About The Farm
The Power of Regenerative Farming
First coined by Robert Rodale from the Rodale Institute, regenerative farming emerged to encourage producers to move beyond organic, and directly address the environmental damage caused by decades of industrial agriculture. Through purposeful design, regenerative practices aim to restore the four key landscape functions (carbon-cycle, soil-mineral cycle, water-cycle, and biodiversity) and encourage a meaningful collaboration with them.
In total, the Institute of Soil and Soul covers 9 acres with 3 acres currently in production.
The farm includes a no-till market garden, one high tunnel, a chicken. flock, an orchard, and vast woodlands enrolled in a conservation program through the Illinois Department of Natural Resources.
In Our Market Garden
The market garden produces the following:
- Lettuce
- Mustard Greens
- Kale
- Swiss Chard
- Collard Greens
- Carrots
- Peas
- Beans
- Beets
- Radish
- Cauliflower
- Brussels
- Cabbage
- Sweet Corn
- Popping Corn
- Summer and Winter Squash
- Onion
- Garlic
- Leek
- Shallot
Our High Tunnel
In the summer months, the high tunnel produces:
- Tomatoes (Cherry and Heirloom)
- Peppers
- Eggplant
- Cucumbers
- Cut-flowers
In Our Orchard
We have a diverse selection of stone and pome fruits and berries in our orchard, including:
- American Persimmon
- Plum
- Apple
- Peach
- Asian Pear
- Chinese Quince
- Cherry
- Almond
- Paw-Paw
- Black, White, and Red Currants
- Seaberry
- Gooseberry
- Goumi
- Autumn Olive
Ecological Growing Methods
At The Institute of Soil & Soul we use ecological methods to maintain the health and integrity of the earth and provide some of the freshest, fairest, and most nutritional produce in the area.
Meet the Farmers
FOUNDER, Course Director
Gabriel Gould, MA, PGDip
- Completed Permaculture Design Course at Finca Tierra in Costa Rica.
- Holds a post-graduate diploma in Regenerative Food and Farming Systems from Schumacher College in England.
- Holds an M.A. in Depth Psychology with a specialization in Jungian and Archetypal Studies from Pacifica Graduate Institute
- Insatiable Student of Life
Herbalist
Kelcie
- Began walking the plant path after overcoming her own health issues with herbal medicine
- Holds a permaculture design certificate from Ecoversity
- Integrates medicinal plants into gardens and landscapes to support the health and vitality of the land and her community
- Considers herself a forever student of the plant teachers
Farm Hand
Gina
- From the northwest suburbs of Chicago
- Grew up always surrounded by home gardens
- Studied Supply Chain Management at the University of Illinois
- Currently works as an Ingredient Buyer
- Interested in learning more about localizing food systems and agroecology farming techniques
- Enjoys cooking my family recipes, going hiking, and starting new sewing projects
Intern
Emily
- Student of Earth, Society, and. Environmental Sustainability at the University of Illinois-Urbana Champaign.
- Love of nature started as a kid and has developed ever since.
- In her free time, you'll find her hiking to look out for wildlife and. volunteering at the Hinsdale Humane Society.
Intern
Deborah
- Studies psychology at Trinity International University en route for her M.A. in Mental Health Counseling.
- Grew up in central Michigan, amidst a 40-acre woodland, caring for a garden and a flock of 21 chickens.
- In recent years, she has rediscovered a love for nature and the wish to understand the influence of. the natural world on our mental and physical health.
- Avid reader, learner, and painter.
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Hours
Monday – Friday: 9am – 5pm
Saturday – Sunday: 10am – 4pm
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