Celebrate spring by learning techniques for organic soil preparation and planting. We’ll learn about soil texture and soil life, plus how our Biodynamic farm tends and feeds the earth. We’ll cover the basics of double digging, prepare a garden bed, and learn about seeding and transplanting through hands-on projects. Dress to work in the garden, and bring lunch. Discount available as part of Organic Gardening Series. 

Attend three organic gardening classes at a discount! Includes: Starting Your Organic Garden (April 26), Ins and Outs of Composting (May 3), and All About Insects for Gardeners (June 7).

Join Chicago GreenNet for their 16th Annual Green and Growing Fair! This urban gardening fair features hands-on activities and presentations on topics ranging from composting to landscaping with native plants. Local vendors will offer plants, produce, crafts, and more.

 

For more info, visit www.greennetchicago.org/green_growing.html. 

Learn what makes a successful compost pile, and decide which methods will work best for your household. Overview various types of compost bins, build a pile together, and tour our farm-scale compost operation. Meet the worms in our vermiculture system, and find out how to implement indoor composting at home. Dress to work outside! Discount available as part of Organic Gardening Series. 

Together we'll build, fill, and plant a raised garden bed with wooden sides. Learn about selecting materials, building the soil, and more.

The problems we encounter as a society stem from our present-day understanding of the world, the cosmos and the human being. Since we cannot solve these problems in the same mindset that created them, we are called towards a change of consciousness. Gunther Hauk will give a talk from an anthroposophical perspective on how—through spiritualizing our understanding of nature—we can be more relevant in the the work of healing the Earth and healing ourselves. Discount available as part of Rudolf Steiner series.  This special lecture is presented in honor of Lora Krogman's life and passions.

Gunther Hauk is a holistic beekeeper with over 30+ years of experience. Turning the tide of the honeybee’s spiraling death rate is a task dear to his heart. At this workshop you will learn beekeeping methods that run contrary to conventional practices but have been proven to increase the honeybee’s health and vitality. This special workshop is presented in honor of Lora Krogman's life and passions. Discount available as part of Rudolf Steiner series. May 9 lecture is free to all participants.

Spring is a wonderful time to visit our farm. Come tour our spring vegetables, meet baby animals, and pot up a present to bring home. Children (ages 4 and up) must be accompanied by adult.

Price listed below is per family member.

Chicago Green Festival is a 2-day event: May 17 from 10am-8pm and May 18 from 11am-6pm.

 

Celebrating what’s working in our communities, the Chicago Green Festival showcases more than 350 diverse local and national green businesses displaying and selling eco-friendly, fair trade, and sustainable products. More than 150 visionary speakers appear for standing-room-only panel discussions, presentations, and main stage speaking events.

You’ll also enjoy great how-to workshops, green films, a fair trade pavilion, yoga and movement classes, kids’ zone, delicious organic beer, wine and cuisine, and live music.

Stop by Angelic Organics Learning Center’s booth #330 to learn more about our work to build a healthy local food system and purchase our farm goods including handcrafted Just Milk Soap, local honey, and Farmer John’s Cookbook.

 

For more info or advance registration, visit www.greenfestivals.org.

This hands-on workshop in our farm setting will introduce the process of cheese making from start to finish (from milking the goats to tasting fresh goat’s cheese). We'll learn how to make ricotta, chevre, mozzarella, feta and more!  CLASS FULL, see Sept 13 or Oct. 11. 

Chicago Green Festival is a 2-day event: May 17 from 10am-8pm and May 18 from 11am-6pm.

 

Celebrating what’s working in our communities, Chicago Green Festival showcases more than 350 diverse local and national green businesses displaying and selling eco-friendly, fair trade, and sustainable products. More than 150 visionary speakers appear for standing-room-only panel discussions, presentations, and main stage speaking events.

 

You’ll also enjoy great how-to workshops, green films, a fair trade pavilion, yoga and movement classes, kids’ zone, delicious organic beer, wine and cuisine, and live music.

 

Stop by Angelic Organics Learning Center’s booth #330 to learn more about our work to build a healthy local food system and purchase our farm goods including handcrafted Just Milk Soap, local honey, and Farmer John’s Cookbook.

 

For more info or advance registration, visit www.greenfestival.org.

Join the Chicago Food Policy Advisory Council for their quarterly meeting. Everyone is welcome.

 

The meeting agenda includes a "listening session" for the Illinois Local and Organic Food and Farm Task Force. Give your input about how to build a healthy local food system and increase local and organic food production in Illinois!

 

LOCAL AGRICULTURE AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
"Chicago Listening Session"
Hosted by the Chicago Food Policy Advisory Council, FamilyFarmed.org, Chicago Department of Planning and Development and DePaul University- this will take the place of the spring quarterly meeting for CFPAC.

 

For more info, visit www.chicagofoodpolicy.org. To RSVP, contact Lynn Peemoller at lynn@chicagofoodpolicy.org,

Join us for a tour and introduction to Angelic Organics, the Biodynamic vegetable farm in northern Illinois featured in the award-winning documentary film The Real Dirt on Farmer John. We will explore what makes this a Biodynamic and community supported agriculture (CSA) farm. Learn basic strategies for growing food without chemical inputs and see the seasonal work underway at the farm. Wear sturdy shoes (conditions may be muddy!) and clothes appropriate for the weather.

Come cooperate with others to construct a mini eco-village while learning natural building techniques. Use your hands to build model homes using a mixture of clay, sand and straw, called “cob”, then use your imagination to create stories about people in the community. Children must be accompanied by adult. Ages 4 and up.

 

Price listed below is per family member.

In this one-day workshop participants will be introduced to the comprehensive ecological methods behind the world-wide biodynamic farming movement. An introduction to soils, plants, animals, planetary calendars and the process of viewing your farm as a living organism will be discussed. Hands-on activities will further enhance the experience. Participants will be able to purchase biodynamic amendments and begin integrating these practices in their own garden spaces and farms. Co-hosted with Michael Fields Agricultural Institute. Discount available as part of Rudolf Steiner series.  

Join the Learning Center in Chicago's 10th Ward to explore ways to be green in southeast Chicago. You can tour and work in several of the area's community gardens, take advantage of a free bicycle repair clinic, or hear from speakers at a Global Warming Cafe.

 

Visit Healthy Southeast Chicago or Clarentian Associates web sites for more details and a full schedule of the day's events.

 

For more information, email healthysouthchicago@yahoo.com or call 773-719-3427

 

NOTE: TIME OF EVENT HAS NOT BEEN ANNOUNCED. EVENT MAY BE AT A TIME OTHER THAN 10 AM - 6 PM.

 

Celebrate World Environment Day at the Chicago Botanic Garden! This year's theme is "CO² Kick the Habit! Toward a Low Carbon Economy." Enjoy organic gardening and composting demostrations, the UN Environment Programme's International Children's Painting Competition, and a forum about developing a low carbon economy.

 

Stop by the Knowledge and Action marketplace to meet representatives from Angelic Organics Learning Center and other organizations for ideas, green expertise, and fun ways to lower your carbon footprint in the areas of home, food, energy, and conservation.

 

For more information, visit www.chicagobotanic.org/calendar/environment.php.

This hands-on workshop in our farm setting will introduce the process of cheese making from start to finish (from milking the goats to tasting fresh goat’s cheese). We'll learn how to make ricotta, chevre, mozzarella, feta and more!

Have you ever dreamed of starting your own farm? In this interactive workshop, we'll learn about types of sustainable farming careers in northern Illinois and southern Wisconsin, take part in a series of self-assessments, and be better prepared to decide whether to pursue a farming business is the right choice for you. We'll hear about regional training opportunities through the Collaborative Regional Alliance for Farmer Training (CRAFT), university extension, small business development centers, and others. Includes a presentation of farming enterprises and an opportunity to ask questions about the development of successful local farms.

 

We're excited to offer this class in the Center for Green Technology's new Resource Center! Light refreshments will be provided. All attendees should bring a lunch.

 

Limited work trades are available, please send an email to rasha@learngrowconnect.org for more information.

Confused by the critters in your garden? Come to the farm to learn how to identify the creatures in your garden, determine if they are helpful or harmful, then strategize on earth-friendly methods for controlling pests. Discount available as part of Organic Gardening Series. 

Hey kids! Surprise dad with a camping trip at the farm for Father’s Day! You bring a tent, farming clothes, and your father, and we’ll have a fun time planned, with games, farm work, a campfire with a drumming circle, and exploring the land. Delicious farm dinner and breakfast provided! Please contact our office to be added to the wait list.

Price listed below is per family member.

Hey kids! Surprise dad with a camping trip at the farm for Father’s Day! You bring a tent, farming clothes, and your father, and we’ll have a fun time planned, with games, farm work, a campfire with a drumming circle, and exploring the land. Delicious farm dinner and breakfast provided! Please contact our office to be added to the wait list.

Price listed below is per family member.

The University of Illinois Extension-Winnebago County invites you to a “Listening Session” with Illinois Local and Organic Food and Farm Task Force members.

 

In 2007, the Illinois General Assembly enacted The Illinois Food, Farms, and Jobs Act. This bill authorized Governor Blagojevich to appoint a 32-member Task Force, charged with putting together a plan to enhance an efficient and fully functioning Illinois local food and fiber system. Task Force recommendations will be considered by the Illinois General Assembly in 2009. Angelic Organics Learning Center's Executive Director, Tom Spaulding, was appointed to the Task Force.

 

Please join us at this important session, one of several that are being held at various locations statewide. Your input is needed to gather recommendations on production, infrastructure, public access, public education, and economic benefits that can be derived from Illinois farmers directly serving their neighbor’s needs. If you have interest in helping to create the future of Illinois’ local and organic food or the building of any part of a farm to neighbor agricultural system, your expertise is needed now.

 

For more information about the Listening Session, please contact Margaret Larson at University of Illinois Extension – Winnebago County at 815-238-1869 or mklarson@illinois.edu.

Roots & Wings youth leaders will sell produce, worm castings, lip balm and other items from their organic gardens in urban Rockford. Come support this unique youth leadership program, while purchasing delicious food from their gardens!

Did you know that the healthy bacteria in yogurt can be used to help preserve and enhance vegetables? Come learn how to make yogurt, sauerkraut, kim chi, kombucha, kvass, and other fermented and cultured foods with Anne-Marie Fryer, Waldorf teacher, Biodynamic farmer, author and nutritional counselor. Bring wide-mouth jars to take home your own samples.

During this week, we’ll explore the whole farm from the creek to the barnyard, playing games along the way. On the farm, ice cream starts in the hayfields, the sprinkler is truly awesome, and your friends have four legs as well as two. Bring a sack lunch and snacks daily. Ages 6-12. Program runs from 9 am to 3 pm daily. Discount available as part of Day Camp Series. Inquire about extended day options, 8-9am and 3-5pm.

Attend all four summer day camps at a discount! Includes: Playing with Your Food (June 23-26), Getting Wild on the Farm (July 7 to 10), Fair Play (July 14-17) and Explore the Farm through Art (July 21-24).

During this week, we’ll explore the whole farm from the creek to the barnyard, playing games along the way. On the farm, ice cream starts in the hayfields, the sprinkler is truly awesome, and your friends have four legs as well as two. Bring a sack lunch and snacks daily. Ages 6-12. Program runs from 9 am to 3 pm daily. Discount available as part of Day Camp Series. Inquire about extended day options, 8-9am and 3-5pm.

During this week, we’ll explore the whole farm from the creek to the barnyard, playing games along the way. On the farm, ice cream starts in the hayfields, the sprinkler is truly awesome, and your friends have four legs as well as two. Bring a sack lunch and snacks daily. Ages 6-12. Program runs from 9 am to 3 pm daily. Discount available as part of Day Camp Series. Inquire about extended day options, 8-9am and 3-5pm.

During this week, we’ll explore the whole farm from the creek to the barnyard, playing games along the way. On the farm, ice cream starts in the hayfields, the sprinkler is truly awesome, and your friends have four legs as well as two. Bring a sack lunch and snacks daily. Ages 6-12. Program runs from 9 am to 3 pm daily. Discount available as part of Day Camp Series. Inquire about extended day options, 8-9am and 3-5pm.

Join us for this special political education and organizing workshop -

Learn to get green things done by engaging city officials as allies. We'll discuss what works to get attention and support from aldermen, ward staff, and city departments for green projects and local food.

Our panelists will share real stories of approaches that work and offer inside tips for succeeding with local government. This three-hour workshop will provide tools, insights, and guidance - and a chance to converse with policy makers about ways we can help them to help us, help each other.

 

Panel Members include:

Alderman Manny Flores, 1st ward
Alderman Toni Foulkes, 15th ward
Jay Rowell, Office of the City Clerk

 

Facilitated by:
Katy Hogan, Founder/Owner, Heartland Cafe
with Martha Boyd, Angelic Organics Learning Center's Urban Initiative in Chicago

Co-sponsored by Angelic Organics Learning Center,the Chicago Food Policy Advisory Council, and Heartland Cafe, with the participation of the Office of the City Clerk.

Note on Parking:
Due to the Green Corps event from 9-11:30AM, the CCGT Parking Lot will be packed when you arrive for the workshop - If you drive, head back toward the Christy Webber Landscaping parking lot - Or, ride your bike - Or, take public transportation!

Roots & Wings youth leaders will sell produce, worm castings, lip balm and other items from their organic gardens in urban Rockford. Come support this unique youth leadership program, while purchasing delicious food from their gardens!

Come discover creatures and plants in our creek, woods, prairie and savanna. Learn how wild spaces are integral to the life of the farm, play games and make crafts with what you find in the woods. Bring a sack lunch and snacks daily. Ages 6-12. Program runs from 9 to 3 daily. Discount available as part of Day Camp Series. Inquire about extended day options, 8-9am and 3-5pm.  PROGRAM CLOSED, PLEASE SEE DAY CAMP ON JULY 21-24.

Come discover creatures and plants in our creek, woods, prairie and savanna. Learn how wild spaces are integral to the life of the farm, play games and make crafts with what you find in the woods. Bring a sack lunch and snacks daily. Ages 6-12. Program runs from 9 to 3 daily. Discount available as part of Day Camp Series. Inquire about extended day options, 8-9am and 3-5pm.  PROGRAM CLOSED, PLEASE SEE DAY CAMP ON JULY 21-24.

Come discover creatures and plants in our creek, woods, prairie and savanna. Learn how wild spaces are integral to the life of the farm, play games and make crafts with what you find in the woods. Bring a sack lunch and snacks daily. Ages 6-12. Program runs from 9 to 3 daily. Discount available as part of Day Camp Series. Inquire about extended day options, 8-9am and 3-5pm.  PROGRAM CLOSED, PLEASE SEE DAY CAMP ON JULY 21-24.

Come discover creatures and plants in our creek, woods, prairie and savanna. Learn how wild spaces are integral to the life of the farm, play games and make crafts with what you find in the woods. Bring a sack lunch and snacks daily. Ages 6-12. Program runs from 9 to 3 daily. Discount available as part of Day Camp Series. Inquire about extended day options, 8-9am and 3-5pm.  PROGRAM CLOSED, PLEASE SEE DAY CAMP ON JULY 21-24.

Learn state-of-the art skills in sustainable construction that you can apply to your home building projects using trimmings from your backyard trees. Participants will receive expert instruction in whole tree design, framing, and finishing. Architect Roald Gundersen, who specializes in solar, straw bale and whole tree buildings, will show us how to build using un-milled trees harvested from forest thinning for columns and beams (for more on Roald's work, go to www.roaldgundersen.com). As with unprocessed food that retains more health value, wood used in its natural state retains 50% more of its strength than milled lumber. In this three day learning-by-doing workshop, you will help construct a 16 foot round wood shelter that will cover our new cob oven. You will learn about preparing round wood on Friday (including forestry, tree selection and peeling bark), assembling the structure on Saturday, and completing the roof on Sunday. Participants also will observe previously constructed round wood and strawbale structures on the farm and see how well they are holding up after several winters. The finished product in functional, beautiful, and inspiring! Class takes place from 8:30am to 5pm daily. Discount available as part of Sustainable Building series.  Inquire about enrolling for individual days at $90/day.  

Learn state-of-the art skills in sustainable construction that you can apply to your home building projects using trimmings from your backyard trees. Participants will receive expert instruction in whole tree design, framing, and finishing. Architect Roald Gundersen, who specializes in solar, straw bale and whole tree buildings, will show us how to build using un-milled trees harvested from forest thinning for columns and beams (for more on Roald's work, go to www.roaldgundersen.com). As with unprocessed food that retains more health value, wood used in its natural state retains 50% more of its strength than milled lumber. In this three day learning-by-doing workshop, you will help construct a 16 foot round wood shelter that will cover our new cob oven. You will learn about preparing round wood on Friday (including forestry, tree selection and peeling bark), assembling the structure on Saturday, and completing the roof on Sunday. Participants also will observe previously constructed round wood and strawbale structures on the farm and see how well they are holding up after several winters. The finished product in functional, beautiful, and inspiring! Class takes place from 8:30am to 5pm daily. Discount available as part of Sustainable Building series.  Inquire about enrolling for individual days at $90/day.  

Learn state-of-the art skills in sustainable construction that you can apply to your home building projects using trimmings from your backyard trees. Participants will receive expert instruction in whole tree design, framing, and finishing. Architect Roald Gundersen, who specializes in solar, straw bale and whole tree buildings, will show us how to build using un-milled trees harvested from forest thinning for columns and beams (for more on Roald's work, go to www.roaldgundersen.com). As with unprocessed food that retains more health value, wood used in its natural state retains 50% more of its strength than milled lumber. In this three day learning-by-doing workshop, you will help construct a 16 foot round wood shelter that will cover our new cob oven. You will learn about preparing round wood on Friday (including forestry, tree selection and peeling bark), assembling the structure on Saturday, and completing the roof on Sunday. Participants also will observe previously constructed round wood and strawbale structures on the farm and see how well they are holding up after several winters. The finished product in functional, beautiful, and inspiring! Class takes place from 8:30am to 5pm daily. Discount available as part of Sustainable Building series.  Inquire about enrolling for individual days at $90/day.  

Spend the week preparing for our own mini-fair! Show a chicken and a goat, pick beautiful veggies, create natural crafts, make your own treats and more! We’ll have special judges and ribbons on the final day. Bring a sack lunch and snacks daily. Ages 6-12. Program runs from 9am to 3pm daily. Discount available as part of Day Camp Series. Inquire about extended day options, 8-9 am and 3-5 pm.  CAMP CLOSED.  Please see July 21-24 for additional camp dates. 

Spend the week preparing for our own mini-fair! Show a chicken and a goat, pick beautiful veggies, create natural crafts, make your own treats and more! We’ll have special judges and ribbons on the final day. Bring a sack lunch and snacks daily. Ages 6-12. Program runs from 9am to 3pm daily. Discount available as part of Day Camp Series. Inquire about extended day options, 8-9 am and 3-5 pm.  CAMP CLOSED.  Please see July 21-24 for additional camp dates. 

Spend the week preparing for our own mini-fair! Show a chicken and a goat, pick beautiful veggies, create natural crafts, make your own treats and more! We’ll have special judges and ribbons on the final day. Bring a sack lunch and snacks daily. Ages 6-12. Program runs from 9am to 3pm daily. Discount available as part of Day Camp Series. Inquire about extended day options, 8-9 am and 3-5 pm.  CAMP CLOSED.  Please see July 21-24 for additional camp dates. 

Spend the week preparing for our own mini-fair! Show a chicken and a goat, pick beautiful veggies, create natural crafts, make your own treats and more! We’ll have special judges and ribbons on the final day. Bring a sack lunch and snacks daily. Ages 6-12. Program runs from 9am to 3pm daily. Discount available as part of Day Camp Series. Inquire about extended day options, 8-9 am and 3-5 pm.  CAMP CLOSED.  Please see July 21-24 for additional camp dates. 

Roots & Wings youth leaders will sell produce, worm castings, lip balm and other items from their organic gardens in urban Rockford. Come support this unique youth leadership program, while purchasing delicious food from their gardens!

Come enjoy the farm while camping with other women! We’ll complete a work project, do chores together, enjoy a leisurely walk in the woods, and share an evening around the campfire. For meals, we’ll pick, prepare, and share delicious food from the farm. Bring your tent and friends!  PROGRAM CANCELLED. 

Come enjoy the farm while camping with other women! We’ll complete a work project, do chores together, enjoy a leisurely walk in the woods, and share an evening around the campfire. For meals, we’ll pick, prepare, and share delicious food from the farm. Bring your tent and friends!  PROGRAM CANCELLED. 

Teachers, parents, and other educators are welcome to come to the Learning Center workshop space to learn about our on-farm programs for school and community groups of all ages.

Calling all creative kids for a four day children's outdoor art class! Come spend time with your favorite farm animals and vegetables, find your secret spot on the farm, and learn to use a different art medium each day! We'll mix individual and group art projects together with animal chores and experiences on the farm. Bring a sack lunch and snacks daily. Ages 6-12. Program runs from 9am to 3pm daily. Discount available as part of Day Camp Series. Inquire about extended day options, 8-9am and 3-5pm.

Calling all creative kids for a four day children's outdoor art class! Come spend time with your favorite farm animals and vegetables, find your secret spot on the farm, and learn to use a different art medium each day! We'll mix individual and group art projects together with animal chores and experiences on the farm. Bring a sack lunch and snacks daily. Ages 6-12. Program runs from 9am to 3pm daily. Discount available as part of Day Camp Series. Inquire about extended day options, 8-9am and 3-5pm.

Calling all creative kids for a four day children's outdoor art class! Come spend time with your favorite farm animals and vegetables, find your secret spot on the farm, and learn to use a different art medium each day! We'll mix individual and group art projects together with animal chores and experiences on the farm. Bring a sack lunch and snacks daily. Ages 6-12. Program runs from 9am to 3pm daily. Discount available as part of Day Camp Series. Inquire about extended day options, 8-9am and 3-5pm.

Calling all creative kids for a four day children's outdoor art class! Come spend time with your favorite farm animals and vegetables, find your secret spot on the farm, and learn to use a different art medium each day! We'll mix individual and group art projects together with animal chores and experiences on the farm. Bring a sack lunch and snacks daily. Ages 6-12. Program runs from 9am to 3pm daily. Discount available as part of Day Camp Series. Inquire about extended day options, 8-9am and 3-5pm.

Join us to develop a more satisfying relationship with the natural world through gaining skills that lead to a heightened awareness of plants and animals. In the spirit of integrative thinker and scientist Goethe, we'll experience Angelic Organics farm through systematic observations and reflections. Discount available as part of Rudolf Steiner series.

10AM - Start at the Resource Center's City Farm for a farm tour and chat with Grower, Tim Wilson.
Learn about their urban farm model and growing methods.

 

11:30AM - Re-group at Green City Market to shop and talk with Farm Forager Sheri Doyel and Dennis Fiser of Tomato Mountain Farm.

The Market serves as backdrop at 12PM for an Author Talk with Holly Bishop, reading from her book Robbing the Bees. Chicago Waldorf teacher and beekeeper, Brian Gleichauf will facilitate the discussion. This event is sponsored through the Chicago Public Library's SummerReads program (see p23 for more info).

Bring a sack lunch and picnic afterwards - or buy your lunch at the Market!

 

View a Map for the Day.

 

Register for the Urban Farm Field Day below, or send an email to chicago@learngrowconnect.org.

$5 fee helps to pay speakers for their time with us. (Pay via Paypal or in person.)

 

This is also a CRAFT (Collaborative Regional Alliance for Farmer Training) event - Learn more and join CRAFT to attend more excellent on-farm events for FREE.

 

Join us at Women & Children First bookstore in Chicago for a screening of the film, “The Real Dirt on Farmer John,” the critically acclaimed, Sundance Award-winning documentary about the struggles and redemption of maverick organic farmer John Peterson, founder of Angelic Organics CSA in Caledonia, IL. The Real Dirt… caused Vice President Al Gore to rave, “Unbelievably special…told with insight and humor.” The screening will be followed by a short Q&A with staff members from Angelic Organics Learning Center. Local honey and handmade goat milk soap from the farm will be available for purchase.

 

Women & Children First bookstore has selected Angelic Organics Learning Center as their organization of the month for August. During the month of August present this coupon and 10% of your purchase at Women & Children First will go to the Learning Center.

Join us for a tour and introduction to Angelic Organics, the Biodynamic vegetable farm in northern Illinois featured in the award-winning documentary film The Real Dirt on Farmer John. We will explore what makes this a Biodynamic and community supported agriculture (CSA) farm. Learn basic strategies for growing food without chemical inputs and see the seasonal work underway at the farm. Wear sturdy shoes (conditions may be muddy!) and clothes appropriate for the weather.

Have you ever dreamed of starting your own farm? In this interactive workshop, we'll learn about types of sustainable farming careers in northern Illinois and southern Wisconsin, take part in a series of self-assessments, and be better prepared to decide whether to pursue a farming business is the. We'll hear about regional training opportunities through the Collaborative Regional Alliance for Farmer Training (CRAFT), university extension, small business development centers, and others. Includes a presentation of farming enterprises, a tour of a growing site, and an opportunity to ask questions about the development of successful local farms.

This hands-on workshop in our farm setting will introduce the process of cheese making from start to finish (from milking the goats to tasting fresh goat’s cheese). We'll learn how to make ricotta, chevre, mozzarella, feta and more!

This event is now sold out. To be added to the wait list, please contact us at donate@learngrowconnect.org or 773.288.5462

 

Sunday Dinner presents a 10th Anniversary Farm Dinner Celebration to benefit Angelic Organics Learning Center. Enjoy a six-course seasonal meal in the fields of Angelic Organics, and come early for a personal tour of the farm. Advanced tickets are required; this event is (BYOB).

View the menu and complete event information.

 

Bring your kids to the farm for a day of hands-on experiences with the animals. Help the crew milk the goats, feed the horses, and gather eggs from ducks and chickens. See how you can produce soil from kitchen scraps with worm boxes. Tour the farm and explore how animals fit into the rest of the farm. Make goat’s milk ice cream and enjoy a potluck meal under the trees near our timber frame barn. Parents register with children.  CLASS FULL.  Please contact us to be put on a waiting list. 

All you wanted to know about preparing fresh vegetables and herbs and were afraid to ask! Come to Angelic Organics farm for enjoyable and delicious ideas on preparing your veggies. We will use an assortment of seasonal vegetables and herbs straight from the fields, and prepare a variety of dishes for sampling. Class taught by chef instructor Michael Staver of Kendall College and Brightflower Nursery.  Class postponed to September 28.

Come pitch a tent in the savanna and enjoy family time, outdoor activities, a farm tour, interacting with the animals, and optional work projects. Evening campfire with a veggie-wiener roast and fresh breakfast included. Bring camping gear. Register for each person in the family, ages 3 and up.  PROGRAM FULL. PLEASE CONTACT US FOR A WAITING LIST.

Come pitch a tent in the savanna and enjoy family time, outdoor activities, a farm tour, interacting with the animals, and optional work projects. Evening campfire with a veggie-wiener roast and fresh breakfast included. Bring camping gear. Register for each person in the family, ages 3 and up.  PROGRAM FULL. PLEASE CONTACT US FOR A WAITING LIST.

This hands-on workshop in our farm setting will introduce the process of cheese making from start to finish (from milking the goats to tasting fresh goat’s cheese). We'll learn how to make ricotta, chevre, mozzarella, feta and more!  SEE NEW CLASSES ON OCTOBER 25 AND NOVEMBER 9.

Come join us for some mud work and learn to build a cob earthen oven. Earth ovens are a great introduction for people of all ages to natural building, using age-old techniques and simple materials such as clay, sand, and straw. The emphasis will be on hands-on learning as we learn to mix cob and earthen plaster, and provide you with the skills to build an oven in your own backyard. Discount available as part of Sustainable Building series.  

This hands-on workshop in our farm setting will introduce the process of cheese making from start to finish (from milking the goats to tasting fresh goat’s cheese). We'll learn how to make ricotta, chevre, mozzarella, feta and more! CLASS FILLED. SEE NEW CLASSES ON NOVEMBER 9 AND 15.

After introducing the history and science of winemaking, we’ll jump right into making a small batch of wine. Each participant will use wild fruits gathered from the farm to make at least one gallon of wine starter (or “must”) for fermenting at home. The workshop fee includes all of the basic materials to get started (except bottles to house your treasure). Since most commercial wines contain sulfites (and often other chemicals), your wine will be more natural, with a higher percentage of fruit juice.  ONE NEW SPOT, as of 9/12.

Eurythmy is a movement art with practical applications in education (especially in Waldorf Schools). Translated from the Greek, eurythmy means beautiful or harmonious rhythm. Day and night, seed time and harvest, summer and winter are all rhythms of nature which are expressed through movement. Join Chicago Waldorf School instructor, Irene Arrendondo, for a morning of movement and conversation.

Teachers, parents, and other educators are welcome to come to the Learning Center workshop space to learn about our on-farm programs for school and community groups of all ages.

Join us for a tour and introduction to Angelic Organics, the Biodynamic vegetable farm in northern Illinois featured in the award-winning documentary film The Real Dirt on Farmer John. We will explore what makes this a Biodynamic and community supported agriculture (CSA) farm. Learn basic strategies for growing food without chemical inputs and see the seasonal work underway at the farm. Wear sturdy shoes (conditions may be muddy!) and clothes appropriate for the weather. SOLD OUT

CRAFT Field Day: Making Biodynamic Preparations

 

Join the CRAFT Network on September 27, 2008 at 1:30pm at Zinniker Farm,N7399 Bowers Road,Elkhorn, WI 53121,262-642-5775

 

Please join us for the yearly fall festival of Biodynamic Preparation making!

 

The oldest Biodynamic farm in the United States welcomes you to participate in the making of the important soil and compost ammendments that have made the Biodynamic method distinct in the organic farming community since the late 1920s. This preparation making festival has been happening for over two decades at the Zinniker Family Farm. Come prepared to work and ask questions. Unlike other CRAFT field days no farm tour will happen, but much informal information and sharing will take place. This event is centered around participation, a potluck and bonfire with music.

 

Please bring a dish to pass for a potluck

 

CRAFT is coordinated by Angelic Organics Learning Center for more information visit: www.learngrowconnect.org or email: craft@learngrowconnect.org

Learn all about the wriggly creatures that contribute to our soil. Make a small indoor worm bin (complete with worms!) to take home with you to begin composting veggie and fruit scraps right in your house. Families register together as one unit.  CLASS FULL.  Please contact us to be put on our waiting list.  

All you wanted to know about preparing fresh vegetables and herbs and were afraid to ask! Come to Angelic Organics farm for enjoyable and delicious ideas on preparing your veggies. We will use an assortment of seasonal vegetables and herbs straight from the fields, and prepare a variety of dishes for sampling. Class taught by chef instructor Michael Staver of Kendall College and Brightflower Nursery.  CLASS CANCELLED.  PLEASE JOIN US FOR OTHER COOKING CLASSES ON NOVEMBER 1. 

This hands-on workshop in our farm setting will introduce the process of cheese making from start to finish (from milking the goats to tasting fresh goat’s cheese). We'll learn how to make ricotta, chevre, mozzarella, feta and more! ALL CHEESEMAKING CLASSES FILLED. CALL 815-389-8455 TO BE PLACED ON A WAITING LIST OR WATCH FOR NEXT SEASONS CLASSES TO BE POSTED IN OCTOBER 2008!  THANK YOU!!

This hands-on workshop in our farm setting will introduce the process of cheese making from start to finish (from milking the goats to tasting fresh goat’s cheese). We'll learn how to make ricotta, chevre, mozzarella, feta and more! ALL CHEESEMAKING CLASSES ARE FULL FOR 2008.  CALL 815-389-8455 TO BE PLACED ON  A WAITING LIST OR WATCH FOR NEXT SEASONS CLASSES TO BE POSTED IN OCTOBER 2008.

Bring your kids to the farm for a day of hands-on experiences with the animals. Help the crew milk the goats, feed the horses, and gather eggs from ducks and chickens. See how you can produce soil from kitchen scraps with worm boxes. Tour the farm and explore how animals fit into the rest of the farm. Make goat’s milk ice cream and enjoy a potluck meal under the trees near our timber frame barn. Parents register with children. 

This hands-on workshop in our farm setting will introduce the process of cheese making from start to finish. We'll learn how to make ricotta, mozzarella, cottage cheese and more!  ALL CHEESEMAKING CLASSES ARE FULL AND CLOSED.  CALL 815-389-8455 TO BE PLACED ON A WAITING LIST OR WATCH FOR NEXT SEASONS CLASSES TO BE POSTED IN OCTOBER 2008.  THANK YOU!!

Starting with ears of dried corn, we’ll cook up a feast of tasty cornbread. Family members of all ages are welcome to take turns as we shuck, shell, winnow and grind the corn. After gathering eggs and other goodies from the farm, we’ll bake our bread in an outdoor earthen oven. Learn about the long history of corn, and have a recipe and tips about seeds to bring home.  CLASS FULL!

Did you know that the healthy bacteria in yogurt can be used to help preserve and enhance vegetables? Come learn how to make yogurt, sauerkraut, kim chi, and other traditional foods with chef instructor Michael Staver of Kendall College and Brightflower Nursery. Bring wide-mouth jars to take home your own samples.

Join chef instructor Michael Staver of Kendall College for fresh ideas on how to create a fall feast focused on vegetables. Whether you are a vegetarian, or simply want to expand your repertoire for cooking with the vegetables of late fall, Michael will have plenty of healthy, nutritious dishes to try for cooking and tasting, including roasted root vegetables, kale with cranberries, sweet potatoes with maple syrup, and more. Bring your favorite holiday recipes for ideas on healthy adaptations.  CLASS CANCELED.  Consider joining us for Live Culture in the Kitchen instead!

Learn to make a wonderful and gentle soap using goat’s milk. Our lovely goats provide the milk, and our veteran soapmaker Neddy Astudillo explains the process and facilitates the hands-on soapmaking. Everyone will make several bars of soap to bring home.  CLASS FULL.  PLEASE CONTACT US FOR A WAITING LIST.

 

THE WORKSHOP IN NOVEMBER FILLED QUICKLY - SIGN UP NOW FOR THE MARCH 2009 CHICKENS WORKSHOP

 

Farm fresh eggs from your own back yard?

YES!

 

Please join us for a workshop on best practices for Basic Backyard Chicken Care in Chicago.

 

Raising chickens as pets and for eggs is LEGAL in Chicago - and part of our growing local food and urban agriculture scene.

Chicken care experts from Cedar Valley Sustainable Farm in Ottawa, IL and right here in Chicago will share their tips on how to keep both your chickens and your neighbors happy - from basic needs and year-round care to relevant city regulations.

 

You will leave the workshop with the knowledge, recommendations, and resources you need for your own home flock - and you'll make connections with other chicken enthusiasts in Chicago.

 

MEET UP Invitation to Current Chicken Keepers: Bring your photos, coop designs, favorite stories, and maybe even birds for Show and Tell after the workshop. If you'd like to participate, please send us an email ASAP - chicago@learngrowconnect.org.

 

Wellington Avenue UCC is located in the heart of Lakeview, and is accessible by bus or El (purple, brown, and red lines to Belmont - then 1/2 mile walk to the church.) MAP.

If you choose to drive, you can park at the Illinois Masonic Medical Center parking garage at Halsted and Wellington (2 blocks west.) Pick up a voucher in the church for $3.00 parking.

Learn to make a wonderful and gentle soap using goat milk. Our lovely goats provide the milk, and our veteran soapmaker Neddy Astudillo explains the process and facilitates the hands-on soapmaking. Everyone will make several bars of soap to bring home.  CONTACT US FOR A WAITING LIST, OR SEE AM CLASS.

This hands-on workshop in our farm setting will introduce the process of cheese making from start to finish. We'll learn how to make ricotta, mozzarella, cottage cheese and more! ALL CHEESEMAKING CLASSES ARE FULL FOR 2008.  CALL 815-389-8455 TO BE PLACED ON A WAITING LIST OR WATCH FOR NEXT SEASONS CLASSES TO BE POSTED IN OCTOBER 2008.  THANK YOU!!!

This hands-on workshop in our farm setting will introduce the process of cheese making from start to finish. We'll learn how to make ricotta, mozzarella, cottage cheese and more! ALL CHEESEMAKING CLASSES ARE FULL FOR 2008.  CALL 815-389-8455 TO BE PLACED ON A WAITING LIST OR WATCH FOR NEXT SEASONS CLASSES TO BE POSTED IN OCTOBER 2008.  THANK YOU!!

This hands-on workshop in our farm setting will introduce the process of cheese making from start to finish. We'll learn how to make ricotta, mozzarella, cottage cheese and more!  ALL CHEESEMAKING CLASSES ARE FULL FOR 2008.  CALL 815-389-8455 TO BE PLACED ON A WAITING LIST OR WATCH FOR NEXT SEASONS CLASSES TO BE POSTED IN OCTOBER 2008.  THANK YOU!!

This hands-on workshop in our farm setting will introduce the process of cheese making from start to finish. We'll learn how to make ricotta, mozzarella, cottage cheese and more!  ALL CHEESEMAKING CLASSES ARE FULL FOR 2008.  CALL 815-389-8455 TO BE PLACED ON A WAITING LIST OR WATCH FOR NEXT SEASONS CLASSES TO BE POSTED IN OCTOBER 2008.  THANK YOU!!!

 

I’m thrilled to invite you to a five-course seasonal dinner to benefit Angelic Organics Learning Center. On December 14, the acclaimed chefs from Sunday Dinner are opening up their private dining club to friends of the Learning Center for a gourmet meal during this holiday season.

 

 

 

Seating is limited for this one-of-a-kind dinner. Tickets are $100, with proceeds supporting the Learning Center's work to build local food systems. The event is BYOB.
Buy tickets now or call 773.288.5462.

Lift the winter blues in this workshop on designing an organically managed home vegetable garden. We'll talk about various methods for building soil, plus planning for space needs and crop rotation. Especially for beginning gardeners, or those ready to convert to non-chemical techniques. Bring your dreams for this year's garden, and leave with a garden map and planting calendar. We'll share a potluck lunch. 

Learn to make a wonderful and gentle soap using goat's milk. Our lovely goats provide the milk, and our veteran soapmaker Neddy Astudillo explains the process and facilitates the hands-on soapmaking. Everyone will make several bars of soap to bring home. 

Want to enjoy fresh vegetables from your garden ALL YEAR LONG?

 

Learning Center staff and season extension expert Tim Wilson of City Farm will explain low-cost methods to extend your growing season:

Cold frames, low tunnels, hoop houses, succession planting, variety selection and more.

 

The class will include a visit to City Farm to see their season extension systems in action.

 

Architect Roald Gundersen, who specializes in whole tree architecture, will lead this workshop on growing healthier buildings and forests together (for more on Roald's work, go to www.wholetrees.com). After an overview of whole tree architecture in our lovely workshop space, you'll head into the woods to learn about tree identification, selection of trees appropriate for building projects, and pruning and thinning in a forest for sustainable management. Participants also will observe previously constructed whole tree structures on the farm. 

Green architect Roald Gundersen will present an overview of solar, energy efficient, and sustainable building design options, show examples of his recent design work, and interpret the features of the Learning Center buildings (including whole tree architecture, passive solar heating, strawbale walls, and two styles of composting toilets). The afternoon will provide an opportunity for students to present building plans for critique, create charrettes of their own dream buildings, and receive guidance on finding local resources from Roald. 

When you prepare real foods without cooking you preserve the maximum nutrition in these foods. You don't have to eat 100% raw or even be a vegetarian to get started. In this class we will cover nutritional information about raw foods, demonstrate how to make non-dairy milk, try a creamy vegetable soup, learn how to turn dark leafy greens into tender greens without cooking, create a raw chocolate mousse without butter, cream & eggs, and more! 

 

Farm fresh eggs from your own back yard?

YES!

 

Please join us for a workshop on best practices for Basic Backyard Chicken Care in Chicago.

 

Raising chickens as pets and for eggs is LEGAL in Chicago - and part of our growing local food and urban agriculture scene.

Chicken care experts will share their tips on how to keep both your chickens and your neighbors happy - from basic needs and year-round care to relevant city regulations.

 

You will leave the workshop with the knowledge, recommendations, and resources you need for your own home flock - and you'll make connections with other chicken enthusiasts in Chicago.

 

MEET UP Invitation to Current Chicken Keepers: Bring your photos, coop designs, favorite stories, and maybe even birds for Show and Tell after the workshop. If you'd like to participate, please send us an email ASAP - chicago@learngrowconnect.org.

Our 3-day spring break mini-camp will introduce (people) kids to the goats, right in the middle of birthing season. Come explore the farm, work and play with the animals, and help care for baby goats and their mothers. Ages 6-12. 

Our 3-day spring break mini-camp will introduce (people) kids to the goats, right in the middle of birthing season. Come explore the farm, work and play with the animals, and help care for baby goats and their mothers. Ages 6-12. 

Our 3-day spring break mini-camp will introduce (people) kids to the goats, right in the middle of birthing season. Come explore the farm, work and play with the animals, and help care for baby goats and their mothers. Ages 6-12. 

Come to the farm to learn about goats, play with the babies already born, and - if the timing is right - witness a live birth. You'll join us to feed the animals, learn about goat pregnancy and birth, and share a potluck lunch. The visit comes with naming rights for any goats born under your watch. Parents register with children. 

 

Learn about the fascinating life of bees, see our urban beehives, and prepare to start a hive of your own.

 

You’ll leave ready to select and order equipment, set up a hive, install the bees, and tend and inspect a hive. We’ll taste a variety of honeys and other products from the hive.

 

This is the first in a series of two workshops designed to prepare you to keep bees in the city. Beekeeping II: Harvest and Winter Care is offered on Saturday, July 18.

 

 

Have you ever dreamed of starting your own farm? In this interactive workshop, we'll learn about types of sustainable farming careers in northern Illinois and southern Wisconsin,take part in a series of self-assessments, and be better prepared to decide whether to pursue a farming business. We'll hear about regional training opportunities through the Collaborative Regional Alliance for Farmer Training (CRAFT), university extension, small business development centers, and others. Includes a presentation of farming enterprises, a tour of a growing site, and an opportunity to ask questions about the development of successful local farms. 

In this program all about eggs, come meet the chickens and ducks, find out how baby birds develop, and collect colorful eggs from our rare-breed chickens. Using natural dyes, each family will color 1 dozen eggs to bring home. Children must be accompanied by adult, and should dress to spend time outside on the farm. Families must pre-register, but this is a drop-in program. 

Celebrate spring by learning techniques for organic soil preparation and planting. We'll learn about soil texture and soil life, plus how our Biodynamic farm tends and feeds the earth. We'll cover the basics of double digging, prepare a garden bed, and learn about seeding and transplanting through hands-on projects. Dress to work in the garden, and bring a dish to share for a potluck lunch.