Urban agriculture is nothing new, and neither is the trend of keeping chickens in residential back yards. However, until recently back yard chickens were illegal in my former home town of Athens, Georgia. However, thanks to the efforts of many Athens residents, including my former colleague at UGA Law, Russell Gabriel, the times they are a’changing.Continue Reading Developments in Backyard Chickens
urban agriculture
Urban Habitat Chicago Redux: 10 years of productive urban landscapes (part 3 of 3)
Last time (part 2), we visited a Chicago rooftop during the summer of 2007, where buckwheat sways in the breeze, collard greens with leaves as broad as a chair seat flourish, and tomatoes and peppers ripen, all in view of a passing elevated train. This time, we visit a state-of-the-art Chicago high school where the windows of a special needs classroom once looked out onto a barren, uninspiring landscape.
Continue Reading Urban Habitat Chicago Redux: 10 years of productive urban landscapes (part 3 of 3)
Urban Habitat Chicago Redux: 10 years of productive urban landscapes (part 2 of 3)
Last time (part 1), we were introduced to Urban Habitat Chicago, took off our shoes, and stretched our feet on an edible lawn. This time, we visit a Chicago rooftop during the summer of 2007, where buckwheat sways in the breeze, collard greens with leaves as broad as a chair seat flourish, and tomatoes and peppers ripen, all in view of a passing elevated train.
Continue Reading Urban Habitat Chicago Redux: 10 years of productive urban landscapes (part 2 of 3)
Urban Habitat Chicago Redux: 10 years of productive urban landscapes (part 1 of 3)
In the fall of 1862, crops were disappearing, mysteriously, from the fields around the tranquil Shaker community at Pleasant Hill, Kentucky.
A watch was ordered over several nights to see what was happening when the incident was brought to the attention of the governing Elders and Eldresses. The Battle of Perryville, Kentucky on October 8, 1862, brought the Civil War within seventeen miles of the close-knit, pacifist community’s doorstep. Soldiers from both Union and Confederate armies, it was revealed, were stealing the crops from the fields at night.Continue Reading Urban Habitat Chicago Redux: 10 years of productive urban landscapes (part 1 of 3)
APA Conference: A Park Planner’s Perspective
I just attended my first American Planning Association (APA) National Planning Conference. Held at the Los Angeles Convention Center, this event was attended by over 5,000 planners and officials who took part in hundreds of workshops, sessions, and networking opportunities. I thoroughly enjoyed the conference and learned a great deal. Continue Reading APA Conference: A Park Planner’s PerspectiveUrban Agriculture 2.0: Los Angeles…Calling Los Angeles… Do You Copy? Over.
The urban agriculture movement has grown vigorously across the nation. The concept of urban agriculture, which is integrated into the urban economic and ecological system, has taken unprecedented forms. The agricultural zeitgeist of today has gained popularity for many urbanites, however, Continue Reading Urban Agriculture 2.0: Los Angeles…Calling Los Angeles… Do You Copy? Over.