Green Parent Chicago

World's Largest Rooftop Farm Opens in Pullman neighborhood of Chicago

Brooklyn-based Gotham Greens has announced the opening of their fourth greenhouse, a new facility located on Chicago's South Side in the historic Pullman neighborhood.

 

The rooftop of the Method Products manufacturing facility is the site of the new 75,000 square foot Chicago greenhouse, powered by 100% renewable energy. The greenhouse employs over 50 workers, including many from the Pullman community.

 

Gotham Greens, is a producer of pesticide-free produce grown through urban agriculture. The company's growing method is said to yield up to 30 times more crop per acre than field production, enabling the Pullman greenhouse to produce yields equivalent to over 50 acres of conventional field production.

 

The company also recycles 100% of its irrigation water, and aims for a lighter environmental footprint by growing locally.

 

-Christine

 

 

The 606 to Open in Early June With 2 Days of Festivities

One of Chicago's newest parks is set to open on the city's northside June 6 with 2 days of free events.

The schedule of events planned for June 6 and 7 at The 606 will include a procession/parade, music and dancing, a pancake breakfast, restaurant vendors and hands-on activities for all ages.

Located at the site of the abandoned Bloomingdale railway line, the elevated "urban oasis" runs along Bloomingdale Ave. (1800 N), from Ridgeway Ave. (3750 W) on the west to Ashland Ave (1600 W) on the east, through the Bucktown, Wicker Park, Humboldt Park, and Logan Square neighborhoods.

The new park will be linked to 5 existing parks at street level. It was conceived by an alliance between The Friends of The Bloomingdale Trail, the City of Chicago, Chicago Park District, The Trust for Public Land, and dozens of other community groups. Construction took 2 years to complete.

The final design of the park space is credited to Collins Engineers, Lead Artist Frances Whitehead, and landscape designers Michael Van Valkenburgh Associates.

For a complete schedule of opening day events, visit: http://the606.org/events/openingday/

-Christine

 

Chicago Farmers Markets Open For The Season

Kick-off will take place at the Daley Plaza Farmers Market Thursday May 14 at 11:30 a.m. The Daley Plaza market is the longest running Farmers Market in Chicago.

See the complete schedule of Chicago Farmers Markets in neighborhoods all over the city with details on which markets accept the LINK card here.

photo credit: flickr, Cindy Kurman, Kurman Communications, Inc

Freebie of the week: Get started canning with this free guide

It's time to get ready for the garden season. Whether you plan to grow your own produce or take advantage of local farmers' markets, canning and preserving is a great way to extend the harvest and continue to eat local throughout the year. 

Offered by Chicago's Jane Addams Hull-House Museum and available for download in your choice of colors, check out this handy-dandy canning guide perfect for beginners.

photo credit:Rachel Tayse, flickr

Local Midwest Farm Training Program Accepting Applications

 

If you've ever dreamed of owning and working your own sustainable farm business, now is your chance to learn directly from Midwest farmers. Angelic Organics Learning Center in Calendonia, IL is accepting applications for their winter farmer training program.

This week is the final week to submit application materials for the center's training program, Stateline Farm Beginnings, which begins October 11. The program runs until March 2015. Organizers say Stateline Farm Beginnings has launched more than 55 new sustainable farms in northern Illinois and southern Wisconsin since its inception in 2005.

Trainees receive business planning sessions, learn through field days, and one on one advising from successful local farmers. Find out more information and apply here.