10/10/10, the "Global Work Party." This one day will be a MASSIVE opportunity to celebrate climate solutions at the local level--and put the pressure on our leaders while doing so.
Join other Chicago area residents who are committed to a sustainable food supply. We'll be taking a biodiesel bus from Chicago to Spence Farm in Livingston County 100 miles south of Chicago. First settled in 1830, you'll be joining the Travis Family; Marty, Kris, and Will, descendants of the original settlers. We'll assist them with harvesting their organic Iroquois corn and sorghum. The farm supplies leading restaurants in Chicago like Frontera Grill and Blackbird with specialty produce and its famous Iroquois corn.
Conventional agriculture accounts from 18 to 30 of all greenhouse gas emissions. Organic and sustainable farms like Spence Farm do not use the chemical and carbon-based inputs of conventional farms and are an important part in solving our climate crisis.
Because the farms are typically family owned and operated, most of the labor is done by hand. The term "Crop Mob" was coined by city dwellers who have an interest in sustainable agriculture and would like to help more than just by going to the farmer's market or joining a CSA. The "Crop Mob" gives the farmer(s) a valuable source of volunteer labor.
You'll need to bring the following for the trip:
Hand held gardening or pruning shears to help with the harvesting
Sturdy shoes or boots and a change of socks.
Gardening or work gloves.
A re-fillable water bottle.
A hat & sunscreen
A sweater or light jacket.
Snacks for the trip down and return home.
Money in case you'd like purchase some products from the farm.
Lunch will be provided. A suggested $20 donation is requested to cover the cost of transportation and lunch.
Children are welcome, however, because we will be on the bus for a while, and the inherent risks of working on a farm, this trip is more appropriate for children over 12 years of age.
How to Get Involved Planning the Event: If leaving from Chicago, Contact Tom Leavitt at 847-754-0708 for transportation information regarding the biodiesel bus or directions.
Sign up here at the 350.org Global Work Day Web Site:
http://www.350.org/crop-mob-spence-farm
Transportation update to Fairbury.
Date:
10 October 2010 - 9:00am - 7:00pm
The bus will depart from City Provisions Deli & Catering, located at 1818 W. Wilson, Chicago (Ravenswood) at 9:00 a.m.
Please arrive No Later than 8:30 a.m For those traveling to City Provisions via the CTA, they are just steps away from the Damen Brown Line stop, and the Damen bus. For those in vehicles, There's parking for your car anywhere in the gravel parking lot behind the shop (please don't park under the EL! City Provisions cannot be responsible for damage caused by tar falling from the tracks). For those on bikes, there are ample bike racks to lock your bike securely for the duration of the day.
All the best, Tom & Lori
