Bainbridge Island Native Food Forest

The BI Native Food Forest addresses challenges imposed by climate change, food security and equity, and is increasing environmental awareness and skills of island students through focused field studies, extension lessons, and building a hands-on relationship with the land. The 13-acre site is home to Manzanita Creek, a potential salmon-bearing stream, and one of the island’s largest aquifer recharge areas. Edible plant hedgerows in the riparian buffer zones directly link to the creek’s water quality and therefore the health of the entire watershed. Edible hedgerows of native plants create a “snack trail” free for all to forage, and offer a range of additional unique benefits, such as habitat for pollinators, which are important to local farmers; a provision of edible fruits to be enjoyed by human and non-human visitors; and increased carbon sequestration capacity.

Website: www.friendsofthefarms.org/bff