Food forests are bringing shade and sustenance to US cities, one parcel of land at a time

The Uphams Corner Food Forest in Boston's Dorchester neighborhood was built on a vacant lot. Boston Food Forest Coalition, CC BY-ND

More than half of all people on Earth live in cities, and that share could reach 70% by 2050. But except for public parks, there aren’t many models for nature conservation that focus on caring for nature in urban areas.

One new idea that’s gaining attention is the concept of food forests – essentially, edible parks. These projects, often sited on vacant lots, grow large and small trees, vines, shrubs and plants that produce fruits, nuts and other edible products.