September News
Apples are ripe at Roots & Wings Urban Farm and Garden
Background photo taken at Ten Men Farm
Upcoming Events
Visit Us
Have you attended a farm tour recently? If not, here is what you can expect:
  • We meet in front of our geothermal workshop for an introductory circle, before embarking on the walking tour.
  • The group takes a leisurely pace strolling through our garden, past the oak savanna, and over to Angelic Organics Farm to see the CSA pack line, cover cropping, and biodynamic farming in action.
  • There are restrooms and shaded rest spots along the way.
  • Feel free to come early or stay late for quality time with the goats!
The goats can't wait to see you at one of our upcoming tours:

  • September 22nd at 12:00pm
  • October 6th at 12:00pm
  • October 9th at 10:00am
  • October 20th at 12:00pm
A goat enjoying the morning sun
For Farmers
Field day participants at Grace Farm Studios
Our most recent Upper Midwest CRAFT field day was a success! Twenty dirt-loving students and farmers came together to learn about the science of soil health in a seminar hosted by the Center for Agrarian Learning at McHenry County College, followed by an educational tour at Grace Farm Studios in Woodstock.

If you would like to be the first to know when field days are scheduled, hop on this email list.
What is Growing at Roots & Wings
Want to see what is growing for yourself? Sign up for our Roots & Wings Tour on Friday, October, 15th.

Recently we had a gentleman approach Yatte Moore, Urban Farm Manager, asking to fulfill some required community service hours. Bobby Shepard volunteered over 50 hours at the Roots & Wings Farm and Garden. Bobby worked alongside both Yatte and Kenny on various tasks during his time volunteering at the farm and we appreciate the support he provided while he was here. Before he departed, we asked him to share with us what his experience was like working at the farm. The following was taken from an interview conducted by Yatte.
Bobby Shepard at Roots & Wings
Y: What was it like working on the farm? What did you learn? 
B: Working on the farm was good and I enjoyed myself. It was hard work but fun. I love planting vegetables, and I learned why weeding is important and how different vegetables grow. 

Y: What did you enjoy most about the farm?
B: Watering and planting seeds is what I enjoyed doing the most. Also, I liked the solitude and the peacefulness at the farm. It was relaxing.

Y: What is your favorite vegetable?
B: Beans! I love beans!!!!

Y: Would you consider coming back to do some volunteer work?
B: Yes I would. Working on the farm was a lot of fun, but let me get in shape first!


Thanks again Bobby, and we hope to see you in the future!


-Tedd
Roots & Wings Program Director
Farm Dinner Fun
Jarrod Hennis, owner of Rockford Art Deli, and Callie Hunter pose with a goat at Welcome to the Farm
If you missed our Welcome to the Farm Dinner in August, you can read the highlights and see photos taken by Bob Benenson of Local Food Forum in our new blog post.
We Are Hiring!
Job title: Roots & Wings Education Assistant

Summary: The Roots & Wings Education Assistant is responsible for administering culturally-responsive educational programming at the Roots & Wings Urban Farm at Blackhawk Courts in Rockford, IL, a Rockford Housing Authority property. The Education Assistant will act as a liaison for the Community Advisory Council and provide educational opportunities to youth on the farm and beyond. Experience working with low income and disadvantaged communities is required.

Position and pay: Part-time starting at $14/hour. Full job description and application instructions.
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