Communities around Chicago are gardening more and more to: grow their own food, beautify vacant lots, teach young people environmental science and cultural history, increase green space, re-connect residents to nature and engage them in active lifestyles, and strengthen bonds among neighbors. The communities highlighted on the map used gardening and food to take climate action, as part of their Toolkit projects. Click on their names to learn more and compare their models.
Forest Glen Signs
Straw Bale Gardening
Bronzeville Youth Cultivator Curriculum
Pilsen Contaminated Soil Guide
Pilsen Garden Signs
Climate Change and Food
Climate Action Plan for Nature: Community Action Strategies
Native Plant List
Videos:
Forest Glen Boy Scout Rain Barrel
Vegan Soul
Kids, Nature, and Play
Nature and Heritage at Eden Place Nature Center
Girl Scout Annie Aguirre in Hope Garden
Native Plant Garden (video featuring a Field Museum scientist, on Chicago Tonight)
The Climate-Friendly Gardener
Chicago Sustainable Backyard Program
Garfield Park Conservatory Alliance
Chicago Wilderness Leave No Child Inside Initiative
Finding Nature Near You!
Big Kid Play (guide to unstructured nature play from the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum)