Prairie Farm Corps crew leaders develop leadership skills as they work with a diverse crew of high school students in this youth development program.

This year's crew leaders bring classroom training and practical experience to the Prairie Farm Corps. Two crew leaders are involved in the College of Lake County Sustainable Agriculture program, and one is an alumni of the Chicago Botanic Garden Green Youth Farm.

The crew leader position has been expanded into a broader internship program to provide deeper educational opportunities and expanded vegetable production. In addition to vegetable production and leadership training, crew leaders participated in workshops on soil health & compost, fruit tree pruning, fruit tree grafting, and wheat/small grain processing.

All Prairie Farm Corps participants began spring Crop Mob work sessions in April. Initial sessions included team building as well as greenhouse and field work. This year's enthusiastic Prairie Farm Corps crew members hail from 5 area high schools including Round Lake, Grayslake Central, Grayslake North, Lakes, and Washington.

Purchase plants from the Prairie Farm Corps from 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. on May 17 at the Prairie Crossing Farm. Purchase certified organic vegetables at the Prairie Farm Corps booth at the Libertyville Farmers Market on Thursdays from 7:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m., June 19 - October 16. The Prairie Farm Corps is also growing vegetables for the Women, Infant & Children (WIC) Farmers Market Nutrition Program in Round Lake and a backpack vegetable distribution program at Beacon Place in Waukegan.