Edible Forest Garden
The food forest, also referred to as the JMU Edible Forest Garden (EFG), is a 0.5-acre area planted with fruit trees, nitrogen fixing trees, fruiting shrubs, and herbaceous plants. The first phase in October 2021 involved planting over 100 trees and shrubs in a trios design - alternating fruit trees and nitrogen fixers. More than 20 species were planted, and the vast majority of the trees were dwarf and semi-dwarf varieties that will produce a variety of common fruits (apples, peaches, pears) and lesser-known fruits (persimmons, jostaberries, goumi). The second phase is ongoing and involves planting the herbaceous and ground cover layers. Adjacent food forest area is a space with tree-stump seating for approximately 20 students.