We are building a mini food forest at Takoma Park Elementary School (TPES). The food forest will be incorporated into the school’s curriculum in a way that increases the environmental literacy of the school’s students.

The food forest will become an outdoor classroom where students will learn where food comes from, how it is grown, and how it is harvested, as well as the importance of regenerative land stewardship and biodiversity. 

Students will take part in growing edible plants from seed, planting seedlings, tending the soil, watering the plants, and harvesting food.

In line with permaculture principles, we chose trees for the site that serve multiple functions beyond food production (e.g., reduce heat island effect, sequester carbon, reduce stormwater runoff, boost biodiversity, attract beneficial insects, offer medicinal uses). Native trees are also more beneficial to local wildlife and general biodiversity, creating a stronger ecosystem that is more resilient to disease, pests, and other shocks, including climate change.

Under these trees we will plant native fruit-bearing shrubs, as well as herbs, beneficial native plants, and native fruit-bearing vines (maypops and muscadine grapes, for example). The idea is to mimic a mini, layered woodland ecosystem to increase resilience, boost diversity, benefit local wildlife, and reduce the amount of energy required to maintain the site in the long-run. We have also chosen species that are kid-friendly (thornless blackberries, for example) and planted in enticing ways that encourage students and visitors to use and enjoy the space. And we have chosen species that become edible at different times of the year, to ensure a near continuous harvest for students.

The project was approved by MCPS in 2023 and is being used as a pilot project to see if more food forests can be planted at other schools in the County.