West Pullman's 'We Sow We Grow' Agriculture District Breaks Ground on Major Expansion

By Socialhood News · Il/Chicago/West Pullman · November 11, 2025

West Pullman residents celebrated a significant community milestone this week as the We Sow We Grow urban agriculture district officially broke ground on its $2.3 million expansion project near 120th Street and Union Avenue. The ambitious development, approved earlier this year by Mayor Brandon Johnson, transforms an acre of previously vacant city land into a vibrant community resource featuring an educational farm, production farm, Zen garden, and orchard.

We Sow We Grow, an agricultural nonprofit that has been serving the community since 2016, partnered with the NeighborSpace land trust to acquire eleven city parcels for the project. "This expansion represents our commitment to food security and environmental education in West Pullman," said Erika Allen, director of We Sow We Grow, during Tuesday's groundbreaking ceremony. "Our goal is to create spaces where residents can learn sustainable farming techniques while having access to fresh, locally grown produce." Community gardens like this one create places where residents "are seen as equals" with "no hierarchy" between new and long-term residents, while supporting neighborhood beautification and community care initiatives.

The community is invited to an information session about volunteer opportunities and upcoming programming at West Pullman Park next Saturday at 1:00 PM. Residents interested in securing garden plots for the 2026 growing season are encouraged to attend and register early as demand is expected to exceed available space.

Sources:
1. https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/dcd/provdrs/planning_and_policydivision/news/2025/june/city-land-sale-would-support-west-pullman-urban-agriculture-dist.html
2. https://ecampusontario.pressbooks.pub/foodstudies/chapter/community-gardens/