The Eggleston Park Food Forest and Orchard is a diverse planting of perennial edible trees, shrubs and smaller plants— including fruits, vegetables, nuts, and herbs—designed to mimic the natural balance of a forest by utilizing permaculture principles.
We welcome the community to get involved by learning about what we are doing, helping us plan next steps, and helping to maintain our Food Forest located in Eggleston Park.
We have great volunteer opportunities for individuals, families and groups thru regular monthly work days that frequently include learning presentations. (We are happy to arrange other special volunteer days for groups as needed. For more information, please email foodforestcommittee[at]edibleevanston[dot]org.)
Eggleston Anniversary Food Forest & Orchard
2100 Hartrey, south of Payne, west of Bridge, north of McCormick
Evanston IL 60201
Volunteer work begins at 11:00 a.m. Classes usually start around 1:00 p.m. The event ends with snacks and conversation around 2:00 p.m.
A waiver will be required to participate as a volunteer. You can sign it on-site, but if you are under 18 years old a parent or guardian must sign. The release is available here. And you may print it and bring a copy with you. No other registration is required.
2019 Educational Work-and-Learn Days Schedule
Look for additional activities on most workdays—educational presentations, sharing of food, stories, song. Including:
March 16
—One Darn Thing After Another, learning from our mistakes
April 20
—Plant Supports; Trellises, teepees, sticks and string and other structures
May 18
—May-Bee Fest; A two hour festival to celebrate flowers and pollinators, with music and food.
June 15
—Soil-Food-Web; what's under our feet—care for the soil and it will care for the plants
July 20
—Q&A: Your questions and our answers, with a focus on fungal diseases
August 17
—Plants that feed the soil: Nitrogen fixers and mineral accumulators
September 21
—Mulch: materials, properties and what to use where
October 19
—Mushrooms: How to harvest mushrooms' multiple benefits
November 16
—Herbal Teas and Tinctures: Stay warm and healthy
Sign up to help us plan
No registration is required, but it's great to know who to expect. Please fill in our form so we can be prepared for your assistance.
Thank you!