On June 24, 2022, more than 50 people joined Chicago Wilderness partners to visit agroforestry, organic, and conventional farms around the county that are committed to sustainable and regenerative farming practices and food production. Along the way, they met farmers, conservationists, and people who are committed to a growing healthy and productive food system in the Chicagoland area.

The event was hosted by the Chicago Wilderness Agriculture Group to demonstrate innovative farm practices that have been implemented on public and private land to reduce soil loss, benefit water quality, increase soil health, and provide habitat for wildlife. 

Read a story about the event in the Iroquois County Times-Republic. 

The group stopped at: 

• Monee Reservoir Preserve
• Iroquois Valley Farmland REIT / Rock Creek Farm: agroforestry farm with conservation practices
• Laughton Preserve: conventional row crop farming incorporating practices such as no-till, contour farming, prairie strips, and reduced pesticide use
• Yunker Organic Farm: organic farm with conservation practices that is the first organic farm lease for Forest Preserves of Will County
• The Wildflower Farm: a you-pick farm
• Forest Preserve District of Will County Sugar Creek Administrative Center
• Gorman Farm Fresh Produce: sustainably-grown, fresh, local produce; awarded "2022 Conservation Farm Family of the Year"

Chicago Wilderness is working on agricultural issues as part of our Green Vision. Learn about the Growing with Agriculture goal, including opportunities to get involved.