Launched in 2021, Terra Firma is a 5-year, $25 million land care initiative to beautify, maintain, and activate over 205 acres of vacant land on Chicago’s mid-South Side. Terra Firma uses vacant land as an engine of opportunity to create jobs, grow small businesses, improve the local environment, and enhance neighbors’ quality of life.
In the program's first two years, Terra Firma has stabilized 67 acres, employed 29 adults and 98 youth in green industry, graduated 29 participants from an entrepreneurship program, awarded over $800,000 to local MBE contractors, supported 35 local community gardens, and engaged over 1000 community members in programming.
“One of the greatest but often overlooked assets of our neighborhoods is our land. By investing our time and resources in improving the land along our commercial corridors and residential streets, we make that value visible and accessible for our community,”
Ghian Foreman, President and CEO
Interested in participating? Give us your thoughts on the connection between you, your community, and the Terra Firma program.
IN THE NEWS
Chicago nonprofit Emerald South beautifying vacant land with 'Lots of Compassion'
ABC7 — June 28, 2023
Thousands of tulips in Washington Park are beautifying the neighborhood — while highlighting inequity
Block Club Chicago — May 1, 2023
MacArthur grant recipient Amanda Williams’ latest public work looks at the history of redlining through 100,000 red tulips
Chicago Tribune — October 17, 2022
Vacant lots on mid-South Side target of $25 million beautification initiative
Hyde Park Herald — April 22, 2022
Cannabis tax revenue targets violence prevention
Crain’s Chicago Business — April 22, 2021
Emerald South and DuSable Museum get state grants out of marijuana fund
Hyde Park Herald — February 1, 2021
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