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!!!

 

Our December 14 benefit dinner has been post-poned. Please check back for news of our next dinner in the first quarter of 2009.

 

 

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. 

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. 

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! 

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

Spring is a wonderful time to visit our farm! Families are invited to come tour our spring vegetables, meet baby animals (and their moms!), and pot up a present to bring home. Children must be accompanied by adult. 

Come to the farm to learn how to identify wild edible plants. We'll explore the woods looking for morels, garlic mustard, stinging nettle, raspberry shoots and more, then return to the kitchen to sample different recipes for your wild treasures. 

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 SOLD OUT. Please see other Cheese Making classes by clicking on the link above.

 

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! 

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. 

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 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! 

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 -- both rural and urban -- in northern Illinois and southern Wisconsin.

 

Instructors will guide you through a series of exercises to assess your dreams, challenges and the resources available to you.

 

You will also hear about regional training opportunities through the Collaborative Regional Alliance for Farmer Training (CRAFT), university extension, small business development centers, and others. We will showcase examples of local farming enterprises and you'll have an opportunity to ask questions about the development of successful farms.

 

You will leave this workshop with a better sense of whether pursuing a farming business is the right choice for you, and a concrete list of next steps to help you realize your dream.

 

 

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. Adults register with children. Plan to save room in your car to bring your creation home. 

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 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! 

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. Ages 6-12. Bring a sack lunch and snacks daily. 9 am to 3 pm daily. Price increases after June 1. 

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. Ages 6-12. Bring a sack lunch and snacks daily. 9 am to 3 pm daily. Price increases after June 1. 

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. Ages 6-12. Bring a sack lunch and snacks daily. 9 am to 3 pm daily. Price increases after June 1. 

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. Ages 6-12. Bring a sack lunch and snacks daily. 9 am to 3 pm daily. Price increases after June 1. 

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! Each family member registers.

CELEBRATE SUMMER and 10 years of growing food, farmers, and friendships with Angelic Organics Learning Center!

 

GATHER to Restore Relations with the planet and each other in the kitchen garden at Chicago's historic First Presbyterian Church.

 

LEARN about Basic Biodynamics and cosmic influences. We'll activate and sprinkle biodynamic preparations, and share stories and songs.

 

BRING soil, seeds, or objects from your growing site to invest with Solstice energy to take back with you.

 

DO RSVP so we know how many people to expect - to chicago@learngrowconnect.org

Please also bring a local, seasonal dish for the Potluck meal.

 

The celebration and potluck follow a VOLUNTEER WORK & LEARN DAY in the garden with Learning Center staff.  Join us from 12PM to 3PM for soil preparation, planting, and compost building in the biointensive herb and vegetable garden.

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. Ages 6-12. Bring a sack lunch and snacks. 9 am to 3 pm daily. Price increases after June 1.  

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. Ages 6-12. Bring a sack lunch and snacks. 9 am to 3 pm daily. Price increases after June 1.  

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. Ages 6-12. Bring a sack lunch and snacks. 9 am to 3 pm daily. Price increases after June 1.  

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. Ages 6-12. Bring a sack lunch and snacks. 9 am to 3 pm daily. Price increases after June 1.  

Bring your kids to the farm for a day of hands-on experiences with the animals. Help the crew milk thegoats, feed the horses, and gather eggs from the 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. 

Can you guess which ingredients in ice cream come from the farm? Together, we'll milk the goats, visit the beehive, and look for wild fruit on the land...then make up a batch of truly home-grown ice cream! Parents register with children. 

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 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! 

After introducing the science of winemaking, we'll jump right into making a small batch of wine. Each participant will use wild fruits to make at least one gallon of wine starter (or "must") for fermenting at home. The workshop fee includes basic materials to get started (except bottles to house your treasure). Participants with wild fruits (such as mulberries) at home are encouraged to bring them; otherwise, we'll gather them from the farm. 

 

New and returning beekeepers will learn methods for harvesting, extracting, and bottling honey, natural disease control, and preparing your hives for the winter months.

 

We’ll do a full hive checkup (weather permitting) and taste urban honey fresh from the comb.  

 

We will also cover simple treatments to prevent pests and diseases, and review steps you need to take to help your bees survive the cold of winter. 

 

This is the second in a series of two workshops designed to prepare you to keep bees in the city. Beekeeping I: Bee Basics is offered on Saturday, April 4.

 

 

 

We'll milk the goats, groom the horse, and work in the barns while learning all about farm animals. Camp includes a farm animal show on the final day. Ages 6-12. Bring a sack lunch and snacks. 9 to 3 daily. Price increases after June 1. 

We'll milk the goats, groom the horse, and work in the barns while learning all about farm animals. Camp includes a farm animal show on the final day. Ages 6-12. Bring a sack lunch and snacks. 9 to 3 daily. Price increases after June 1. 

We'll milk the goats, groom the horse, and work in the barns while learning all about farm animals. Camp includes a farm animal show on the final day. Ages 6-12. Bring a sack lunch and snacks. 9 to 3 daily. Price increases after June 1. 

We'll milk the goats, groom the horse, and work in the barns while learning all about farm animals. Camp includes a farm animal show on the final day. Ages 6-12. Bring a sack lunch and snacks. 9 to 3 daily. Price increases after June 1. 

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 the 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. 

There's nothing fresher than food on the farm! During this week, we'll learn to make ice cream, veggie sculptures, pizza and more, while helping to take care of the animals and tending the vegetables. Bring your appetites, your imaginations, and let's get ready to cook! Ages 6-12. Bring snacks and lunch. 9 am to 3 pm daily. Price increases after June 1. 

There's nothing fresher than food on the farm! During this week, we'll learn to make ice cream, veggie sculptures, pizza and more, while helping to take care of the animals and tending the vegetables. Bring your appetites, your imaginations, and let's get ready to cook! Ages 6-12. Bring snacks and lunch. 9 am to 3 pm daily. Price increases after June 1. 

There's nothing fresher than food on the farm! During this week, we'll learn to make ice cream, veggie sculptures, pizza and more, while helping to take care of the animals and tending the vegetables. Bring your appetites, your imaginations, and let's get ready to cook! Ages 6-12. Bring snacks and lunch. 9 am to 3 pm daily. Price increases after June 1. 

There's nothing fresher than food on the farm! During this week, we'll learn to make ice cream, veggie sculptures, pizza and more, while helping to take care of the animals and tending the vegetables. Bring your appetites, your imaginations, and let's get ready to cook! Ages 6-12. Bring snacks and lunch. 9 am to 3 pm daily. Price increases after June 1. 

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. Ages 6-12. Bring a sack lunch and snacks. 9 am to 3 pm daily. Price increases after June 1.  

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. Ages 6-12. Bring a sack lunch and snacks. 9 am to 3 pm daily. Price increases after June 1.  

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. Ages 6-12. Bring a sack lunch and snacks. 9 am to 3 pm daily. Price increases after June 1.  

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. Ages 6-12. Bring a sack lunch and snacks. 9 am to 3 pm daily. Price increases after June 1.