TLC Invites Public to Participate in a Garden Planting in Woodstock

The Land Conservancy of McHenry County (TLC) invites members of the public to a Milpa garden planting on Tuesday, May 21 from 5:00-6:30 p.m. at the Apple Creek Food Forest, located at the southwest corner of Hercules Dr. and Dean St. in Woodstock. This free event is limited to 20 participants, and those who wish to attend should register at ConserveMC.org by May 17.

Milpa is an Indigenous style of gardening in which species are selected for mutual benefits – attracting pollinators or predatory insects, providing shade and building soil structure. The garden will help build soil health and fertility before planting shrubs and trees in the fall at the food forest.

The planting will take place with the guidance of Gina Roxas, Potawatomi and executive director of the Trickster Cultural Center. Gina will share her wisdom about Indigenous gardening and practices, as well as guide participants as the land is prepared for planting.

The mix of seeds to be planted contains over 40 different species, and TLC will donate at least half of the garden’s produce to the Woodstock Food Pantry and other local organizations to help those in need in the community.

Participants are encouraged to dress for the weather and to get messy. Light refreshments will be served after the demonstration. Parking at the site is limited, so guests may need to park within the Apple Creek subdivision, a short walk from the demonstration space.

The Land Conservancy of McHenry County is a member-based private nonprofit dedicated to preserving natural, scenic and agricultural land.