About Karen
Karen and her husband moved to Lake Forest in 1998 and since then, have enjoyed every minute of being a part of the community and raising their three children. On a bike ride in 2005, she stumbled upon Elawa Farm during its renovation. Before she knew it, she found herself pulling quack grass from the clay fields that would eventually become the vegetable gardens. Having grown up in the backyard gardens of both sets of her grandparents, Karen instantly felt at home at Elawa Farm and volunteered for many years. This became a welcome journey of studying microbiology, working on small-scale organic farms domestically and abroad, developing garden and food programs in Lake County, and working towards improving the state and federal policies regarding small scale farming.
Most recently, she helped develop a food rescue operation feeding over 28,000 nutrient dense meals to families in need. From the same commercial kitchen, she developed a catering program serving other regional, non-profit organizations with similar missions. She believes small-scale regenerative farming is the key to rejuvenating rural, suburban, and urban landscapes, improving all aspects of public health, and reversing excessive carbon outputs.
In May 2025, Karen took on the new role as Community Partnership Manager. She is excited to collaborate with groups who share our mission to provide access and education about nutrient dense locally grown food and to strengthen our regional food chain.
Favorite produce from the garden: Garlic
Favorite flower found at Elawa Farm: Rose Hedges