Title
a. Receive presentation on urban orchards and fruit tree planting in public parks; and,
b. Discuss support for developing a fruit tree planting program in select County of Monterey Parks and provide guidance to staff.
Report
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the Parks Commission:
a. Receive presentation on urban orchards and fruit tree planting in public parks; and,
b. Discuss support for developing a fruit tree planting program in select County of Monterey
parks and provide guidance to staff.
SUMMARY/DISCUSSION:
County of Monterey Parks and Lakes Division has had recent discussions regarding the planting of fruit trees in select parks to help with food insecurity, community building and as a food source for many pollinator insects.
The development of urban orchards, edible landscapes and community gardens on both private and public property are nothing new. It has been done for hundreds, if not thousands of years. But it is something that is less common today than it was just a few generations ago due to loss of land to development, increased liability and lack of interest and resources. Fortunately, there is a movement to redevelop public spaces into fruit bearing community gathering places that provide many benefits to the body and mind.
The presentation will provide a brief history on urban orchards, examples of projects in public parks and a draft plan for County parks.
Staff requests that the Parks Commission discuss support for developing a fruit tree planting program in select County of Monterey parks.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
None
Prepared by: Bryan Flores, Chief of Parks 831-796-6425
Approved by: Randy Ishii, M.S., P.E., P.T.O.E., Director of Public Works, Facilities and Parks