Taking a Community Back, One Plant at a Time

Chicago BFA Chapter and friends have been working on revitalizing a blighted vacant lot in their neighborhood on the West Side of Chicago. Combining various approaches including hugelkultur and permaculture principles, co-leaders Annamarie Leon and Dr. Shemuel Israel have helped guide the creation of a bountiful garden space, as just as importantly a community gathering place. Where once there was an empty lot in a rough part of town, now amidst verdant edibles one might find a hot game of chess, or an older couple on a lunch date. And gathered around raised beds, a group of kids are learning about plants, about growing, and starting to think about where their food comes from.

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