The Refuge Food Forest in One Normal Plaza was developed in 2015 as a partnership between the Town and the University of Illinois Extension. The Food Forest is a diverse planting of organically grown edible plants mimicking the ecosystems and patterns found in nature. The Food Forest uses no synthetic chemicals as the site is managed by human ingenuity and manual labor. Since its establishment, the Food Forest has produced thousands of pounds of organic produce.

This community space is open to the public and any produce is free to pick. If you enjoy the Food Forest, consider volunteering your time with weeding or harvesting.  All ages are welcome.  

For more information, contact the University of Illinois Extension Office at (309) 663-8306, or visit their U of I Extension Facebook Page.