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Building a Biodiverse Food Forest at SUNY Morrisville

Building a Biodiverse Food Forest at SUNY Morrisville


By Blake Jackson

Two years ago, Jennifer Gilbert Jenkins, associate professor of agricultural science at SUNY Morrisville, set out to transform an old apple orchard into a food forest a regenerative agricultural system designed to mimic the diversity and sustainability of a natural forest.

Jenkins vision inspired fellow faculty member Elisa Livengood, associate professor of aquaculture & aquatic sciences and environmental & natural resources management, who quickly joined the initiative.

“At SUNY Morrisville, we try to practice all forms of agriculture,” Livengood said. “We already have aquaponics, an organic farm and traditional farming, but this was the missing piece.”

Today, the one-acre orchard is seeing new life. Among the remaining apple trees, students and faculty have planted rhubarb, blueberries, elderberries, garlic, raspberries, grapes, marigolds, and more.

Mushrooms will also grow beneath one of the larger apple trees. Each element is carefully selected to build a resilient, biodiverse ecosystem.

“We want to create as much diversity in the space as possible,” said Gilbert Jenkins. “Our goal is to establish a true polyculture, where multiple species coexist and support one another.”

Once completed, the food forest will serve as a self-sustaining educational space providing hands-on experiences, fresh produce for the campus and community, and essential habitat for wildlife and pollinators. It also supports the college’s broader sustainability efforts.

One student involved is Jeffrey Monette, majoring in horticulture business management and agricultural science - agronomy. As part of a 15-credit summer internship, he is working with Gilbert Jenkins to plant and create a GIS map for future planning.

“This is a powerful learning experience,” Monette said. “I’m learning and understanding the nutrient cycle and how each plant relies on another to benefit over time.”

Arboriculture and natural resources students will also contribute by pruning trees and helping design the forest layout.

“This project is really uniting all of our programs to work together,” Livengood said.

The team is experimenting with sustainable practices, like layering wool and compost to suppress grass while preserving soil health.

Support from Lasnicki Landscaping & Nursery, SUNY Morrisville’s Student Government Organization, donors, and proceeds from trout sales is helping turn this vision into reality.

Photo Credit: gettyimages-nes

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Categories: New York, Education

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