What’s better than a field walk at the end of a summer’s day, cold drink in hand and friend by your side?

Come hang out with fellow farmers, tree-lovers, and   at the largest agroforestry demonstration farm in the state–only 10 miles from the University of Illinois campus. This 120-acre agroforestry demonstration farm features . . .

• a 20-acre windbreak featuring 11 designs and 28 species
• a 15-acre hazelnut variety trial featuring 5 new hazelnut cultivars
• a 15-acre elderberry, black currant, and heartnut alley cropping system
• a 70-acre grain and timber alley cropping experiment featuring 6 species

Thank you to the Central Illinois Young Farmers Coalition for co-hosting this event! CIYFC is open to farmers of all ages, as well as chefs, farmer advocates, and aspiring farmers, who are leading the way to create a healthier, more hopeful food system. This group organizes social and learning events for its members and advocates for progressive food systems policy, as well as collaborates on processing and marketing projects.

Agenda

5 pm – 6 pm: Tailgate time 

Have a drink, snack, connect with Savanna Institute, CIYFC and community.

 6 pm – 6:45 pm: Farm tour

Go on a walking tour of the farm, led by Savanna Institute staff.

6:45 pm – 7ish pm: Closing 

Land Acknowledgement

The Savanna Institute Illinois Demonstration Farms grow on the unceded lands of the Peoria, Kaskaskia, Piankashaw, Wea, Miami, Mascoutin, Odawa, Sauk, Meskwaki, Kickapoo, Potawatomi, Ojibwe, and Chickasaw peoples. The soil we work with and the nourishment it provides are rich only because of generations of knowledge, wisdom, and care. This land continues to carry stories, fight for survival and identity, and celebrations of resilience and joy. It is our obligation as agroforesters not only to acknowledge this past, but actively support, listen to, and amplify the rights and demands of Indigenous communities, now and into the future.

Accessibility 

For accessibility questions and accommodations, contact [email protected]

Rules: 

1. No pets except service animals.
2. Do not harvest without permission.
3. Biosecure area, clean shoes only.
4. Photos may be taken at events for Savanna Institute’s promotional purposes.
5. No smoking.

Parking

Currently, there is no designated parking lot. Please park along the side of the road (1900E), while we allow our green groundcover to get established! Be aware of the culvert ditches and high grass when stepping out of your vehicle.

Biking

Need a bike to ride in Champaign-Urbana? Check out: Where to Get a Bicycle 

Please wear a helmet and have bike lights if traveling by bicycle to the farm. 

The route from the University of Illinois Main Quad to Savanna Institute Hudson Agroforestry Demonstration Farm is 9.3 mi. (See: Quad to Farm)

Take the Kickapoo Rail Trail from Urbana to Mayview (3.1 mi), then turn right off of the trail onto 1900E (2.5 mi) to the farm. (See: Rail Trail to Farm).

There is not a bike rack at the farm at this time (Summer 2024).

Public Transportation

There is no public transportation directly to the demonstration farm. The closest bus stop is at Urbana Meijer (See C-U MTD for details), which can be accessed by the 2 RED, and 50 GREEN routes. See Urbana Meijer to Farm for further instructions. 

Restrooms

Currently there is one portable toilet (Porta Potty), ADA-accessible, available on site. The closest indoor restroom is at the Urbana Meijer Supermarket, which is a 9 minute drive from the farm. (See Urbana Meijer to Farm).

Site Expectations

We will be walking on uneven terrain for about an hour. Bring a chair if you would like to spend time sitting at the beginning or end of the event.

What to Bring, What to Wear?

Please dress for the weather and to keep yourself comfortable (weather appropriate clothes, sun protection, closed-toed shoes). Long pants are recommended because of tall grass and bugs. 

Refreshments

Snacks and drinks will be provided.

Where to Gather?

Meet us at the entrance of the farm, between the internal windbreak and the elderberries (see map). Look out for a white canopy tent!

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