Common Ground Gathering
December 8 @ 2:00 pm - 5:00 pm
As the seasons transition, each of us is looking forward to those fall and winter months where we’ll have more time on our hands. If you’re a farmer or landowner, that’s an ideal time to revisit the land or farmer search and start to take steps toward changes you’d like to make.
If you’ve been looking for an opportunity to reflect, brainstorm and meet with other farmers and landowners, then look no further. Tickets are on sale now for the 6th annual Northern Illinois Common Ground gathering!
Common Ground is an in-person social and educational event for those who have pressing needs around land access.
“Farmland owners and farmers can partner together in ways that are profitable, good for the land, and good for the community,” says Linda Balek of The Land Conservancy of McHenry County, one of the northern Illinois organizing partners. “But first they have to find each other and talk. That’s what this event is all about.”
The event will be hosted at Duke’s Alehouse and Kitchen in Crystal Lake, a restaurant known for supporting small-scale, local growers and for its excellent selection of craft beers. Doors open at 1:30 and the event will begin at 2:00.
“Common Ground is a unique event because as much as it is about sharing information and resources to break down the complicated topic of land access, it is equally about sharing stories and encouragement,” says Illinois FarmLink’s Jeanne Janson.
The day will start off with land access stories from local farmers and landowners. Afterward, all are invited to share their own story in the popular lightning round session. There will also be plenty of time to browse resources from local support organizations dedicated to helping land seekers and landowners.
The 2024 Northern Illinois Common Ground gathering is being organized by Farmers Rising, McHenry County College’s Center for Agrarian Learning, The Land Conservancy of McHenry County, The Land Connection’s Illinois FarmLink program, and Northern Illinois Young Farmers.
Please contact Jeanne Janson (Illinois FarmLink) at [email protected] or (217) 840-2128 ext. 735 with any questions!