Atlanta will provide 7 acres of urban land that will be converted into a food forest.
It will be the largest food forest not only in Georgia but throughout the United States.
According to Councilwoman Carl Smith, the City Council approved this move unanimously in May 2019.
The Urban Food Forest will provide public collection facilities, edible trees, shrubs, herbs and vineyards. Hiking trails with garden beds will lead through the food forest. Simply put, during a trip, tourists or locals can refresh themselves and enjoy a little rest.
The Urban Food Forest in Numbers
Atlanta will purchase the land for $ 157,384.00 from the environmental agency The Conservation Fund. It praised another $ 121,500.00 for Urban Food Forest development. Atlanta plans to employ two part-time workers – Forest Ranger and Community Workforce Educator.
Atlanta plans to provide access to 85% of the population within half a mile of their place of living in the edible forest by 2021, thereby strengthening local food economy. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, 36 percent of Atlanta was classified as a food desert in 2017.
What Specifically Does the Edible Forest Look Like and What Plants Does It Consist of?
The basis is trees and shrubs with edible fruits (fruits, berries, nuts, seeds, and pods), wild vegetables, edible perennials, herbs, various climbing plants and mushrooms. All this combined into one whole. At the first encounter with the edible forest, it might seem that it is a bit of chaos. In reality, however, each plant has a carefully selected place that suits it best and benefits the entire ecosystem.
There are currently more than 80 edible forests, gardens and parks across the US. Edible forests can also inspire individuals who can contribute to the creation of edible gardens. The key to success is the presence of vegetation patterns that are relatively stable and easy to maintain.
Source: thehill.com/homenews/state-watch/445202-atlanta-to-transform-7-acres-of-vacant-property-into-countrys-largest, hemindunleashed.com/2019/05/atlanta-7-acres-free-food-forest.html
