We deserve vibrant, beautiful spaces!
The Englewood Agro-Eco District, the first of its kind in the nation, is anchored by the Englewood Nature Trail project and will transform vacant lots into an urban agriculture zone and green space. This means planning on improvements to the environment and the local economy by attracting industry and entrepreneurs back to this unique corridor that sits between two of the nation's largest railroads.
Centering Black People and Culture!
The Englewood Nature Trail (ENT) project will transform the vacated rail corridor from Wallace St. to Hoyne Ave. between 58th and 59th Streets into a 2-mile naturalized space for residents to enjoy and use to connect deeper with nature. The Trail will serve as a connector between Englewood's growing network of urban farms and gardens and will foster local food access, health and wellness, business development and employment within the neighborhood.
As the anchor of the Englewood Agro-Eco District, the Trail is a catalyst for a larger conversation and action plan around community land ownership and locally-driven investments in Englewood. While largely underserved at the municipal level, many groups, organizations and individuals have led important efforts to improve the quality of life for Englewood residents. Green space investment in this piece of infrastructure will help establish culturally relevant and unapologetically Black spaces for the people of Englewood.
Key Benefits for Greater Englewood
Anti-displacement
Stabilize existing housing and build affordable, attainable and public housing
Land Stewardship
Maintain green space to create a healthy habitat for the natural environment and residents
Food Access
Support urban farms and gardens to grow low-cost fresh foods
Environmental Quality
Promote clean air and remove pollution in the soil and water
Economic Catalyst
Use city-owned land for small business development, job creation, and community services
Recreation
Create outdoor spaces for health and wellness activities
Phase II of the Englewood Nature Trail design is underway!
Design Engineering
Spring 2024 – Summer 2026
Trail Design Guidelines
Trail Aesthetics
Preliminary Design of Opportunity Areas
Public Outreach
Detailed Design Engineering
Additional Public Outreach
Easements and Right-Of-Way Owner Coordination
Environmental Remediation Recommendations
FHWA/IDOT Coordination and Approval
Construction Documents
Construction starts Summer 2026!
Here to stay!
Join the Guardians of the Trail Facebook Community to remember, share, and grow new memories of
OUR Englewood and OUR Black Chicago.
Community Meetings
We will continue to host community meetings to engage Greater Englewood residents around all phases of the planning and design of the Englewood Nature Trail. You can click below to view presentations from each past meeting.
6.24.24 (The Citizen) Mayor Brandon Johnson and Elected Officials Help Unveil Redesigned Englewood Village Plaza
6.22.24 (WGN-TV) Abandoned lots revitalized into vibrant community spaces by Englewood Village Market
6.21.24 (Block Club Chicago) Englewood Organizers Transforming Vacant Lot Into Community Plaza
10.9.23 (Newcity) Dry Run: Why Feda Wardak is Building a Waterless Water Tower in Englewood (CAB 2023)
7.19.23 (Block Club Chicago) Englewood Nature Trail Gets $3.8 Million Boost From Jeff Bezos’ Earth Fund
7.7.23 (Block Club Chicago) The South Side Needs Better Bike Infrastructure. These Big Projects Aim To Close ‘Notable Gaps’
4.24.23 (WBEZ Chicago) Chicagoland is a rails-to-trails hub
4.17.23 (Chicago Sun-Times) Englewood Nature Trail stays on track with $3 million in state funding
4.10.23 (Block Club Chicago) Englewood Nature Trail Gets $3 Million In State Funding To Bring ‘Community-Led Project To Life’
4.7.23 (CBS Chicago) Englewood Nature Trail receives additional $3 million in state funding
3.30.23 (Block Club Chicago) Englewood’s Long-Awaited Nature Trail Will Cost $72 Million To Build, City Says
3.30.23 (Architect Magazine) How Is Chicago Addressing Its Vacant Lot Problem?
2.6.23 (High Line Network) The Englewood Agro-Eco District, anchored by the Englewood Nature Trail, has joined the High Line Network
1.8.23 (Chicago Tribune) Hundreds of Englewood homes were razed for a railroad expansion. Those who remain on Chicago’s South Side want clean air, green space and jobs. (EN ESPAÑOL)
12.11.22 (Streetsblog Chicago) How the Englewood Nature Trail will be different than The 606
12.2.22 (Fox 32 Chicago) State, local leaders celebrate new trail in Englewood neighborhood
12.2.22 (WTTW Chicago) The $20M Check Is in the Mail. Federal Funds Coming to Englewood Nature Trail
12.2.22 (WGN Chicago) ‘We deserve beautiful spaces’: Abandoned railway in Englewood to be transformed into nature trail
12.2.22 (NBC Chicago) Federal Government Provides Financial Boost for Englewood Trail
12.2.22 (CBS Chicago) Chicago lawmakers celebrate future site of Englewood Nature Trail
8.17.22 (AXIOS Chicago) Challenges of a South Side nature trail
8.11.22 (Block Club Chicago) Englewood’s Elevated Nature Trail Gets $20 Million In Federal Funding
8.11.22 (CBS Chicago) $20 million in federal funds awarded for Englewood Nature Trail project
7.8.22 (Block Club Chicago) Englewood’s Nature Trail Is Being Designed For Neighbors, By Neighbors: ‘I’m Happy Something Positive Is Coming Here’
6.10.22 (Block Club Chicago) Englewood’s Elevated Nature Trail Could Open As Soon As 2027: ‘This Is The Moment Everyone Has Been Waiting For’
4.15.22 (Block Club Chicago) Englewood’s Multimillion-Dollar Nature Trail Is Moving Forward. Locals Want It To Be For Neighbors, By Neighbors
4.1.22 (WTTW Chicago) Englewood Nature Trail Among ‘Green Infrastructure’ Projects Chicago Has Slated for a Funding Infusion
2.21.22 (Belt Magazine) The Englewood Line–Not Just the Anti-606
Recent News
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