Public Programs in Chicago
From beekeeping to composting to project planning, our public workshops offer inspiring ideas and hands-on skills for city residents throughout the year.
Click on the title of each event to view upcoming dates or download a PDF version of our calendar.
Click here for registration information.
Find out about public programs at our farm.
To learn more about the programs listed below, contact us at 815.389.8455 or workshops@learngrowconnect.org.
Introduction to Biodynamic Agriculture
In this seminar, we’ll learn about the comprehensive ecological methods of Biodynamic agriculture introduced by Rudolf Steiner. Compare organic and Biodynamic practices, learn to prepare a Biodynamic preparation and apply it to the garden beds at the Sophia Garden in Rogers Park. Wear sturdy shoes (conditions may be muddy!) and clothes appropriate for the weather.
Farm Dreams: Assessing Risks & Resources to Start a Small Farm or Market Garden
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, a tour of a growing site, and an opportunity to ask questions about the development of successful local farms.
Food Dreams: Planning Local Food System Projects
Do you or your group need help to get a community food project (community garden, neighborhood food council, farmer’s market, etc.) off the ground? In this interactive workshop, we’ll help you map out your project idea from dream to reality. You’ll learn about innovative food projects happening locally and nationwide, and complete a self-assessment to identify your next steps and resource needs. You’ll leave ready to implement your project action plan.
The "Ins" and "Outs" of Composting
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 learn about approaches for a city environment. Meet the worms in our vermiculture system, and find out how to implement indoor composting at home.
Products from the Beehive
Did you know that honeybees produce substances with healing properties? In this session, you'll learn how to use honey, beeswax, propolis, and pollen for body care and natural healthcare. You'll experience the luscious smells, tastes, and textures of bee products and choose a recipe to try in class. Leave with new ideas for personal use or to make as gifts.
Intro to Urban Beekeeping: Sweetness in the City
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 of two workshops designed to prepare you to keep bees in the city.
Urban Beekeeping II
See our urban beehives and learn the basics of urban beekeeping. New and returning beekeepers will learn methods for harvesting, extracting, and bottling honey. Additional topics include organic disease control, and preparing the hive for winter. We’ll do a full hive checkup (weather permitting) and taste urban honey fresh from the comb.