So what is a food forest anyway?

A food forest, or forest garden, is a diverse planting of edible plants and integration of animals that attempts to mimic the ecosystems and patterns found in the natural world. Our food forest consists of an ever-evolving smörgåsbord of edible perennial fruit trees, shrubs, vegetables, herbs, and animals consciously intertwined in a way that optimizes the environment for each individual component to support and grow the whole.

At Klarhet, we are beyond passionate about good-tasting food that not only nourishes our body but regenerates the ground in which it grows in the process. We are working in concert with the land to create what we feel is the definition abundance — a food system that works with, rather than against, the challenges of the environment to grow a wide variety of organic edibles, while systematically enhancing the soil for a better yield year after year.

It is our intention to share all that we discover with anyone interested in learning alongside us.

Through this intention, we will be offering countless experiences sure to include:

• Regenerative farm and gardening practices

• Cooking with whole food ingredients in our unfolding state-of-the-art teaching kitchen

• 5-star culinary tastings for guests interested in fully immersing their senses in northern farm-to-table artisan cuisine

Check out our events calendar below to elevate your Klarhet experience.

Currently on Offer:

Savor our Abundance Board

Enjoy a thoughtfully curated selection of local delights charcuterie-style hand delivered to your dome on a live-edge hardwood board that is yours to keep as a memento of your experience. Our abundance boards are crafted in partnership with The Strand Waterfront Restaurant.

Learn about and Experience a deeper side of Klarhet on our Farm Tour

Join Nicole, co-owner and founder, on an engaging walking tour of the grounds where we’ll chat all things regenerative farming and food forest, cuddle baby goats, and learn about upcoming projects actively in the works. Tours are complementary to current guests and $25/person for visitors (Cook and Lake County Residents: inquire about our local’s discount). Offered most Monday/Wednesday/Saturdays from 9-10am

Food forests generally consist of seven layers–the overstory, the understory, the shrub layer, the herbaceous layer, the root layer, the ground cover layer, and the vine layer. We also like to recognize the mycelial (or mushroom) layer as an eighth component, and animal integration (the ninth layer) that must not be overlooked. 

By planting in these layers, we optimize the benefits each component brings to the whole, which in turn minimizes competition, allows a happy co-existence with perceived “pests” and local wildlife, all by following nature’s lead.

Experience the power of life well-lived within a thriving ecosystem—one where nature’s rhythm is the primary sense of time, ease and flow are cornerstones, and abundance is constantly found in the form of foraged berries, breathtaking sunsets, and goat kids.

We don’t claim expertise by any means, but we know who to follow and we’re loving the journey as we continue to learn from nature along the way.