Is that a Chicken in Your Backyard?

It used to be when we thought of farming we envisioned a dirt road, rolling pastures and neatly plowed fields of vegetables somewhere… but not here.
But, the urban farm movement has taken hold in Charlotte with families raising chickens and growing vegetables year round in their backyards or on community plots.

From the egg to the chicken or seed to fruit, families are beginning to understand the value of knowing where their food comes from and how it gets to their table.

Children are fascinated with farm life.
What do the animals eat? Who picks the vegetables? Where do the animals sleep? Who takes care of the animals when they are sick? How come fruit from my garden tastes or looks different from what I buy from the store?

As we continue on our quest to connect children and families to the natural world, Museum staff have started square foot garden plots. Join us on our journey of growing fresh vegetables for the animals that call Charlotte Nature Museum home. Little hands will help us plant the seeds, harvest the bounty and share the yield.

What vegetables will grow best in our raised beds? What impacts will local wildlife have on our yield? How long will it take to go from seed to fruit? We don’t have all the answers yet, but we invite you to come explore, learn and grow with us.

Do you have an idea for our garden-to-be? Do you have chickens in your backyard? What’s your favorite vegetable?

Naturally speaking,
Lisa Hoffman
Director