There are so many reasons I love this news out of Seattle about plans to plant a 7-acre edible forest.
According to this piece by TakePart, the plot is being designed to be self-sustaining and all edibles will be available to the public.
Among the planned plantings: walnut and chestnut trees, blueberries, fruit trees, and herbs.
This is definitely a project to watch. I’ll be curious whether the public will take part in a respectful way without damaging plants. I’m thinking there will need to be a fair amount of signage and education about proper picking/harvest techniques.
Besides being a possible urban ag model, reportedly the first of its kind in the U.S., it’s also a remarkable example of successful community outreach.
Crosscut reports that: “Friends of the Food Forest undertook heroic outreach efforts to secure neighborhood support. The team mailed over 6,000 postcards in five different languages, tabled at events and fairs, and posted fliers.”
Things aren’t all rosy in Seattle though. It looks like from the Crosscut report that the city isn’t exactly throwing its full support behind the project. There appear to be a host of restrictions and CYA language attached.
Still, I’m sure this will be a closely watched project as more communities consider adding edibles to their public byways.
Straw hat tip to City Farmer.
Virtual Farmgirl 