The Food Forest at John McCants
🌱 What is a Food Forest?
A food forest is a sustainable, community-driven garden designed to mimic a natural forest ecosystem, but instead of wild plants, it’s filled with edible ones! Think of it as a self-sustaining edible landscape with layers of fruits, vegetables, and pollinator-friendly plants that work together to support both people and the planet.
Unlike a traditional garden, a food forest is designed to regenerate naturally, require less maintenance over time, and grow more productive each year. It’s not just a garden, it’s a living, growing food system.
Resources
Food Forest Guide - Check out what's growing at the Food Forest and how to take care of each plant.
Native Plant Databases
Carolina Yards: SCNPS Native Plant Database
NC State Extension: Plant Toolbox
Gardening & Harvest Guides
Gardenia: Guide to Plants, Gardening, & Landscaping
🌿 Why It Matters for Our Community
We're planting a food forest at John McCants Veterans Park to create a shared space where neighbors can grow, harvest, and enjoy fresh, healthy produce — right in their own backyard.
This initiative offers so many benefits:
Free, fresh food access for local families
Environmental sustainability through permaculture practices
Educational opportunities for youth and adults alike
Improved park space that feeds both people and pollinators
Later this spring, we’ll gather for a community planting day and dedication ceremony to kick things off, and you’re invited! Stay tuned for more information.
🌻 Want to Get Involved?
We’re looking for volunteers to help us plant, maintain, and grow this amazing community resource.
👉 Click here to sign up to volunteer and help support the Food Forest.
Be part of something that will nourish our community for generations.
Contact Kelly Stanford at [email protected] for more info.