Since its establishment in 1992, The Conservation Foundation has been a leading force in environmental stewardship, operating from the scenic McDonald Farm in Naperville. Spanning across 60 acres at 10S404 Knoch Knolls Road, this nonprofit organization boasts a rich history of safeguarding rivers, restoring open spaces, and championing respect for the environment.
At the heart of The Conservation Foundation’s mission lies an unwavering commitment to sustainability. McDonald Farm stands as a testament to this dedication, featuring an array of eco-friendly initiatives. Among these are the prominent solar panels and a wind turbine that generate approximately a quarter of the farm’s energy requirements.
Russell Cerocke said “We also have a 10,000-gallon cistern of water that collects rainwater off the roofs,We use that to help supplement our irrigation water so that we don’t have to pull out of the aquifer during times when it is rainy.”
Four sprawling greenhouses grace the landscape of McDonald Farm, serving as integral components in the farm’s year-round crop cultivation. These green havens enable the production of crops even during colder months, extending the growing season and redefining the possibilities of northern climate agriculture.
“The greenhouses allow us to provide food a bit later in the fall, and a bit earlier in the springtime,The clear plastic on the greenhouses allow the sun in and keeps the warmth. Throughout the winter, we generally have a variety of greens that are somewhat cold-tolerant. So that really helps us to extend our season here in the northern climate.”, said Russell Cerocke.
McDonald Farm’s commitment to sustainable practices extends to its farm-to-table philosophy, fostering a direct connection between consumers and the land. Cerocke explains the unique approach, “Our program runs 20 weeks long through the summer and folks sign up ahead of time at the beginning of the season,” said Cerocke. “Folks can come in and they’re not getting a premade box of vegetables. They’re able to come and pick somewhat like a grocery store.”
In a collaborative effort with Loaves and Fishes Community Services, McDonald Farm donates over 6,000 pounds of nutritious produce to local pantries each year. Cerocke reflects on this partnership, stating, “That’s one of my favorite parts of working here, Loaves and Fishes has been a great partner for several years. They pick up from us every Wednesday and get that food out to people first thing on Thursday.”
Beyond its agricultural prowess, The Conservation Foundation transforms McDonald Farm into a vibrant hub of community engagement. Noteworthy among these events is “That will feature the Bree Gordon Band and a food truck called Wild Fries from St. Charles, The event is free for the family. Feel free to bring a cooler, some lawn chairs, blankets and camp out for the day.”
To explore the full roster of upcoming events, simply head over to The Conservation Foundation website.
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