicago, IL, 60641, United States
Friends of Kilbourn Park – Evening in the Garden Fundraiser
Thursday Aug 14, 6 – 8 pm
3501 N Kilbourn, Chicago
$25

Buena Tunnel Garden Open Day
2025-08-16 10:00 - 12:00 | Buena Tunnel Gardens / Peace Garden, 4201 N Marine Dr, Chicago, 60613, United States
Buena Tunnel Garden Open Day!
Saturday, August 16 from 10am to noon.
The gardeners of the Buena Tunnel Garden are hosting an Open Day at the gardens on Saturday, August 16 from 10:00am to noon!
Meet the gardeners, tour the gardens, ask questions about the garden and plants, learn about the benefits of native plantings, and more!
Where: Buena Avenue and Marine Drive, opposite the Peace Garden
When: Saturday, August 16 from 10:00am to noon
Rain or Shine!
Some of the planned activities…

A Peace Garden yoga class hosted by Buena Park’s Yoga Body Elements ($14, 75-minutes, register on their website—www.yogabodyelements.com, or pay with cash or Venmo at the event. Bring your own yoga mat or blanket).
Local honey tastings! Learn about the benefits of eating local honey and the importance of garden pollinators.
See fascinating demonstration of the life cycle of the Buena Tunnel monarch butterflies.
Meet Ashley Kennedy, the creator of the Buena Tunnel plover mural. Talk to Ashley as she updates her mural with bees, butterflies and other details.
Join the Friends of the Peace Garden for an informative history tour.
Free giveaway of Buena Tunnel Garden native seed plants.

See you there!!

Gathering of Fermented Friends - West Town
2025-08-18 18:30 - 20:30 | IL
What the Ferment
Monday August 18, 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm
Patchwork Farms 2825 W Chicago Ave, Chicago
$0 – $9 Sliding Scale
Patchwork Farms also accepts used jars with lids during open hours for repurposing.

Organic Certification Field Day - Englewood
2025-08-20 17:00 - 19:00 | Growing home, 5814 S Wood, Chicago, IL, 60636, United States
Growing Home Field Day Flier 8.20.25Location: Growing Home Wood Street Farm 5814 S Wood Street, Chicago
As part of Illinois Extension’s Summer Technical Assistance Field Day Series, in partnership with the Farm Service Agency (FSA) and the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), we are hosting a field day focused on Organic Certification.
Extension educators, along with Urban Farm Director Ezra Lee and Organic Crop Inspector Tracy Noel, will discuss organic farming practices at Growing Home. We’re thrilled to welcome Joseph Bridges and Alicia Lozano, the USDA NRCS Soil Conservationists for Cook County who will be on site to meet farmers and answer your questions about applying for reimbursement programs. Reimbursable conservation practices that are available to small scale urban growers and the Organic Certification Cost Share program will also be discussed.

University of Illinois • U.S. Department of Agriculture • Local Extension Councils Cooperating. University of Illinois Extension provides equal opportunities in programs and employment. If you need a reasonable accommodation to participate, please contact Jesse Schaffer at jschaff@illinois.edu or 312-585-9128

Maxwell St. Garden Dinner Fundraiser - West Town
2025-08-20 17:00 - 19:30 | IL
MAXWELL STREET COMMUNITY GARDEN Dinner Fundraiser
Wed August 20th 2025, at 5 or 7:30 pm
Sinha Elegant Brazilian Cuisine, 2018 W Adams St, Chicago, IL 60612
$60 pp

Chicago FarmWorks Open House
2025-08-21 17:00 - 19:00 | IL
Chicago FarmWorks Farm to Table Gathering
Thursday, August 21 · 5 – 7pm
407 North Albany Avenue Chicago

Atkins Medicinal Garden Walk/Lecture - UIC
2025-08-22 10:00 - 15:00 | IL
Atkins Medicinal Garden Walk
Fri Aug 22, 10 am – 3 pm
833 S Wood, Chicago
https://pharmacognosy.pharmacy.uic.edu/pharmacognosy/atkins-medicinal-garden/atkins-medicinal-garden-annual-garden-walk/

Community Garden Tour - Garfield Park
2025-08-23 09:00 - 14:00 | IL
Garfield Park Community Garden Network Tour
Sat Aug 23, 9 am – 2 pm
departing from the gold dome, 100 N Central Park, Chgo
Tour is free, optional boxed lunch $15

Faith Farms Field Day - Gary IN
2025-08-23 11:00 - 14:00 | IL
Faith Farms and Orchard Changemaker Field Day
Saturday, August 23, 2025 | 11:00 AM CDT – 2:00 PM CDT | Free
ArtHouse: A Social Kitchen, 411 E 5th Ave, Gary, IN

Join us for a Field Day with Marbleseed’s 2025 Changemaker Award winner, Faith CDC at Faith Farms and Orchard in Gary, Indiana. Come learn about the important food justice work Faith CDC is doing through their youth training, fresh/frozen and food is medicine programs. Walk from station to station to tour the farm and infrastructure in place to make these programs possible. Socialize with community members interested in supporting local food systems and nurturing the next generation of farmers and eaters.

AUA Food Safety Workshop - Bronzeville
2025-08-24 11:00 - 14:00 | IL
AUA Food Safety Workshop
Sunday August 24 from 11-2
Bronzeville Neighborhood Farm, 4148 S Calumet Ave Chicago,
– A tour of the farm
– a conversation on productivity
– and food safety and sanitation
– peracetic acid sanitation distribution

2025-08-28 18:00 - 19:30 | IL
Chicago’s First Urban Agriculture Plan Listening Session #2
Advocates of Urban Agriculture in partnership with Chicago’s Community
Gardeners Association are excited to announce our second listening session
August 28 from 6:00-7:30 PM at The Quarry
2423 E 75th St, Chicago, IL 60649

Click here to register to the event

Over the next few years, Chicago Community Gardeners Association (CCGA) and
Advocates for Urban Agriculture (AUA), in collaboration with partners
throughout Chicago, will be focusing our efforts on co-creating an urban
agriculture plan. As such, the purpose of this listening session is to
receive community feedback on what your experiences have been as a gardener
in Chicago. We are interested in hearing more about what challenges you’ve
encountered as an urban farmer and what opportunities you envision for
Chicago. We are gathering and collaborating on ideas that should be
included in the urban agriculture plan to make growing food, medicine,
habitat and ornamentals more accessible in Chicago.

We will be hosting a group and break out discussion on the following topics:
Land access, soil health, fines, fees, and punitive processes,
environmental justice, and funding for scaling operations and
infrastructure.

To learn more, and to complete a survey, visit our website.
