No Snow Day for the Farmer

Posted by Allyson

Saw this photo from the University of Illinois Extension and thought it summed up today quite well.  Even here at Wagner Farm, there are no snow days for the farmers.  Farmer Jeff and Farmer Andres are here 365 days a year to take care of the livestock, and if they aren't, other farm staff are to do the morning and evening chores.  I remember Carlin telling me the other day about a holiday a few years ago when she was supposed to do the morning chores.  It snowed, but thankfully, she lives nearby and was able to walk to the farm.  As it turns out, Todd and Jeff showed up, too, not knowing if Carlin would be able to make it.  Now that's dedication!  We are thankful for our farmers (and so are our farm animals)!

A Meeting of the Minds

Posted by Sarah

One of the best things about working at Wagner Farm is the great team of people who help make the farm such a success.  Each year we hold a one or two day planning meeting with all of our staff to review the past year, learn about future goals, and spend some time talking with other folks in the park district. Yesterday we spent a good chuck of the morning dreaming up new programs for the future, and capped off the afternoon by getting some CPR safety training from our risk manager.  Overall a productive day and a good time spent with a great team!

Wagner Farm Fun at the Library

Posted by Sarah

We were invited to come and particpate in a Glenview Library program this past week. Carlin and Mallory loaded up the truck with chicken and craft matierla in hand, and spent the morning teaching kids about hens and roosters. Particpants made a fun chicken craft and listed to farm realted stories presented by the Glenview library staff. Everyone had a great morning!



Northshore Baconfest Tickets on Sale Now

Posted by Allyson

We're excited to announce that on Saturday, April 27, the Friends of Wagner Farm will host the first-ever Northshore Baconfest at Wagner Farm!  This adult only event will feature tastings of imaginative bacon creations prepared by chefs from many of the Northshore's best restaurants along with a side of live music featuring Bucky Halker, a cash bar, and an array of unique bacon-related merchandise available for purchase.  Proceeds from the event will benefit the Friends of Wagner Farm, a 501 (c)(3) support organization that provides funding for major initiatives and public programs offered by Wagner Farm.

Tickets are limited and must be purchased in advance online at www.nortshorebaconfest.com.  General admission tickets are $45 each and include event entry from 6-8 pm, sample-sized portions of all bacon dishes, soft drinks, live music, and the opportunity to purchase bacon-related items. VIP admission tickets are SOLD OUT.

Hope to see you there for what promises to be a sizzling evening!

Tweet, Tweet: We're On Twitter!

Posted by Allyson

We're very excited to announce that Historic Wagner Farm is now on Twitter!  Keep up with what's new at the farm by following us @HistoricWF.  We'll be using Twitter to share updates and information about upcoming programs, events and daily activities, link to our blog posts and announce opportunities to get involved.  Not to worry, though, the blog will continue to serve as as our primary means for providing friends and visitors with detailed information and a behind the scenes look at what's going at the farm.  If you're not very familiar with Twitter, read more about here and see if it's right for you.  It's a great way to connect with the latest stories, ideas, opinions, and news that you find interesting!

Get ready...

by Jen

It may not look like much now, but very soon this year's community garden will be up and growing and filled with people. Before that happens, we'll till the soil once or twice more, get volunteers in to mark the over 100 plots that will be gardened this year, and build compost bins. Our five part series on growing vegetables starts on February 23 with a class on garden prep and planning, followed by a March class on seed-starting. 

If you're interested in gardening with us this summer, resident registration for garden plots begins on February 28th. Classes are open to the public, whether or not you have a plot in the garden -- register in person at the Glenview Park Center or online.

Play time for the ponies

Since Bob and Sue worked so good for us with the new sled Joanne bought them a new toy to play with.  So far no big games of dodge ball have broken out amongst the farm animals.

Dashing through the snow

With the first real snowfall of the year we were finally able to get the brand new horse drawn sled out for the maiden voyage.  With Sunshine, Sheridan and Robin at the reins Bob and Sue enjoyed pulling the new sled. 

Glenview Lantern Shines Spotlight on Volunteers

Posted by Allyson

The Glenview Lantern published a nice article in the paper this week about the Wagner Farm volunteer reception held on January 16.  You can read the article online here: Park District Recognizes Wagner Farm Volunteers.  Thanks again to everyone who attended and to all of the staff who helped make the evening enjoyable for our great volunteers!  Below are a few more photos from the reception.