If you have no idea what I’m talking about, you aren’t alone: I wouldn’t have understood much beyond "garlic" a year or two ago. That was before I started shopping at farmers markets, where groups of farmers sell their products in a designated public space. Before long, I was on a first-name basis with a dairy farmer and a pasta maker. I knew who carried the tastiest spring asparagus or the best purple and blue potato varieties. I even learned when spinach came into season and discovered foods I didn’t even know could be eaten, such as fiddlehead ferns.

What do farmers markets have to do with Shedd? First, we work towards a common goal: responsible stewardship of our land and water. Second, here at Shedd, we care about the origins and quality of food for our animals. We try to source some of our animal diets locally, although it isn’t always easy: like people, many of our animals are picky eaters, and all have very specific nutritional needs. If you haven’t tried to negotiate eating a new food with a sea otter, just believe me that it’s tricky.

While we haven’t had any luck convincing our redfoot tortoises to cut back on their tropical fruit intake, it’s a bit easier to find local lettuces for fish enrichment in Amazon Rising. This year, Shedd’s horticultural staff will test growing a modest amount of crops themselves – and our Right Bite program continues working with animal husbandry teams to explore more sustainable options for carnivorous species. Check back for more information later this summer! In the meantime, Chicago’s Green City Market opens May 12. If you live in the area, I’d highly recommend stopping by to discover your new favorite fruits and vegetables – and trust me on the brandywine tomatoes!

Click here to find your local farmers market.

Posted by Meg Matthews, conservation