The changing seasons bring new sights, sounds, and challenges to Evergreen Park’s Urban Barn, but one thing remains constant: its doors are open year-round, welcoming visitors even in the heart of winter.
For Mary Kay Salus Nielsen, the barn’s manager and educational coordinator, that continuity is essential. With a background as an elementary school librarian and decades of teaching experience, she sees the barn as more than just a home for animals; she views it as a space for education, discovery, and connection with nature.
“I’ve been a teacher for 36 years, and I love to teach,” said Nielsen, who has lived in Evergreen Park her entire life. “I had a Farm Club and Garden Club at my school, and that experience has allowed me to expand my reach here at the barn. I’ve also had to do my own learning about the animals, which I love. Teaching and sharing what we do here is a very fulfilling position to be in.”
The barn, located off 91st and Rockwell at James T. Sexton Park, is home to a variety of animals, including three horses — Turkey, a 22-year-old Standardbred and former Canadian harness racer; Willie, a 28-year-old American Paint; and Ariel, a 21-year-old miniature horse.
There are also goats, rabbits, chickens, roosters, beehives, and even two barn cats. Visitors can experience these animals up close, watching them adapt to the seasons just as farmers do.
One of the barn’s unique aspects is its commitment to remain open throughout the calendar year, providing an opportunity for visitors to witness the changes in both the land and the animals. Each season presents its own set of challenges, Nielsen explained.
“People might assume summer is the best time for the animals, but it’s actually the hardest season for our staff,” she said. “In the winter, we can feed the animals to generate warmth, but in the summer, there’s nothing we can do to cool them down. That’s why we appreciate our frequent visitors who come year-round—they gain a better understanding of what farmers go through to provide food for all of us.”
Despite the cold, winter remains an active season at the barn. In partnership with AERO Special Education Cooperative, a special education cooperative composed of eleven school districts with a mission to assist member districts to provide comprehensive special education programs and related services to children with disabilities, students ages 14 to 22 visit regularly to learn and work with the animals.
Others have discovered the barn’s Visitor Center as a cozy retreat from the harsh weather while still engaging with nature.
“We have a lot of winter visitors,” Nielsen said. “Some people come just to sit and watch the chickens or walk the barn grounds, even when it’s chilly.”
Evergreen Park Urban Barn is open daily from 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and while occasional errands may briefly close the doors, visitors are still encouraged to explore the grounds.
The barn’s surrounding gardens, including apple trees and a native plant pollinator garden, are always evolving, with staff continuously experimenting with new planting techniques.
“There’s always something to see and do,” Nielsen said. “My staff is happy to walk and talk with you, or you can explore on your own at your own pace.”
Looking ahead to 2025, the barn hopes to expand its community outreach and provide even more opportunities for education and engagement. Whether visitors are looking for a peaceful retreat, a hands-on learning experience, or simply a closer look at farm life, Evergreen Park Urban Barn is ready to welcome them, no matter the season.
