The Growing Experience Community Food Forest is a 1.5-acre parcel containing drought-tolerant plants, all of which have an herbal or edible value. This aesthetically pleasing and functional water-wise area has the added benefit of creating habitat for local animals and pollinators including honey bees, which face habitat loss in urban areas.

The Food Forest project was implemented through a grant awarded in 2014 by the California Natural Resources Agency with the intent of providing food resources in the community with the additional benefits of being water conscious, and providing opportunities for community education.

The Food Forest was designed using permaculture techniques with seven layers of vegetation:

Prior to installation of the Food Forest, the parcel of land was left fallow and unproductive. With the help of various groups of community volunteers, a once unproductive parcel of the farm has been transformed into a vibrant, diverse food forest.

The first step in readying the land to become the Food Forest, was to remove weeds by hand. Once completed, the area was graded to even out the surface. 

Next, soil amendments in the form of compost and organic fertilizers were added to the hard-clay soil. Once the soil was amended and tilled, the walking trails and bordering rocks were installed. As part of a water-saving measure, drip irrigation lines were laid across the growing areas and around fruit trees in the orchard. Finally, planting could begin! Picnic tables, a veggie washing station, benches and solar lights were added to create a space for all to enjoy. 

Because the Food Forest plants are drought-tolerant, the shade cloth covering the area was left on for the first summer season to enable the plants to establish a healthy root system. In July 2017, the shade cloth was removed allowing the established vegetation to get the sunlight they need and start to bear fruit. The wide variety of plants in the Food Forest adds to our offerings in our CSA Program and Farm stand, and provides an ecological benefit for local birds, insects, reptiles, and mammals.

To learn more about our Food Forest, keep an eye out for upcoming community events.

Thank you to all the volunteers that helped make this project possible!