Green Earth Institute

In early 2002 some friends who lived in the western suburbs of Chicago discussed their common interest in farm-fresh locally-grown organic food, and their shared concerns about environmental sustainability. They wanted to take action on these issues, and an opportunity came when farmland became available through a local land trust.

In the fall of 2002 they formed a not-for-profit educational organization and called it the Green Earth Institute. Their vision was to develop an organic vegetable farm and offer educational programs for children and adults. The idea sprouted and grew! Now it is 14 years later and the Green Earth Institute has a thriving certified organic vegetable farm, which markets through its CSA, and farm-centered educational programs.

The Green Earth Institute leases the farmland at the McDonald Farm, owned by The Conservation Foundation, on the south side of Naperville.