Growing Together: Open Forum

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  • 1.  Food forest and Farm Combo

    Posted 03-17-2023 08:24:00 AM

    My homeschool co-op has almost I acres of land that we plan to turn into a food forest and educational farm (gardens). Would love to connect with folks who have the same for inspiration and sharing of resources. We are located in zone 7a (Virginia)

    Culturalrootsco-op.com 



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    Alycia Wright
    8043068116
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  • 2.  RE: Food forest and Farm Combo

    Posted 03-17-2023 11:28:00 AM

    Hi Alycia,

    In my community, Lincoln Nebraska (zone 5a I think!), Southern Heights Food Forest exists on 2 acres of a former lawn space. It's a joining of a church (Southern Heights) who owns the property, a local community garden (Community CROPS) organization and an early childhood outdoor classroom (Nature Explore). It's just a treasure! And the staff is sooooo knowledgeable. You might enjoy checking them out. Best wishes to you! https://southernheightsff.org/ 



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    Sheila Stratton
    Community Action - Head Start/Early Head Start
    Lincoln NE
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  • 3.  RE: Food forest and Farm Combo

    Posted 03-18-2023 04:13:00 PM

    We are in 8b to 9a location in San Antonio, Texas, but are hoping to start planting a small (much smaller than an acre) food forest/multi-use area. Would love to connect with others in the area that may have advice.



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    Patricia Nicoll
    Saint Mary's Hall
    SAN ANTONIO TX
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  • 4.  RE: Food forest and Farm Combo

    Posted 03-19-2023 01:17:00 PM
    Reach out to https://www.gardopiagardens.org/?mibextid=Zxz2cZ
    They are doing amazing work in San Antonio!!! 

    Have a great day! 
    Sent from my iPhone., 
    Pardon any typos






  • 5.  RE: Food forest and Farm Combo

    Posted 03-20-2023 12:37:00 PM
    Edited by Tomas Delgado 03-20-2023 12:37:44 PM

    Hi Alycia,

    Are you looking for resources for establishing/designing a region-specific food forests or resources for how to fund/gain community buy-in/plan. 

    There are a lot of general resources for communities to access in planning a community-operated food forest:

    • https://communityfoodforests.com/
    • https://extension.umn.edu/agroforestry/planting-community-food-forest
    • https://www.ndsu.edu/agriculture/extension/publications/starting-community-orchard-north-dakota
    • https://communityfoodforests.com/
    • https://urbanfoodforestry.org/

    In terms of designing something that is regionally specific, I think it depends on what your want to prioritize (native agroforestry or perennial plantlife that fares well in VA.

    Best of luck!



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    Tomas Delgado
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