This week:Why cities are planting more 'food forests'The 7 layers of a food forestThis Quebec couple is fighting for the right to grow a wild gardenWhy cities are planting 'food forests'(City of Red Deer)Many of us see forests as places to walk, hike and enjoy nature. But more and more cities are planting "food forests" — not just for strolling through, but for growing fruits and veggies. Both Poth and MacKirdy say urban food forests tend to be more appealing to people who might not normally go hiking or use community gardens, which require more work and personal commitment. While Red Deer's primary goal is to create a sustainable source of local food, these forests have other benefits, too, such as attracting and supporting birds and pollinators. The Big Picture: The 7 layers of a food forestIn order to maximize the amount of food that can be grown in a certain area, food forests are often designed to mimic a natural forest, with similar "layers" of plants that serve different roles in the ecosystem.

Source: CBC News July 23, 2020 19:30 UTC