CCGA Perennial Distribution at 10am
2019-09-28 10:00 - 14:00 (America/Chicago) | New Horizons Community Garden, 401 S. Central Park, Chicago, IL, 60624, United States
Thursday September 26th at 4pm is cutoff date for registering.
Sept. 28, 2019 perennial distribution flyer

Nourish (comm)Unity: Block Share Party
2019-10-19 14:00 - 16:00 | Windsor Park Evangelical Lutheran Church, 2619 E 76th St, Chicago, IL, 60649, United States
Celebrate the launch of a community-based internet in South Shore! Share stories about how you communicate with your neighbors and social networks and explore the different approaches to communication technology across decades and generations.
Block Share Party is part of CSLN’s Nourish (comm)Unity series, and is organized by Chi Commons Coop, Windsor Park Lutheran Church, and Cambium Networks.

Garfield Park Stewardship Day
2019-10-26 10:00 - 12:00 | IL, United States
Stewardship workdays take place weekly and volunteer tasks vary each month but might include trail maintenance, planting, pruning, weeding, controlling invasive plant species, seed collection or trash pick-up as well as fun nature-based activities like birding and plant id walks. Participants can volunteer at stewardship workdays as often as they like and tailor their volunteer experience according to their own schedules and interests.

Listen. Lead. Share. and FRESH Bronzeville Cooking Demo
2019-10-27 13:00 - 16:00 | Bronzeville Neighborhood Farm, 4148 S Calumet Ave, Chicago
We’ll start with a conversation on clean energy in support of the Illinois Clean Jobs Coalition’s Listen. Lead. Share campaign. We’ll focus on two pillars of the Clean Energy Jobs Act (CEJA): 1) Promoting jobs and economic opportunity; and 2) Reducing the equivalent of 1 million gasoline and diesel-powered vehicles from the road.
Immediately following the conversation, the Disco Poet and vegan chef Khari B will lead a cooking demo using fresh produce from Bronzeville Neighborhood Farm to tantalize your taste buds!

Pumpkin Smash - Composting Collection
2019-11-02 09:00 - 12:00 | Chicago High School for Agricultural Sciences, 3857 W 111th Street, Chicago, IL, 60655, United States
All area residents are invited to drop off their jack-o-lanterns at this one day only composting collection. We’re also collecting gourds, corn stalks and straw bales to keep them out of the landfill. Natural materials only please! That means no googly eyes, yarn, stickers, candles, etc. There is no fee to participate.
Saturday November 2, 2019, 9 am – 12 noon
Chicago High School For Agricultural Sciences
3857 W. 111th Street, Chicago IL 60655
Back Parking lot. Enter driveway East of the School.
Please help us make this event successful by posting a flyer at your business, gym, library or house of worship. Thanks and see you there!
If you have questions or need a reasonable accommodation to participate in this program, please contact Sarah at 773-233-2900 or sbatka@illinois.edu.
to find a Pumpkin Smash in your area, please visit SCARCE’s event locator.

Handmade Skincare Expo 2.0
2019-11-09 13:00 - 17:00 | Lighthouse Youth Center, 4338 South Prairie Avenue, Chicago, IL, 60615, United States
“The Farmers Market for Your Skin”
Natural, handmade beauty products via local vendors. Body butters, lotions, soaps, cleanses & more!
https://www.facebook.com/events/1411341805692128/?ti=icl

CCGA Coordinating Meeting
2019-11-18 18:00 - 20:00 | The Hatchery Chicago, 135 N. Kedzie, Chicago, IL, 60624, United States
Join us for the monthly coordinating meeting in the Community Room at The Hatchery Chicago.
Feel free to bring a snack to share!

CCGA Coordinating Meeting Agenda
Monday November 18, 2019 – 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
1. Welcome & Call to Order

Volunteers for Time-Keeper/Note-Taker

Agenda review

Last meeting minutes review

2. 2020 Conference Discussion

Discussion of Conference Venue/Date

Discussion of Conference Theme

Sponsorship Activities

Workshop Preparation – Education Committee Presentation

3. Membership Discussion

What Does Individual Membership Look Like?

Membership Component of Registration Discussion

4. Brief Committee Reports

Resources

Finance

Membership

Communications

5. Other Business

Proposal for Establishing Permanent Meeting Dates

6. Set next meeting date & location
7. Adjourn

The Healthy Food Hub 10th Anniversary Market Day
2019-11-23 10:00 - 16:00 | Garfield Park Gold Dome, 100 N Central Park Ave,, Chicago, IL, 60624, United States
Come celebrate 10 years of CommUnity determination!

Friends of Wicker Park 2019 Fountain Decorating Social
2019-11-23 10:00 - 16:30 | Wicker Park Gardens, 1425 N. Damen, Chicago, IL, 60622, United States
The Wicker Park Garden Club and Advisory Council Invite you to:

2019 FOUNTAIN DECORATING SOCIAL

CREATE a Great Light Display for the Community
– Meet People – Bring Food to Share!

Saturday November 23 from 10am – 4:30pm
Wicker Park – 1425 N. Damen, Chicago, IL 60622

PLEASE SIGN UP: Click HERE
The link describes the things to do: Bring Food – Move Trees to Park from Big Star, Cut up trees, Decorate Urns

Garfield Park Conservatory Holiday Flower Show: Invisible Forces
2019-11-29 09:00 - 2020-01-06 17:00 | Garfield Park Conservatory, 300 N. Central Park Ave. , Chicago, IL, United States
For over 110 years the Conservatory has been celebrating the holiday season with a colorful and inspired display of plants and flowers. This year’s show will feature white birch wind chimes, burgundy poinsettias, and deep green conifer trees. Explore the Show House to learn about the Invisible Forces that impact the lives of plants.
Show will run from Friday, November 29 through Sunday, January 5, 2020. Plan a visit this season to explore, connect and enjoy the wonder of the Conservatory!

Kilbourn Organic Garden DIY Soap & Salve Demo
2019-12-07 10:00 - 12:00 | Kilbourn Park Field House, 3501 N. Kilbourn, Chicago, IL, 60641, United States
Do you need git ideas for the holidays? What about making your own natural products? During this make & take you will learn the art of soap and herbal salve making. Nina Lawrin of Loveren Collections will teach the salve portion of the demo. She will talk about the medicinal and energetic properties of the plants used in the salve as well as easy tips to making more items at home. Each participant will take home a salve and a soap for the holidays! To register, use the link below.

CCGA Coordinating Meeting, Thursday December 12, 6pm at CCGT
2019-12-12 18:00 - 20:00 | Chicago Center for Green Technology (CCGT), 445 N Sacramento, Chicago, IL, 60612, United States
Our next CCGA coordinating meeting is Thursday, December 12 at 6pm at the Chicago Center for Green Technology CCGT (445 N. Sacramento Blvd.). We will meet on the 2nd floor meeting room and there is parking behind the building and as always try and bring a snack or drink to share if you can.
The main focus of the meeting is on planning for our 8th annual conference. Please submit any additional items you would like to see on the agenda to communications@chicagocommunitygardens.org
Thanks very much and hope to see you there.

Garfield Park Neighborhood Holiday Market
2019-12-14 10:00 - 14:00 | The Hatchery Chicago, 135 N. Kedzie, Chicago, IL, 60624, United States
We are moving the Market back indoors, beginning with a Holiday Market on Saturday, December 14 from 10 am – 2 pm! Shop from West Side businesses and artisans and purchase treats from members of The Hatchery Chicago. This market will also include activities for the whole family. We are accepting vendor applications through November 22!

KWANZAA CELEBRATING “KUUMBA” CREATIVITY (THE 6TH PRINCIPLE)
2019-12-31 13:00 - 16:00 | 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 | IL
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 | IL

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?
