THE LOOP — Get those green thumbs ready, urbanites.
The Chicago Loop Alliance will host a free series of workshops on city gardening in Pritzker Park, 310 S. State St., on Oct. 2 from 4 to 6:30 p.m.
The 20-minute sessions rotating through the "Urban Plant Pop-Up" event include tutorials on harvesting and re-planting seeds from previous seasons' blooms, building mini-greenhouses planted with edible sunflower seeds, and how to reduce environmental damage by shopping and eating responsibly.
"In a city of pop-up galleries, restaurants and markets, it is time to break soil," said Megan Nakra of Oxfam Action Corps America, which is co-sponsoring the event with the Loop Alliance.
Nakra said the focus of the workshop series is to "empower people by growing food."
"Whether for good health, to create a sustainable environment, or to positively affect the global food system, we hope to motivate everyone to be involved with urban agriculture. We look forward to embracing autumn by sharing fun and easy projects everyone can take part in," Nakra said in a release.
The presentations are free, but a $5 donation is suggested for participation in workshops that include materials like soil, seeds and containers. Walk-ups are welcome, but eager gardeners can reserve a spot online in advance.
Christy Webber landscaping will also host a plant sale from 4 to 6 p.m. Thursday in Pritzker Park, and street artist Reuben Aguirre will be on site creating an installation inspired by the day's events.
The workshops are presented in partnership with Oxfam, the Loop Alliance, the Yellow Tractor Project and the Cooperation Operation.
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