CULTIVATE - CONNECT - COMMUNITY

Cultivating Relationships With the Community by Connecting to One Another Through Nature

ABOUT US

The 71st and Crandon Organic Garden is located on three vacant city lots in the heart of South Shore.

The garden was born as a result of the 5th Ward Participatory Budget process. There were months of public meetings at which members of the community asked for multiple community gardens. This desire was winnowed down to a single vision for a garden on the corner of 71st and Crandon. The project would go on to receive more votes than any other in the participatory budgeting process.

Established in May 2016

In May 2016, 200 hours of volunteer service were donated by moving multiple yards of mulch and soil and planting a total of 19 trees and shrubs: 2 black cherry trees, 5 American plum trees, 1 black walnut tree, 1 pecan tree, 5 hazelnut shrubs, 2 bald cypress, 2 swamp white oaks, and 1 linden tree. These 19 trees/shrubs will help clean the air, reduce runoff into combined sewers, and create a gathering space for the community.

NeighborSpace

The garden is owned by NeighborSpace. NeighborSpace is the only nonprofit urban land trust in Chicago that preserves and sustains gardens on behalf of dedicated community groups. They shoulder the responsibilities of property ownership — such as providing basic insurance, access to water, and links to support networks — so that our community can focus on gardening. NeighborSpace-protected gardens give young and old alike an opportunity to get their hands in the earth and enjoy nature, right in their own neighborhoods.

NeighborSpace

Mission and Vision

Our mission is to cultivate relationships with the community by connecting to one another through nature.

Our vision is three fold:

To be able to nurture the curiosity of the youth by providing them hands on learning sessions.
To provide a space for positive and safe social interactions.
To improve nutritional awareness and promote healthy eating habits.