Join us on September 29th for a day of discovering the thriving, resilient, sustainable community we have in Oak Park and River Forest!! The tour will consist of 25 sites in four different categories: Energy, Waste, Water, and Food. Learn more about the Food track below, or download the full tour schedule now.
Good Morning Homemade Jam!
875 Lake Street, Oak Park Site # 19 on map Demo at 9:30 am KID FRIENDLY
Start your day with a homemade jam tasting and jam-making demonstration at historic Unity Temple. Chat over coffee and bread with an assortment of homemade jams. Learn how to preserve the best produce of the season from our local farmers’ market and get tips on how to can and preserve other foods, as well.
Putting the Edible Garden to Bed
838 W Madison St, Oak Park Site # 21 on map Demo at 10:45 am KID FRIENDLY
Our gardens have worked hard for us all summer long. Most plants look tired and the soil needs time to rest and rejuvenate for next Spring. Join us at the inspiring Root Riot Garden on Madison where we will learn how to best dress our bed for the long winter ahead. We’ll also discuss how to give our cold hardy plants their time in the spotlight, too. Be prepared to get your hands in the soil at this hands on workshop.
Planting a Garlic Bed for Spring
715 N. Harvey, Oak Park Site # 23 on map Demo at 1:00 pm KID FRIENDLY
Planting a garlic bed is a great use of your garden space over the Winter. We’ll clear a bed in the Greenleaf Garden at Whittier Elementary School and plant row after row of garlic to be harvested just as the students are finishing up their school year. What a surprise for them! Each participant will leave with garlic to plant in their own home garden. Be prepared to get your hands in the soil at this hands on workshop.
Building a Cold Frame
805 Hayes, Oak Park Site # 25 on map Demo at 2:15 pm KID FRIENDLY
If you’d like to extend the life of your cold hardy crops then join us as we build a small cold frame for the garden. We’ll be upcycling cast-off windows to create the frame and you’ll leave with information on how to build one and how to use it.
Home Brewing for Beginners
814 N Humphrey, Oak Park Site # 27 on map Demo at 3:30 pm NOTE: Participants must be 21 or older
Craft beers are popular for good reason. They are DELICIOUS! Plus, when we brew at home we can take advantage of local ingredients (like homegrown hops) and get creative with recipes. We are going to explore the art of home brewing with a demonstration and beer tasting.
What's the Buzz About Bees?
819 S Euclid Avenue, Oak Park Sites #20, 22, 24, and 26 on map Tours at 9:30 and 10:45 am; 1:00 and 2:15 pm KID FRIENDLY, but please have one adult per child
Visit Oak Park's first beekeeper, hear Debbie's story about becoming interested in bees and learn fascinating facts about the community life of bees and why they are important to all of us. Learn what all of us can do help support bees even if you don't have a hive in your backyard! You are also invited to enjoy a honey tasting on your visit!