A Growing Opportunity
 Green
Earth Institute is here today because of a fortuitous confluence
of opportunities and interested people. First, we should recognize
Mrs. Lenore McDonald, the stubborn farm owner on the south
side of Naperville who—in the face of suburban development
on all sides—declared that her land would remain in
agriculture. It’s been a few years since she passed
away, but her generosity in donating her 60-acre farm to The
Conservation Foundation, with a conservation easement stipulation,
provides an immeasurable gift to all who come in contact with
the farm.
Secondly, we should salute The Conservation Foundation,
a local not-for-profit land and watershed protection organization,
for its stewardship of the McDonald gift and its 32+ years
of working in the western suburbs of Chicago to enhance the
quality of life by preserving open space, protecting natural
lands, and improving rivers and watersheds. The Green Earth
Institute leases the tillable land at the McDonald Farm from
the Conservation Foundation, and we benefit from a close working
relationship with the foundation’s staff.
Ever since we started the organic farming operation, there
has been an outpouring of interest and help which has been
key to making the farm successful. The call of nature is strong,
and given the opportunity to work in the soil and be involved
in growing one’s own food, many people from near and
far have responded, and enjoyed it, and come back again and
again.
Others stepped forward to teach young people the techniques
of cultivating their own vegetables, and introduce them to
the wonder and science of nature. Still others shouldered
administrative and communications tasks—vital to successful
functioning and growth of the organization.
Beyond our work to produce nourishing vegetables, we are
engaged in community educational efforts about nutrition in
the schools, renewable energy, and how people may apply environmentally
sustainable methods in their homes, gardens, and yards.
The Green Earth Institute is an organic vegetable farm and
much more. It is a growing opportunity to produce healthful
food, to model ecological sustainability, and to educate our
community about nutrition and environmental stewardship. For
yourself and for our mother earth, please join our effort!
Steve Tiwald
Founder |
