Chicago Botanic Garden, Neighborhood Housing Services of Chicago Create Green Youth Farm in Urban North Lawndale Neighborhood

WHO: Green Youth Farm teens from Manley Career Academy and North Lawndale College Prep high schools will give tours of their farm’s raised bed construction, explain companion planting techniques, and assist in cooking demonstrations with farm-fresh produce. The teens are planting, tending, and selling the “fruits of their labor” at a local community market.

The Green Youth Farm is a project of the Chicago Botanic Garden in collaboration with Neighborhood Housing Services of Chicago, Inc. Green Youth Farm-North Lawndale is supported by After School Matters, the Harris Bank Foundation, the Institute of Museum and Library Services, and the Steans Family Foundation.

WHAT: Established in 2005, the Green Youth Farm in North Lawndale enables city teens—none of whom have ever seen rural farmland—to better understand gardening. From building the enormous wood planters, to carting bags of soil to fill them, to planting, watering, harvesting, and selling the vegetables, the teens say they now have a better appreciation for the hard work—and satisfaction- involved in all facets of gardening.

The Open House will also feature a grilled lunch prepared by Chef Ricky Moore of Chicago’s Washburne Culinary Institute. Chef Ricky will be assisted by Green Youth Farm teens, who have been learning culinary skills from him this summer.

WHERE: 3555 W. Ogden Avenue, Chicago (Garden is adjacent to NHS North Lawndale Office; Free parking available)

WHEN: Green Youth Farm Open House, Tuesday, August 23, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Note: Media may cover the event to interview/photograph teens or professionals from the Chicago Botanic Garden (CBG) or NHS of Chicago. See a PR representative from NHS or CBG before shooting.

Contact Information

Barbara Harfmann

Media Contact

Neighborhood Housing Services of Chicago

Contact via E-mail