Thanks to all the people who joined us on this SOLD OUT Field trip. Take a look at our Community Calendar for future events. 

On August 15, 2023, we visited a variety of farms around the county that are rooted in sustainable and organic practices, committed to community wellness, climate friendly, and focused on farmland protection. Along the way we met farmers, conservationists, and other agriculture curious people from the Chicagoland area.

We are especially grateful to the Kane County Field Trip sponsors: Kane County; Forest Preserve District of Kane County; Soil and Water Conservation Society; Kane-DuPage Soil and Water Conservation District; Gaylord and Dorothy Donnelley Foundation; The Conservation Foundation; Farm Foundation; and PaleBlueDot.   

Kane County Connects ran a story about the Field Trip.

Field Trip Schedule

• 8am Kane County Farm Bureau, 2N710 S Randall Rd, St. Charles
  Guests arrive and check in. Farm Bureau Manager Steve Arnold will kick off the day with a warm welcome and introduction to the Farm Bureau. We will discover the design, beauty, and utility of the Illinois Pollinator Rain Garden with Jonathan Koepke of Encap. Then we board our Limo Buses and begin our tour!
  
  
• Weathered Ways, Geneva
  A USDA Agricultural Incubator hosting farmers markets with local vendors and educating surrounding neighborhoods on the importance of sustainable, organic farming. The City of Geneva, Prairie Green will give a welcome and product overview.
  
  
• Birdflower Farm, Virgil
  A Flower Farm raising sunflowers and wildflowers using sustainable practices. They also produce berries, have a pumpkin patch and orchard. Learn about the restoration of their ½ acre of native prairie and renovated historic 1890’s farmhouse, as well as the workshops they offer. Did someone say flower yoga?
  
  
• Heritage Prairie Farm, Elburn
  Providing organic produce and microgreens to the community since 2006. This four-season farm offers a Community Supported Agriculture program, farm to table events and Farm Socials. The farm owners will takes us on a tour of their farm and be our host for lunch! Our guest speaker is Duane Friend, State Master Naturalist and Climate Change Specialist.
  
  
• Rising Lights Project Garden, Elburn
  An environment where individuals with disabilities can thrive, learn, laugh, and engage with the broader community. Learn about the principals of permaculture and what a nourishing garden is all about.
  
  
• Garfield Farm, La Fox
  A protected farmland easement and historic farm museum, the farm offers workshops on managing natural areas, constructing blue bird and bat houses, showcases heirloom garden products and prairie walks. Learn more about the protected farmland of Kane County.
  
  
• 3:30pm Return to Kane County Farm Bureau
  We closed the event with an ice cream social.