Food Forest

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 -- A downtown section of the Kalamazoo River Valley Trail is being considered as the site for a free garden of food-bearing plants.

More than 100 trees, bushes and shrubs would be planted along the walkways constructed near the corner of West Kalamazoo and North Westnedge Avenues. The fruits, nuts, herbs and vegetables produced by the forest will be free for residents to collect and eat.

The proposal was briefly discussed by the Kalamazoo County Parks Commission during its Oct. 6 meeting. Dave Rachowicz, director of Kalamazoo County Parks, said he hopes to have the organizers answer commissioners' questions at the Nov. 3 meeting, after which the commission would vote on whether to approve the project.

Funding for the first phase and 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 abundant, biodiverse, and durable human habitats.

A specific budget for the project hasn't been determined, however $4,000 is an early estimate. Local non-profit Dan Schmitt Gift of Music and Education Fund has pledged $2,500 toward the project.

Local businesses and community organizations would be approached for funds.

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

Rachowicz said the plants could be continued into the Northside neighborhood, with a trees planted in groups across several blocks.

The plants grow with little supervision, and after a few years, its possible that forest maintenance can be discontinued altogether. Proponents of the project believe the plants would improve the ecosystem, adding an attractive new habitat for wildlife.

Some commissioners were concerned that the forest would be a popular place for people experiencing homelessness to congregate.

Commissioner Matthew Lechel dismissed these concerns.

"I think it would be a boon (and create) a really popular area," he said. "It would be a fantastic addition and I'm excited to be approached. I don't know how homeless people eating fresh fruit or vegetables is a problem."

Drain Commissioner Pat Crowley noted that the site is one of the more under invested sections of trail, but wanted to know the history of the land and any potential site pollution before moving forward.

Plants will be also be labelled in English and Spanish.