Orchard tree planting
Saturday, October 12, 2013
9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Martin Luther King, Jr. Park
900 Fuller Ave SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49506
For more information, visit the Orchard planting blog or contact Vince Lambert.
Volunteers planting trees at a Friends of Grand Rapids Parks Event. /courtesy of Friends of Grand Rapids Parks
Friends of Grand Rapids Parks planting trees at a local elementary school. /courtesy of Friends of Grand Rapids Parks
On October 12, the community surrounding Martin Luther King, Jr. Park plans to improve on the under-utilized space in the park. Surrounding neighborhoods have planned to grow a fruit orchard, not only to further honor Martin Luther King, Jr., but also to create advantages for the community. Organizers say the orchard can enhance involvement through the planting, maintenance and enjoyment of the fruit trees.
"We chose fruit trees because we think the food aspect adds another element to community engagement, as opposed to planting just shade trees," says Vince Lambert, one of the neighbors who worked on the orchard.
There will be 30 fruit trees planted, all of them either apple, peach or pear. Choosing fruit trees is another way to connect local citizens to the orchard. The trees can provide a snack for kids playing in the park, food security for residents and an endorsement for nutritional education.
"I believe the more trees we have in our urban forest, the easier it is for us to live healthier lives in the city," says Lambert. Fruit trees reduce air pollution, add more oxygen to the air and improve the overall quality of life.
"This initiative came about from discussions with neighbors on the 1200 block of Thomas Street in Eastown. We really enjoy our public parks and saw what other cities out west were doing with public orchards, and decided it would be a great resource for our neighborhood. We have a cohesive and neighborly block that communicates well," says Lambert.
While a big amount of work came from this group, they also sought help in other places. They reached out to the Baxter Community Center, Eastown Community Association, Friends of Grand Rapids Parks, West Michigan Environmental Action Council and Our Kitchen Table for support and feedback. At the planting event on October 12, the orchard will also depend on volunteers.
To help boost the energetic spirit of the planting event, there will be live music performed by the West Michigan Jewels of Africa, a traditional African drum and dance troop. With 60 people signed up to volunteer for the project and enough tools donated by Friends of Grand Rapids Parks, the MLK orchard will soon become a reality.
"It's nice to know that the community supports the idea," says Lambert.
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Comments
Hi All,
Greetings from your neighbors in the Northeast End of GR. We planted two Urban Orchards a couple years ago here in the Creston Neighborhood at both Aberdeen and Riverside Parks thanks to the wonderful work of our Living Green in Creston volunteers. All are encrouaged to take a look at how they are doing and what to expect. We can't wait for them to start bearing fruit and helping to fulfill our mission toward food justice here in Creston.
Hi All,
Greetings from your neighbors in the Northeast End of GR. We planted two Urban Orchards a couple years ago here in the Creston Neighborhood at both Aberdeen and Riverside Parks thanks to the wonderful work of our Living Green in Creston volunteers. All are encrouaged to take a look at how they are doing and what to expect. We can't wait for them to start bearing fruit and helping to fulfill our mission toward food justice here in Creston.
Your orchards at Aberdeen and Riverside inspired us to bring fruit trees to the southeast part of town. Our trees even came from the same source as yours did. Thank you, Creston volunteers!