Volunteering at Chicago Lights Urban Farm

Hannah and I taking a break from weeding at Chicago Lights Urban Farm!

On Saturday I volunteered at Chicago Lights Urban Farm (link). It's located at the corner of Hudson and Chicago, not too far from the Brown line stop. I live in the north west part of the city so it was a pretty convenient location for me and didn't take too long to get to. When I got there, I filled out some paper work and Stephanie, one of the staff members, gave us a tour of the farm. She told us the history not only about the farm but about the community around the farm as well. It was very interesting how the history of the community was very much a part of the history of the urban farm. 

The farm is divided into four main parts--at least that's how I was dividing them. The first part was the community plots where residents of the immediate neighborhood were given a plot of land and could grow whatever they wanted. The second part consisted of two hoop houses and the green house. I like to call this area indoor growing area. The third part was a larger area with lots of beds. This was the area specifically used for growing produce for sale. The fourth area consisted of a few small beds where children participating in the summer camp program could plant as well.

Weeding.

After a general introduction to the site, we were put to work. Hannah and I were both on site that Saturday which was nice to be working next to a familiar place. We were set to work on weeding the outer perimeter of the site. It is not easy pulling out weeds that have grown in between cracks in the side walk.

Chicago Lights Urban Farm has big worms everywhere!

I think the thing I like the most about Chicago Lights Urban Farm is how close the farm is with the community and vice versa. Almost every person who came into urban farm knew Stephanie and the other staff. The kids involved with the summer programs hang around the farm even outside of camp time. The neighborhood residents that were working on the farm were also friendly towards Hannah and I. They showed a general interest in us and were excited to hear that we were going to be continually involved in the farm for the coming weeks. 

Hopefully the heat won't pick up.