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| Front of CCGT building |
Last Saturday I attended the Connecting Chicago Community Gardeners event at the Chicago Center for Green Technology. An awesome community resource by the way; they have events, tours, and a resource center for visitors.
The CCCG event started with registration. Registered guests signed in the front area and received a folder with a packet of seeds, pamphlets, and an informational 'how-to' packet on starting a community garden (courtesy of Openlands). I got seeds for snow peas, green bell peppers, and cosmos flowers! :)
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| Panel Discussion |
The first part of the program began with a panel discussion of 5 local gardening experts moderated by radio host Mike Nowak (more pics on the CCCG fb page). Some quick facts that I learned from the panel:
1) Soil tests: This is a must in the city. Lead from lead paint is a major contaminant and is extremely toxic.
2) Lead tests for soil: Is expensive. A raised bed might be more economically feasible and less risky for exposure.
3) Use mesh metal can keep the rodent problem at bay. Rats can be a problem in the garden and your compost bin.
4) Gardening can help reduce violence!! Children get a sense of ownership and learn how to nurture something from a seedling to a plant.
5) Selling food requires registration. For a community garden to sell food for profit it must follow the Urban Ag ordinance and register to be an urban farm.
This was followed by a complimentary lunch for registered guests. Then an array of helpful workshops -- 4 to be exact. They all sounded interesting; the topics ranged from water conservation techniques, raising money to getting a community organized for a community garden. I decided on the 'Negotiating Space: The First Step in Growing a Garden'.
Here is some info about negotiating space for a community garden in the City of CHICAGO, sorry need to emphasize this because the rules here won't apply anywhere else.
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| Check list for a CPD garden |
1) Gardening in a Chicago Public Park - THE LENGTHIEST PROCESS!
The Chicago Park District has very specific rules and has a 7 step process that you MUST adhere to. But if you are committed and interested, you can view the checklist to the right. If this checklist scares you like it did me, then click on this link to view EXISTING CPD community gardens.
2) Gardening in a Vacant lots - Michael Hzric spoke about his involvement with developing the Maxwell St. Community Garden on Chicago Housing Association (CHA) land.
*Side note here: CHA is not a part of the city of Chicago, thus the land they own is not owned by the city.
Mr Hzric outlined a few points:
1) Mobilize your residents - figure out who is in charge
2) Get support from your community - explain the benefits and get them on board!
3) Get support from the Developers
4) Contact the CHA Asset Management
5) Get approval from the local officials: Alderman and District Commander Review
6) Design a layout of your garden
7) Figure out the insurance and liability issues.
Again, like the CPD, this is another lengthy process and can only be successful with community support.
3) Gardening on Private Property - This is probably the easiest way to start a garden because most of the time you will only need to speak with the property owner and get consent. You might want to research getting liability insurance and maybe a written contract to help make sure you layout the boundaries. Note: Since it is on private property, you are at the mercy of the land owner.
With that I'll leave you some links that I jotted down during the course of the event - Most of these pertain to the City of Chicago:
Free Seeds - America the Beautiful
Nutrition Program: Consortium to Lower Obesity in Chicago Children
Our Generous Garden - A gardening book from a child's perspective
Good Ag Practices: An event on April 21
Mulch supplier: Lake Street
Chicago Permaculture - eco-design
Chicago Park District Advisory Council
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