Building Vitality
Our story: Wood St. Collective began as a community garden on Wood St. and 65th St. on the South Side of Chicago, and during our first year in 2019, we planned events such as Open Mics, Community Conversations, Garden Actions, and Neighborhood Market days, all taking place at the Wood St. Garden. Our hyper-local approach was very visible to the neighborhood, and the community engagement was tremendous. One resident, in their front yard that borders the garden, built a “take a book, leave a book” library. After just one summer, it was obvious to the community and our team; the garden was more than a green space; it was a hub for activity. Over the past years, we have grown into an established nonprofit which hosts mutual-aid, educational, and leadership development programs.
In 2023, the City of Chicago announced that Wood St. Collective was a winner of the inaugural Community Growers Award!
In 2023, the City of Chicago announced that Wood St. Collective was a winner of the inaugural Community Growers Award!
Block Beauty Projects
Block Beauty Projects are a platform for people to build and maintain green spaces. In our efforts to organize a garden network and promote local food, we transform lawns, back yards, and empty lots into arable land. Get inspired and activate green space at your residence, school, business or organization today!
Garden Action Days
Wood St. Collective Market Stand
Dedicated to uplifting the vision of a beautiful and peaceful South Side, we mobilize people to grow and distribute organic, locally grown food. Our resident-led garden network produces food for sale at the various Englewood street fests, farmer's markets, and events. We accept cash, credit + debit, and LINK.
Great Lakes Restoration Program
The northeastern region of Illinois and the Lake Michigan coast are important ecosystems that need our help to flourish. We organize outings from Englewood to Chicagoland beaches for ecological restoration, wildlife and plant conservation, and clean ups.
About Us
Learn more about us and our team, Board, and partners!
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Events & Action
Check out our upcoming events!
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Donate Today!
Support our urban agriculture site with a donation!