Net Impact: Uncommon Ground Restaurant Visit

UIC Liautaud Net Impact student organization had their first event of the fall 2011 semester on Sunday, September 25 at Uncommon Ground’s Edgewater location. The event began with breakfast at 10am in the morning, followed by a tour of their organic roof top farm at 11 a.m.

Uncommon Ground is host to the nation’s first certified organic rooftop farm. Each year they grow a diverse assortment of annual vegetables and herbs. Everything they grow on the roof ends up on their menu.

A group of students and friends came out to enjoy brunch in the eco-conscious eatery that boasts reclaimed wood tables as well as existing brick walls and hardwood floors. In addition to using ingredients that are grown on their rooftop farm, they purchase additional from local family farms.

After brunch, the group endured the rain and head up to the 2,500 square foot rooftop farm. The tour guide discussed their growing practices, such as the gardening process and how they choose which fruits and vegetables to grow. He also discussed the environmental aspects of the farm which include as the five solar panels that heat water for the restaurant.

Special Thanks to Jocelyn Mohr for contributing to this post.

Net Impact was quite happy with the turn out for this event and hope to have more tours with an environment focus throughout the school year.