evanston grows urban farms
Eggleston farm at eggleston park
Established in 2022
The Farm at Eggleston Park is located at the far side of the Food Forest and Farmette. Thanks to the efforts of many volunteers, Evanston Grows turned a swampy stretch of land into a flourishing organic farm plot that is focused on large production. At this site, interns learn the essentials of urban farming.
vineyard farm
Established in 2022
The cultivation of Vineyard Farm began in autumn 2022 and blossomed by spring 2023, yielding fresh, sustainably-grown produce for the Evanston community. In collaboration with Vineyard Church, this plot yields an ample supply of produce distributed through the Greater Chicago Food Depository Pantry onsite. Funding for the farm was graciously provided by the Garden Club of America Founders Fund grant. The continuous rumble of the El train serves as a reminder that we are farming in the City.
faith grows Here farm at faith temple
Established in 2024
In collaboration with Faith Temple, this urban farm offers 5th ward residents a weekly supply of fresh vegetables and herbs at no cost through an on-site farm stand at the church. Furthermore, the produce is supplied to the Faith Food Pantry, a non-profit, volunteer-driven, faith-based organization that provides groceries to the Evanston community and its neighboring areas.
Partnership Established in 2025
Beginning in 2025, Evanston Grows partnered with ETHS to manage and sustain the Edible Acre, building on its legacy as a vibrant space for food production, education, and community engagement. Led by Evanston Grows’ experienced staff, the garden provides paid summer job training for five high school students while operating a 40-member CSA program that helps support the garden’s ongoing sustainability. Through this partnership, the Edible Acre continues to grow fresh, locally produced food, provide hands-on learning opportunities, and strengthen connections between students, the community, and sustainable urban agriculture.
Backyard Farm model
Brown Avenue Backyard Farm, Est. in 2025
Central Street Backyard Farm, Est. in 2026
Coming in Spring 2027! In February, 2026, the Ridgeville Park District’s Board of Commissioners voted to enter into a 10-year partnership with Evanston Grows to establish a new one-acre urban garden at the District’s Elks Park. The garden is a community-powered project made possible through Evanston’s Participatory Budgeting (PB) process and Evanston Grows.
In October 2023, more than 3,000 Evanston residents voted to bring a new one-acre urban garden to life. They selected the project as one of only seven proposals funded out of 20 citywide submissions through the City of Evanston’s Participatory Budgeting process. Based on Evanston Grows’ proven success in creating productive, attractive, and community-centered gardens, the City’s PB Committee selected Evanston Grows as the contractor to realize the project.
After extensive research and analysis of potential sites throughout Evanston, Evanston Grows identified Ridgeville Park District’s Elks Park, at the corner of Callan and Mulford in south Evanston, as a potential location. Ridgeville community members were invited to share input through four Board meetings, an on-site meeting, and a survey emailed to more than 1,800 neighbors with feedback showing strong and widespread support for the project.
ward farm
2230 Main Street
Established in 2024
Ward Farm is a partnership between Ward Manufacturing and Evanston Grows, a non-profit farming organization. This previously underutilized half-acre lot behind the Ward Manufacturing plant has undergone a remarkable transformation into a beautiful and productive landscape. It is estimated to yield around 7,000 pounds of produce for the Evanston community throughout the growing season. Weekly distributions of vegetables, herbs, and flowers are available during the growing season at the Infant Welfare Society of Evanston, just around the corner from the Ward building.
Evanston Township High School Edible Acre farm
Evanston Grows’ Backyard Farm Model transforms residential-scale spaces into highly productive urban farms that increase local food production while strengthening community connections. Each backyard farm site is approximately 1/10 of an acre and is cultivated using intensive growing practices to maximize yields in small urban spaces. These neighborhood farms bring food production directly into the community, creating accessible growing spaces while providing fresh, locally grown produce through Evanston Grows’ food access programs.
In 2025, the Brown Avenue Backyard Farm produced more than 2,000 pounds of fresh produce from just 1/10 of an acre, demonstrating the potential of small-scale urban agriculture to make a significant impact on local food systems.
Northwestern University Gardens
Wild Roots Garden at the Norris Center, Est. in 2026
Garden of Eatin’ at University Christian Ministry, Est. in 2023
NU’s Wild Roots Garden at the Norris Center and the Garden of Eatin’ at University Christian Ministry/Allison Hallis are student run gardens supported by Evanston Grows that brings together food production, education, and community connection. Located at Northwestern University, the gardens provides an opportunity for students, staff, and community members to engage in urban agriculture while learning about sustainable growing practices and the importance of local food systems. Through Evanston Grows’ partnership, the gardens help to expand access to fresh, locally grown produce - with excess produce donated to NU’s Purple Pantry — while creating hands-on learning opportunities.
RIDGEVILLE URBAN FARM & ORCHARD
Elks Park, 301 Callan Avenue
Partnership Established in 2026
