.png)
Rite of Summer: Getting Closer to Nature on an Urban Farm
Saturday Event Gave Me Opportunity to Photograph Pretty Growing Things
Just Roots is a non-profit organization that fights food insecurity by operating two small farms: the original urban farm on Chicago's South Side and a somewhat larger farm in the south suburban community of Sauk Village. Each location helps expand access to healthy, local food in neighborhoods where it can be hard to find.
Last year, I signed up for a community-supported agriculture (CSA) subscription at the Chicago farm, located in the Bronzeville neighborhood. This prompted me to visit every other week during the growing season to pick up a big, heavy tote bag full of hyperlocal produce, and immerse myself in the natural beauty of food growing on a city half-acre — a bucolic experience occasionally interrupted by CTA Green Line trains passing overhead on the elevated tracks.
Although I loved the CSA, I decided to forgo this year because I needed to spend more weekend time at farmers markets. But I do get down to Just Roots occasionally, with the latest time coming this past Saturday (July 25). I was there primarily to cover an event by The Evolved Network non-profit that paired a live podcast recording with a picnic at which leading chefs served delicious samples of their cuisine.
But of course I took a few minutes to update my farm photo file.
While I hate to play favorites, the vivid purple and gold amaranth plants, located right near the entrance gate, are just spectacular. But there is a whole lot of beauty, albeit less showoffy, throughout the farm.
Take a few minutes for a virtual walk with me.
Comments