top of page
Locavore-102.jpg

Sumac Creek Farm

owned & operated by Locavore Farm

In 2022, the Jones family realized a long-time dream since opening Locavore Farm by purchasing a 30-acre estate just 2.2 miles down County Line Road. The name of the new farmture (farm-adventure) is Sumac Creek Farms and will host all the Dine on the Land events and educational experiences as well as overnight retreats, glamping, and extended farmstays in a historic farm cottage.

Our Vision

 

We seek to transform our conventional farm into a carbon-guzzling oasis. We have returned to the roots and traditions of early - at times even primitive - agriculture! We are climate-farming, putting in more than we take out in an effort to leave a sustainable operation for generations to come. 


We will recontour the land, resulting in berms and swales that provide water and nutrients to the soil and plant roots from the ground up. Stratified planting, companion planting and diversification of plant species, replaces the system of monoculture. Trees, trees and more trees planted will protect soil from erosion, drive nutrients through the soil and into vegetation as well as break up soil to improve irrigation. We will build up our soil by using livestock and green manures, resulting in nutrient-dense food for our local food system. 


We are good stewards of our land because we love the people who depend on earth’s planetary resources to live…. That is why our desire is to restore the connection of people, one to another. Every gathering at Sumac Creek Farms will deliver an experience that positively impacts how food is nurtured and shared. 

Explore Sumac Creek Farms located 1.8 miles EAST of Locavore Farm - off the same road - at 11588 N. 17500E. Rd., Grant Park, IL 60940. This location hosts: Dine on the Land events, private parties, pasture-raised meat production, overnight retreats, extended farm stays, glamping, and raised garden beds.

Standing where the table will sit.jpg
IMG_7784.jpg
aerial 1 old.jpg

What’s Sumac? Sumac is a spice in our signature fire-roasted chicken, lemonade, and macarons. The sumac spice should not be confused with poison sumac. It’s distinctly different. Poison sumac produces white-colored fruit. The Sumac Tree is planted throughout the farm and characterized by large, dense clusters of bright red, pea-sized fruit. People steep the fresh fruits to make tea, but more often they dry and powder them for use as an herbal supplement or culinary seasoning. Sumac Trees are native to North America and good for bees and birds, great for erosion control, tolerant of poor soils and prolonged drought, and no real pests, their architectural look and spreading habits are breathtaking.

The land was purchased in part by 28 incredible humans who have either sat as guests around Locavore’s table, sent their kids to farm camp, subscribe to a weekly farm box, or simply love a good story that creates impact in farming and community.

bottom of page