Community food-forest proposal aims to add fruit and nut plantings at Arch Park

Erin Salva, Arch Park Community Garden Coordinator, introduced a proposal to establish a community food forest near the Arch Park community garden. Salva said the project would plant fruit and nut trees, berries and complementary plants in a multilayer “forest garden” designed for low maintenance after establishment and for community harvest and education.

Salva said the Fruit Tree Planting Foundation (an international nonprofit) is a partner, and that OSU Extension will provide coordination and guidance. The plan calls for staged installation over two to three years, use of plant guilds and hugelkultur techniques, and close coordination with the parks department and local partners to address deer control and fencing needs. Salva told commissioners she expects the first stages to begin in spring and that the effort will include school programming, summer internships and volunteer work days.

Commissioners and staff asked about deer control, long-term maintenance and staging. Salva said the garden is already fenced and that the team will consider deer-resistant plantings, temporary protective fencing and community education to protect young trees. No commission funds or formal approvals were requested at the meeting; Salva asked for continued coordination and for the Shade Tree Commission to be a partner as the project develops.

Organizers said the effort will focus on West End community participation, align with existing learning-center programs, and leverage donated trees from partner organizations. The project team said they will return with more detailed designs, fencing and maintenance plans and any formal funding requests.