DuPage Co. Forest Preserve Class Shows How to Buy, Raise Backyard Chickens for Eggs, Meat

The Forest Preserve District of DuPage County will host a class centered around backyard chicken this Saturday from 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at Kline Creek Farm, 1N600 County Farm Road in West Chicago.

“For those who want to actively participant in the food chain rather than be passive consumers, we can provide the knowledge and skills to be successful,” said Dennis Buck, heritage interpreter at Kline Creek Farm. “Raising chickens — like growing a garden — changes your perspective on land use and helps you understand exactly where some of your food comes from, be it eggs or meat. Even people who don’t want to raise chickens, or who live in towns where they can’t, will benefit from this class by gaining appreciation and respect for what they eat.”

The five-hour class for adults is $40 per person and covers shelter, care and nutrition, the characteristics of different breeds, and processing for the dinner table. Participants need to register at 630-876-5900 and bring a lunch.

The class will be offered again on Aug. 29.

“Kline Creek Farm exists to educate the public on land use choices from a historical perspective, and specifically those land uses related to agriculture,” said Forest Preserve District of DuPage County President Joe Cantore. “A big part of our mission is to involve the public directly in this learning. This class accomplishes all of those goals.”

Source: Forest Preserve District of DuPage County press release