Discover Seattle’s Beacon Food Forest: Explore One of America’s Largest Community-Driven Food Forests

Tucked away in Jefferson Park is a hidden gem: the Beacon Food Forest. This lush, seven-acre space allows anyone to pick fresh fruits, herbs, and veggies at their leisure. Founded in 2009 by a group of University of Washington students, it stands as one of the largest public food forests in the U.S. and a beacon of hope for the community.

So, what exactly is a food forest? It’s more than just a garden. Priya Marita Diaz, Community Relations Director, describes it as a living ecosystem. Each tree works in harmony with surrounding plants. For instance, imagine an apple tree paired with chives and comfrey. This approach creates a rich, supportive environment for diverse plant life.

And here’s the best part: you can pick what’s ripe without any cost, thanks to the open harvest policy. "This is our land; we all share in its bounty," says Diaz. Visitors can gather fennel, plums, chard, and more, as long as they don’t touch the rented P-Patch plots.

In a world grappling with food insecurity, BFF offers a ray of hope. Diaz quips, “If we run out of something, we just plant more.”

A Quick Look Back

The Beacon Food Forest began as a final project for four permaculture students. They envisioned transforming an unused slope into a thriving ecosystem. With support from Seattle Public Utilities, local volunteers, and city officials, their dream became a reality. Initial funding came from city programs, and by 2011, they started turning dirt.

Today, Beacon spans 3.5 cultivated acres, with plans to eventually develop the entire seven acres. Recent phases have introduced ADA-accessible garden beds and communal spaces.

Community at the Core

More than just a food source, the forest fosters community. Regular classes and workshops are held, along with monthly work parties where volunteers help maintain the space. The Native Plant Guild, in collaboration with the Seattle Indian Health Board, focuses on reviving essential plants like camas and wapato, which were vital to Indigenous communities before colonization.

People come for various reasons: foraging, learning, or simply enjoying a peaceful stroll. Diaz shares a touching moment where mothers held a picnic under walnut trees, finding a quiet spot for connection. The food forest has become a multi-purpose space where anyone can feel at home.

A Forward-Looking Vision

Beacon Food Forest has garnered national attention as a model for public land use. It demonstrates that with community effort, public spaces can be transformed into regenerative and inclusive environments. Looking to the future, a new project called the Young Person’s Garden is emerging, partnering with Woodland Park Zoo. They aim to engage kids with educational activities that foster a love for nature.

With contributions from various organizations and individuals, the food forest symbolizes what can happen when a community unites. It’s about more than food; it’s about creating a thriving urban environment for all.

In times when cities face numerous challenges, the Beacon Food Forest shows us what’s possible when we collaborate and care for one another — and the environment too.

For more information, you can check out Beacon Food Forest or follow them on Instagram to see what’s in season and learn about upcoming events.

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