URBAN PopUp comes to Pritzker Park: October 2

Get ready for the Urban Plant Pop-Up, a series of workshops on how to plant and practice sustainable growing techniques. The PopUp will take place in Pritzker Park on Thursday, October 2 from 4-6:30 p.m. The 20-minute sessions will feature various hands-on “grow-your-own” projects and approaches to creating a more sustainable food system for individuals and communities. The workshop presentations are free to attend, with a donation required for participants who wish to take home potting soil, seeds and other materials. Suggested donation is $5. Advance registration is available online HERE and walk-ups will also be accepted.

In conjunction with the Urban Plant Pop-Up, Christy Webber Farm & Garden Pop Up will hold a plant sale from 4-6 p.m. the same day in Pritzker Park. Offerings include cool-weather annuals like pansies and rudbeckia, pumpkins, assorted gourds, small houseplants and mums. Additionally, street artist Reuben Aguirre will create a site-specific installation.

“In a city of pop-up galleries, restaurants and markets, it is time to break soil,” says Megan Nakra, M.S. National Peer Advisor, Oxfam Action Corps America. “Our organizations came together to create an Urban Plant Pop-Up Series 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."

“We’re thrilled to welcome the Urban Plant Pop-Up to Pritzker Park as we continue to activate the space and enliven Chicagoans’ experiences in the Loop,” says Chicago Loop Alliance President and CEO Michael Edwards. “Events like this encourage future programming and investment.”

What Can You Expect?

Urban Plant Pop-Up workshops on Oct. 2 include:

• The Yellow Tractor Project, Planting To-Go: Participants will fill take-out containers with soil and sunflower seeds to create inspired mini-greenhouses that can easily be transported home. Over the next few weeks the seeds will sprout and be ready to be trimmed and eaten. 
• The Cooperation Operation, Seed Saving 101: Plants with seeds ready to be harvested along with all necessary materials will be provided for all participants. The goal is to learn the fundamentals of basic plant biology and what the process of seed saving can mean for individuals and their greater communities. Everyone will leave with seeds of their own for homegrown veggies and herbs.
• Chicago Oxfam Action Corps America, GROW Method Everyday: Participants will be educated on The GROW Method, a five principle guideline to eating and cooking that positively affects the global food system. The GROW Method and employing sustainable methods on an individual level are empowering ways to help farmers, and reduce the impact of climate change.