Common Ground Gathering 2022

Have land and need a farmer? are you a farmer in need of land? or Looking to build community?

Common ground gathering

Check back in 2023~!

Farmers and landowners in northern Illinois and southeast Wisconsin who cherish land, community, and food will enjoy this casual get-together at the beautiful Soulful Prairies farm in Woodstock, Illinois.

You’ll learn, network, and celebrate the season. You’ll also feed your heart and mind by hearing inspiring land access success stories.

So come on out to meet other farmers and landowners, and talk with people and organizations that can help you with land access.
And, just as importantly, wet your whistle with tasty local beer.

2022 Speakers

Silvia Abel-Caines | Garlic eScape Farm

Linda Bruce | Soulful Prairies

Linda is a trained social worker and counselor by degree and a trained equine gestalt therapist. She has married her training with her love of horses so that she can share her unique approach to mental health. Linda uses the power and sensitivity of horses, gentle supportive inquiry, physical movement and the beauty of nature to help people restore their inner balance and belief in themselves.

Emy Brawley | The Conservation Fund

Emy joined The Conservation Fund in 2018 and currently works across Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio and Michigan. As part of the Fund’s Midwest team, she serves as representative for the metro Chicago region and beyond to help offer the full array of the Fund’s programs and services to its conservation partners. This includes strategic conservation planning, technical assistance, real estate services, and acquisition financing. In Illinois, she is currently leading a statewide USDA-funded Regional Conservation Partnership Project and recently launched the Working Farms Fund program in the Midwest.

Claire Flavin hodge | Sunfleck Farm

Claire is the farmHer owner of Sunfleck Farm, a small diversified vegetable operation. Claire has farmed and researched local food systems for 10+ years, and earned a M.S. in Agroecology/Sustainable Agriculture. She started her business in 2021 and farms on <1 acre of rented land in Woodstock IL, selling through a CSA, farm stands, and restaurants. When she's not farming, Claire also works with The Land Conservancy of McHenry County, coordinating Learning Circles for Women Farmland Owners.