Community impact of local food systems topic at Conservation Foundation lunch
Sustainable regional food systems and how they strengthen local communities is the topic at The Conservation Foundation's Winter Membership and Awards Luncheon on Wednesday, March 2 from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Westin Lombard.
Jason Navota from the Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning is the featured speaker who will talk about how locally grown food not only can provide nutritious edibles, but it can also enhance economic vitality, community livability, and regional resiliency.
Illinois farmers grow only six percent of the produce consumed in a state with some of the most fertile soils in the country. Much more can be grown locally, keeping money in the region, supporting local businesses, and strengthening communities while providing delicious, healthy, and fresh produce to eat.
Steve Tiwald, founder of the Green Earth Institute, will talk about this organic farming operation located at The Conservation Foundation's McDonald Farm in Naperville. Nathan Aaberg of the Liberty Prairie Foundation will talk about their efforts to connect more organic farmers with local land.
The Conservation Foundation's Sustainable Development Award will be presented to Sebert Landscaping in Bartlett for their environmental practices. The DuPage River Salt Creek Workgroup also will be recognized for their 10th anniversary working to improve water quality standards in the county.
Cost is $35 per person for members of The Conservation Foundation; $50 for non-members, which includes a one-year membership. Tables of eight are available for $275 for member organizations and $350 for non-member organizations, including a one-year membership.
Register online or by downloading the registration form at theconservationfoundation.org and mailing it to The Conservation Foundation, 10S404 Knoch Knolls Rd, Naperville, IL 60565, or send by FAX (630) 428-4599.
To register by phone, call (630) 428-4500, Ext. 110.
Those attending will enjoy an organic, locally-sourced lunch as part of The Westin Lombard's commitment to reducing the environmental impact of their events and to the use of local, sustainable food whenever possible.
The Westin Lombard Yorktown Center is at 70 Yorktown Center Dr., north of Butterfield Road and east of I-355. Parking is accessed via Yorktown Center Dr.
The Conservation Foundation is one of the region's oldest and largest not-for-profit land and watershed conservation organizations. Since it was founded in 1972, TCF has helped preserve nearly 33,000 acres of open space, restored and cleaned miles of rivers and streams, and educated thousands of kids by engaging them in nature and the outdoors.
Work is focused in DuPage, Kane, Kendall, and Will counties to preserve and restore nature in your neighborhood. Find out more at theconservationfoundation.org.