Fruit Trees in Public Places
Cities in over twenty other states have adopted plans to allow fruit trees, either singly or in orchards to be planted on public land for citizens to access and care for and harvest. Pasadena Public Health Department has set a priority to increase fresh fruit and vegetable access, especially in low income areas. Planting fruit trees seems to be a sustainable way to grow a food bank of sorts. As drought slowly turns the Central Valley farmlands fallow, we need to build some resilience into our local food security.
Madison Elementary School would like a larger garden and an orchard of ten or more trees. Fire stations are drought-scaping their lawns away. What great places for fruit trees! How about at libraries, parks, parkways? Currently there is a possible fine of up to $1000 for planting a fruit tree in your parkway.
The Pasadena Urban Forestry Management Plan has been reviewed by Dudek Consulting. It will soon be presented to the City Council for approval. Please turn out if you think Fruit Trees in Public Places is a great idea. Dudek does not.
Contact Therese to learn how to get involved or for more information.