Urban Farm DB
Research catalogue
Database research record2026·United States

Urban and Community Food Forests and Forest Gardens

Catherine Bukowski, Kate MacFarland, Katherine Favor

Urban Farm DB summary

This Agroforestry Note describes urban and community food forests and edible forest gardens in the United States, which integrate trees, shrubs, and perennial plants with community-driven design. These systems, rooted in traditional ecological knowledge, are found in public parks, vacant lots, and other public-facing spaces, including privately held properties open to the public. They are designed to maximize resources and address community needs, creating ecologically productive and socially engaging spaces.