Located behind the Stephens-Lee Recreation Center in Asheville, the Dr. George Washington Carver Edible Park is one of the oldest food forests on the East Coast.
According to Alex Bergdahl of Bountiful Cities, it was established 22 years ago "to have public commons that was a large public edible space."
Over 20 different varieties of fruits, vegetables and herbs are cultivated there to "create healthy, organic produce in our own bio-region" to help combat what Bergdahl describes as "the food desert that exists in a lot of major cities today " and the "disconnect that exists today between the food we eat and where its grown."
While the space is a City of Asheville Park, it relies on agencies like Bountiful Cities and community volunteers to help maintain the area.
"Anywhere where we have land and can grow food and share the food, there is nothing like fresh-picked everything," said resident and volunteer Carol Kaufman.
"You get to learn while you eat," said another volunteer, Faye Davis.
There is an official volunteer workday once every month. Click HERE for more information on the park.
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