Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Community Gardens topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Langley Park Civic Association proposes food forest on PGCPS property to increase canopy, shade and community food access
Summary
A Langley Park Civic Association presenter asked PGCPS to partner on a community‑led food forest at McCormick Elementary to provide shade, culturally relevant food, heat relief and student training; a memorandum of understanding and legal review were identified as next steps.
Representatives of the Langley Park Civic Association on Dec. 10 presented a case study proposing a community‑led food forest on school property near McCormick Elementary School.
The presenter (identified as Jacqueline) described a food forest as “a space that's like a park ... full of local indigenous plants that will grow a lot of local foods,” and said the project would prioritize shade, heat‑island relief and community food sovereignty for a neighborhood where roughly 77% of residents rent and many lack private gardening space.
The proposal envisions a multi‑layered planting strategy (canopy trees, understory shrubs and productive groundcover), on‑site composting and rain‑harvesting, and community leadership of maintenance through a food‑forest committee. Presenters said a consultant identified suitable parcels adjacent to the community center and the school, and that partners including Joe's Movement Emporium and the PG Audubon Society have offered support and technical guidance.
Committee members asked about governance, training and long‑term maintenance; Director Morrison and the presenters said a memorandum of understanding with PGCPS legal review is in progress and that detailed management and risk‑management questions will be worked out in that MOU stage before planting is scaled. Presenters emphasized the project’s educational value for students and its potential to create local internship or credentialing opportunities in collaboration with CTE programs.
Why it matters: the project addresses multiple local priorities — heat relief in a dense, rental‑heavy neighborhood, culturally relevant food access and student engagement — and links community stewardship with district learning objectives. The committee welcomed the proposal and asked to be kept informed as the MOU and partner agreements are finalized.
What’s next: presenters requested continued engagement while the parties complete legal review and finalize a memorandum of understanding so a planning committee can be formed and planting can proceed in an upcoming tree‑planting season.
