Food Forest Unification

Food forest. A concept that revitalizes life back into our ecosystems.

A food forest along the river in the making. The term food forest refers to an area of land that allows for the restoration of the soil, an abundance of local produce, and a stable habitat for local wildlife.

A forest forest is a type of agroforestry that allows for the cultivation of various forest components like trees, shubs, and edible plants that enhance their area naturally and most notably, organically. This happens due to the unique properties of certain forest components that offer specific benefits. A tree could add shade, block wind, and provide shelter for local pollinators. A bean plant can be classified as a nitrogen fixer, meaning as the plant grows it releases nitrogen back into the soil, a very important food for the soil. By incorporating the right plants and design features you can create a low maintenance, high yielding, and sustainable food system that not only feeds our community but it increases the public awareness of this word changing farming technique. Much of what was discussed follows permaculture design methods.

According to the Permaculture Research institute, “Permaculture is the conscious design and maintenance of agriculturally productive ecosystems which have the diversity, stability, and resilience of natural ecosystems.” Unlike traditional agriculture which uses harmful pesticides, mono-farming (growing only one type of plant), and an excessive amount of water. Permaculture uses natural systems to increase the vitality of not only the produce by the eco-system in which it was grown. So to sum it up, we use permaculture design methods to create a food forest.

Below is a picture that helps identify other benefits of a food forest.

By establishing a food forest at the Mission Branch Library, moreso, the land of our native american people, we are not only honoring the gifts of the earth and bringing life back to the area but we are creating an educational hub for the community to increase the wellness of all. Here, we can learn and teach about permaculture design that not only helps heal our local systems but gives others the skill needed to expand these efforts and impact the whole world.

https://www.permaculturenews.org/2019/04/16/what-is-a-food-forest/

https://www.permaculturenews.org/what-is-permaculture/