Neighborhood Food Forests

The City has planted numerous neighborhood food forests on vacant areas of City-owned properties or parks. These open parcels were not being utilized and were treated merely as grass-mowing maintenance areas. The grant-funded planting endeavor was partnered with Roanoke College and the VA Dept. of Forestry to help mitigate urban heat island effect. The trees and shrubs will serve as both shady covering, helping to reduce summertime temperatures and as community gardens that will provide free produce for citizens that may want a delicious, healthy snack. Citizens are welcome to pick what they can eat, but to please leave some for their neighbors. Any remaining produce will be gathered at the end of the season and donated to local food pantries.

Neighborhood Food Forest sites:

• Bowman Ave. Park—apples, peaches, European pears, Asian pears, figs, cherries, juneberries, paw-paws, plums
• 400 Blk. of E. Riverside Dr.—pecans, juneberries, paw-paws
• 503 Front Ave.—pecans, juneberries, paw-paws
• 608 W. Riverside Dr.—pecans, juneberry, paw-paws
• 428 Riverland Dr.—pecans, juneberries, paw-paws
• Longwood Park (Monroe St. side)—pecans, figs, European pears, Asian pears, peaches, persimmons, cherries, plums, juneberries, paw-paws, hazelnuts, blueberries

Helpful Links

Roanoke College Students Participate in Heat Watch Research
Virginia Foundation for Independent Colleges' Post
Trees and Urban Heat Islands