This is the time of the year at the Roots & Wings farm when our anticipation and eagerness for the upcoming season becomes heightened. Our garden beds have been prepped, compost added, and the drip lines have been pulled out of storage, repaired, and placed on the farm.
 
Our seeds have arrived, and we have already started to grow new seedlings. Some have been transplanted already in our High Tunnels, and others will be transplanted in the coming weeks. Some of the recent vegetables transplanted were cabbage and peas. As the weather changes and we reach our last frost date on April 30, we will begin transplanting and directing seeding outside.
 
In the High Tunnel, we tested several varieties of vegetables to see how well they would overwinter. In late fall 2022, we planted Bok Choy, Red Russian Kale, Arugula, Collard greens, and Mustard greens, and they are all doing well. Yatte has already harvested some to take home. Harvesting fresh vegetables at this time of the year is so exciting!
 
On another positive note, our new farm apprentice will start in early May. Also. we have a group of students from Freeport High School coming to volunteer at the farm. These are Agriculture Science students, so we anticipate a robust conversation around our shared interests. We welcome other organizations to partner with us in our work at Roots Wings farm and garden. Volunteers are welcome as well.
 
Finally, you should sign up for a Roots & Wings CSA share if you want fresh, organically grown vegetables. This is our 10th year offering CSA shares, and we grow over 45 different varieties of fruits, vegetables, and herbs. Attached is the link to our website, where you can find more information about our program.
 
Regards, Tedd

​Hi, my name is Yatte Moore and I’m the Urban Farm Manager, and I have been farming for the last 9 years at Roots & Wing Farm & Garden. Roots & Wings is a half-acre urban farm located in Blackhawk Courts; a Rockford Housing Authority property. All the vegetables are grown organically, and we grow over 45 different fruits, vegetables, flowers, and herbs.

Roots & Wings provides access to fresh fruits and vegetables to the residents of the Blackhawk Courts community. Through our community garden, we specifically grow an assortment of vegetables that residents want, and all the vegetables are available for free.

Also, we offer a Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) program. This program is primarily supported by the broader community but through the generosity from supporters we are able to provide free CSA shares to the residents in Blackhawk Courts. Our CSA is competitively priced and we offer both summer and fall CSA shares for sale. We know you have many choices where to get your vegetables and we ask that you consider our CSA as your source. To sign up for a CSA please visit our website!

It is important to me that I provide the community and CSA members with the best quality, locally-grown vegetables. I personally select all the seeds, decide where and how much to plant and keep detailed records to assist me with my planning. Food safety is our #1 priority! All of our vegetables are cleaned thoroughly. The tools, harvesting buckets, packing containers, and surfaces are sanitized continuously for safety.

The staff and I welcome all visitors to the farm. We offer farm tours, educational programming, volunteering opportunities, and community service work for residents in Blackhawk Courts.

Thank you, Yatte Moore

Learn more about the history of Roots & Wings and the partnerships that make our urban farm possible here. If you would like to get involved with Roots & Wings or schedule a visit, please contact Tedd Snowden, the Roots & Wings Program Director at tedd@learngrowconnect.org.

On October 23rd, we gathered at the Angelic Organics Lodge to celebrate Roots & Wings and recognize the 2021 Good Food Advocates, an award given annually to local leaders who are strengthening food accessibility in the Rockford area through their support of our Roots & Wings program. This year's awardees include Pastor Mike at Zion Lutheran Church and Laura Snyder & the leadership team at Rockford Housing Authority.

Event photos taken by Summer Wagner Photography, follow on Instagram.