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Urban Agriculture

Blog Posts

2023 ISPP Scholar Patrobas with Illinois Lieutenant Governor, Juliana Stratton
Read article: In his own words: Sirabo Patrobas Wafula
In his own words: Sirabo Patrobas Wafula
As an ISPP Scholar, Sirabo Patrobas Wafula is appointed with the Illinois Office of...
Kristen Dimas standing in the humming bird habitat at Southside Occupational Academy
Read article: Southside Occupational Academy horticulture program seeds community
Southside Occupational Academy horticulture program seeds community
Kristen Dimas, a life-long gardener, used 2020 to invest in her education by completing two University of Illinois Extension training programs in...
Read article: Fair Shares Combined CSA benefits farmers, consumers, and community
Fair Shares Combined CSA benefits farmers, consumers, and community
In 2007, sisters Jamie Choler and Sara Choler Hale were picking up their weekly box of vegetables from Biver Farms...
garlic growing in a raised bed in March 2022
Read article: Perseverance and patience grow an urban farm in West Pullman
Perseverance and patience grow an urban farm in West Pullman
On a warm spring day with four varieties of garlic just beginning to poke out of the ground, Natasha Nicholes, urban farmer and Chicago native,...
ISP Scholar Monserrat Carrillo-Rodriquez
Read article: In her own words: 2022 ISP Scholar - Monserrat Carrillo-Rodriguez
In her own words: 2022 ISP Scholar - Monserrat Carrillo-Rodriguez
As an ISP Scholar, Monserrat Carrillo-Rodriguez is appointed with the Illinois Legislative Latino Caucus/Latino ...
raised beds overflowing with vegetables
Read article: Small urban farm sticks to social mission and achieves high yields
Small urban farm sticks to social mission and achieves high yields
 “One of the first things we learned during the Master Urban...
a view of El Paseo's urban farm
Read article: El Paseo Community Garden is not just growing food, it's growing leaders and community
El Paseo Community Garden is not just growing food, it's growing leaders and community
Paula Acevedo talks quickly and passionately pointing left and right as we walk through El Paseo Community Garden...
Oscar Villa, urban beekeeper, approaches his hives along the Metra tracks
Read article: Urban beekeeper's planned expansion pays off during pandemic
Urban beekeeper's planned expansion pays off during pandemic
Approaching the hives along the Metra tracks on Chicago’s south side the smell of grass smoke intensifies as Oscar Villa, beekeeper and owner of...

News Releases

Cook County invests in the future of urban agriculture
URBANA, Ill. – From helping backyard gardeners provide locally grown foods to supporting the growing urban agriculture system, new University of Illinois Extension staff are dedicated to meeting the needs of diverse communities. ...
Cook County grows horticulture team with new bilingual educator
URBANA, Ill. – Whether you’re growing backyard fruits and vegetables, tending a few well-loved houseplants, or responsible for landscaping, gardening is a challenge. The University of Illinois Extension team of horticulture experts connects...
Mercer County Ag Literacy Program Helps Youth Celebrate Agriculture
(VIOLA, Ill.) This spring, first graders at Winola, Apollo, Sherrard, and New Boston elementary schools took part in a “Celebrate Ag” poster coloring contest, and second graders at all Mercer County schools participated in a placemat coloring contest with the winning placemats to be used at...

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