In the heart of Lake County lies a budding haven for opportunity: Greenbelt Farm. Formerly known as the Green Youth Farm, this rejuvenated agricultural gem is more than just a patch of land; it’s a beacon of hope and growth for the youth of Lake County.
Nestled within the embrace of the College of Lake County and the Lake County Forest Preserves, this farm isn’t just about cultivating crops; it’s about cultivating futures. Join us as we delve into the transformative journey of Greenbelt Farm and explore the abundant opportunities it offers to the young minds and eager hands of Lake County.
New Farm Provides Work Opportunities For Lake County Youth
Greenbelt Farm, formerly known as Green Youth Farm, is being revitalized via a partnership between the College of Lake County and the Lake County Forest Preserves.
The alliance, according to a news release from the Lake County Forest Preserve, intends to promote sustainable farming, community participation, and education. The organization’s shared goal is to establish a vibrant area that supports the neighborhood’s ecology and acts as a vibrant center for teen education.
This 1.25-acre sustainable farm can be found away in North Chicago’s Greenbelt Forest Preserve. It joins the Grayslake Campus Farm as the second farm in CLC’s portfolio of locally-grown food.
According to the news release, these two farms provide the foundation for the future Urban Farm Center at CLC’s Lakeshore Campus in Waukegan, which is scheduled to begin construction in early 2025.
Eliza Fournier, CLC urban farm director said, “This farm has been here for 20 years, starting as a partnership with the Chicago Botanic Garden and the Lake County Forest Preserves. This site is so close to the Grayslake and Lakeshore campuses, so it makes good sense for a Lake County institution to connect with this project.”
On a modest scale, CLC hosted a few student farmers for paid work on the forest preserves last summer in collaboration with the Lake County Summer Youth Employment Program. The Lake County Board covers the salaries of the students.
Rebekah Snyder, director of community engagement and partnerships for the Forest Preserves said, “The program has been a tremendous success over the years, addressing an array of life lessons and life skills. Working on the sustainable farm provides an experience that uplifts the lives of students and, in turn, their communities.”
The program is going to grow this year to include 15 students in a 6-week paid work experience.
15-year-old Gadiel Martinez of Waukegan, who completed his summer labor there said, “The work can get hard at times, but it’s mostly relaxing. You kind of forget about it, and you just get zoned in on what you’re doing.”
For the majority of the youth farmers, this is their first job opportunity. Forest preserves officials say that in addition to teaching farming-specific skills like planting, growing, and harvesting, the program aims to promote soft skills like punctuality, positive attitude, dispute resolution, and effective communication.
Apart from offering employment prospects to nearby kids, Greenbelt Farm serves as a helpful resource for Lake County inhabitants seeking to acquire knowledge about regional cuisine and farming. The farm provides internships in the spring and fall to young adults interested in pursuing careers in growing and marketing food, in the health industry, or the culinary arts within the local food systems.
Schools and community organizations are welcome to visit and conduct field trips at the farm. According to a news release, the farm’s produce will be offered via neighborhood grocers, pantries, and a farm stand at CLC’s Lakeshore Campus in Waukegan.
Fournier said, “Working on the farm is a unique chance to do something that many community members haven’t had the chance to do before. You are growing food to give back to the community while getting paid work experience.”
Stay informed with the most recent news by clicking the link below:
