About Renewal Acres
Renewal Acres is a 10-acre property in Hancock County, Illinois. Rebecca purchased the property in 2008, five years after the death of her husband, as a place of refuge and renewal and an opportunity to pursue her lifelong dream of small-scale farming. She knew the property needed a lot of work and love, but could envision its great potential. She immediately got to work with the help of her friends and family, starting by tearing down a run-down mobile home, putting in a pond, and planting wildflowers.
Since then, Rebecca has worked tirelessly to transform this forgotten parcel of land into a haven for wildlife, a source of fresh food, and a peaceful place of respite and recreation for anyone who visits. New additions since 2008 include several custom-built bridges, two roomy chicken coops, two small ponds, walking trails, a cabin and a small cottage overlooking the property, beehives, fruit trees and grapevines, a variety of vegetable and herb gardens, and a restored prairie with native prairie plants. Rebecca's current projects includes converting an old grain silo to become another small sleeping quarters.
Since then, Rebecca has worked tirelessly to transform this forgotten parcel of land into a haven for wildlife, a source of fresh food, and a peaceful place of respite and recreation for anyone who visits. New additions since 2008 include several custom-built bridges, two roomy chicken coops, two small ponds, walking trails, a cabin and a small cottage overlooking the property, beehives, fruit trees and grapevines, a variety of vegetable and herb gardens, and a restored prairie with native prairie plants. Rebecca's current projects includes converting an old grain silo to become another small sleeping quarters.
Values
One of Rebecca's goals for Renewal Acres is to create an environment that works in harmony with nature, is sustainable, and imitates or complements natural ecosystems. Rebecca studied sustainable agriculture methods at the Land Connection's Central Illinois Farm Beginnings (2006-2007), as a well as a variety of workshops and conferences, and actively seeks other like-minded farmers in the area with which to network and exchange knowledge.
All fresh fruit and vegetables produced on the farm are grown without the use of any synthetic fertilizers or pesticides. The chickens are given spacious coops to live and nest in, and are allowed to range free outdoors during the day, where they gobble up all sorts of insects, seeds, and plants.
One of Rebecca's goals for Renewal Acres is to create an environment that works in harmony with nature, is sustainable, and imitates or complements natural ecosystems. Rebecca studied sustainable agriculture methods at the Land Connection's Central Illinois Farm Beginnings (2006-2007), as a well as a variety of workshops and conferences, and actively seeks other like-minded farmers in the area with which to network and exchange knowledge.
All fresh fruit and vegetables produced on the farm are grown without the use of any synthetic fertilizers or pesticides. The chickens are given spacious coops to live and nest in, and are allowed to range free outdoors during the day, where they gobble up all sorts of insects, seeds, and plants.
About Rebecca
Rebecca (or "Becky") is a native of Quincy, Illinois. Since she was young, she always dreamed of living and working on a farm, owning animals, and growing food. After the sudden death of her husband in 2003, she knew there was no time like the present, and began to pursue her dream more seriously. In 2006, she enrolled in the Central Illinois Farm Beginnings program through the Land Connection. The year-long program in Champaign, Illinois, is taught by farmers, and focuses on small-scale sustainable agriculture practices. Rebecca started small by gardening in her own yard, and keeping a few chickens. However, she kept her eyes open for a piece of property that would really allow her to take her dream to the next level, and in 2008, purchased a 10-acre parcel in Hancock County, Illinois, which has become Renewal Acres.
In addition to her chickens and bees, Rebecca has a four grown children (with a grandchild on the way!), a few spoiled cats, and a trusty dog, Clarence. When she isn't working on farm projects, you can find her playing games with friends, out on her bicycle, or reading a good book by her wood-burning stove.
Rebecca (or "Becky") is a native of Quincy, Illinois. Since she was young, she always dreamed of living and working on a farm, owning animals, and growing food. After the sudden death of her husband in 2003, she knew there was no time like the present, and began to pursue her dream more seriously. In 2006, she enrolled in the Central Illinois Farm Beginnings program through the Land Connection. The year-long program in Champaign, Illinois, is taught by farmers, and focuses on small-scale sustainable agriculture practices. Rebecca started small by gardening in her own yard, and keeping a few chickens. However, she kept her eyes open for a piece of property that would really allow her to take her dream to the next level, and in 2008, purchased a 10-acre parcel in Hancock County, Illinois, which has become Renewal Acres.
In addition to her chickens and bees, Rebecca has a four grown children (with a grandchild on the way!), a few spoiled cats, and a trusty dog, Clarence. When she isn't working on farm projects, you can find her playing games with friends, out on her bicycle, or reading a good book by her wood-burning stove.