Chicago To Go Rural?

The Chicago Sun-Times reports:

A nonprofit recycling agency that dreams of growing produce on every vacant lot in Chicago will lay out its vision today -- along with a picnic -- for visitors to a "green city" conference.

Farming the city's empty spaces is the brainchild of Ken Dunn, president of the Resource Center, who said he told Mayor Daley last year, "Let us commit that everywhere rain and sun fall be used for beautification or food production."

Daley said the idea dovetails with his green roofs program and promised to help, Dunn said.

The mayor's environment commissioner, Sadhu Johnston, called Dunn's plan something "we'd like to see happen." He added, "Will we ever green every city lot? I doubt it. But it's a notable goal."

Chicago has 90,000 vacant lots, ranging from one-seventh of an acre to 100 acres, totaling 10,000 acres, Dunn said.

Farming in Chicago.