More than a farm; “The HongIk ECOFarm” story
Imagine a remarkable place in the heart of our community where neighbors unite to sow the seeds of change…literally. HongikECO Farm is more than just a farm; it’s a vision of harmonious coexistence, where the land, the body, and the spirit are nourished in unity.
A Vision Nurtured by Compassion
Anyone who has cared for a sick child knows the toll it can take. For Younglim, ECO Farms’s co-founder, the journey of nursing her son back to health included introspection, depression, and a quest for life’s true purpose. In her search, she rediscovered “Hongik,” the ancient practice of her homeland. It unveiled to her the profound realization that lasting healing stems from the transformation of the whole person. Hongik also promotes the idea of “betterment for all”; a concept that was already being successfully implemented on the community farm she volunteered at. Experiencing the pandemic and post-pandemic challenges, the dream of creating a community farm began taking shape. Younglim and her four vision partners became driven by a dream: a world where self-love and respect for nature are paramount. A world where society’s strength lies in each individual’s commitment to positive change and connection with the earth and each other. This is where Hongik ECO Farm was born.
Cultivating Wellness and Connection
Our vision is to create a place of wellness and connection; from learning about regenerative agriculture to connecting neighbors with neighbors, to offering classes for mind-body wellness. Here’s our plan for getting there:
2023: Securing the Land
Our journey begins with the establishment of an environmentally conscious farm that harmonizes with the land. Our fundamental principle is to leave no negative impact on the environment. We aim to be ideally situated near residential areas, creating an accessible space for everyone.
2024: Objectives for Building, Land, and Community
We will collaborate closely with the McHenry County Conservation District and McHenry County Community College to prepare the land for planting.
2025: Inaugural Planting Season and Community Initiatives
This year marks the start of our journey, as we usher in the inaugural planting season.
2026: “In Full Bloom”
Moving into 2026, our commitment to nurturing a resilient and harmonious community takes center stage. Mindfulness initiatives will be in place by now, offering a haven for personal growth and tranquility. The eagerly anticipated “Farm to Table” event will take place, merging culinary excellence with a celebration of our shared accomplishments. We will also introduce monthly ECO Farm Tours, combining education, exploration, and sustainable living seminars that focus on nurturing holistic well-being. These tours will provide practical guidance on environmental conservation, harmonizing food growth with nature, and nurturing meaningful relationships.
The mission of the Hongik ECO Farm is simple yet daunting: to promote wellness and community connection through cultivating regenerative agriculture, encouraging sustainable living, and advocating natural health practices—all on a real, working farm.
Whether you enjoy playing in the dirt or not, there’s a place for you to thrive at Hongik ECO Farm, where wellness, community, and respect for nature flourish.