Edible Trail Site Kalamazoo

A vacant lot at the corner of West Kalamazoo and North Westnedge Avenues is the proposed site for a forest of plants that would grow free food for residents. (Malachi Barrett | MLive)

KALAMAZOO, MI -- Plans are moving forward on a free garden of food-bearing plants along a downtown section of the Kalamazoo River Valley Trail.

Graham Parsons, executive director of the Dan Schmitt Gift of Music and Education Fund, presented the plan to the Kalamazoo County Parks Commission on Thursday, Dec. 1. The commission expressed interest in moving forward on an initial plan proposed for more than 100 trees, bushes and shrubs along a trail section at the corner of West Kalamazoo and North Westnedge avenues.

"It's about reconnecting people with their food and their community," Parsons said. "We want to make people more aware of where they're walking what they're stepping on what they are touching."

Fruit, nuts, herbs and vegetables produced by the forest will be free for residents to collect and eat while passing through. Parsons said the edible trail would engage with nearby neighborhoods on Kalamazoo's north side, providing low-income areas access to fresh food and an educational space to learn healthy-eating habits.

"I think it's a fantastic idea and we're lucky to be approached," said Commissioner Matthew Lechel. "The current aesthetic (of this area) is bad and would be improved significantly. It's an awesome piece of property; I would love to see this move forward."

Parks staff will work with Parsons to develop a final plan, which would come to the commission for a vote at a later date.

The plants would be designed to mimic a woodland ecosystem and grow with little supervision -- after a few years it's possible that forest maintenance can be discontinued altogether.

Perennial plants and trees would live in a multi-layered forest alongside shrubs and bushes. Proponents of the project believe the plants would improve the ecosystem, adding an attractive new habitat for wildlife.

It's possible that the county would purchase insurance to protect itself from potential risk of providing food to residents, Parsons said.

He wants to partner with local schools and institute education signage to teach locals about agriculture and sustainable farming.

Commissioner Toni Thompson said the projected encompasses the goal of county parks: creating a connection between people and places.

The proposed layout of an edible forest on a section of the Kalamazoo River Valley Trail (Courtesy | Kalamazoo County Parks Commission)

Funding for the first 100 plants would be free through a partnership with Edible Trails Project, a non-profit organization that has been planting public edible forests in the Traverse City region since 2014.

Organization of the plants was designed by Trevor Newman, co-founder of an edible landscaping firm that specializes in development of biodiverse and durable human habitats.

No pesticides would be used, substituted with organic fertilizers. The site will need to be tested for contaminants before planting can begin.

A budget for the project hasn't been determined, however the Dan Schmitt Gift of Music and Education Fund pledged $2,500 toward the project.

Local businesses and community organizations would be approached for funds and to act as stewards of specific sites. Parsons said volunteers will be key in

There are 30 existing community garden projects in the city of Kalamazoo, Parsons said.

Plants will be also be labelled with signage in English and Spanish.