Bring Moveable Orchards to vacant lots in Baltimore

STEPHEN BABCOCK, TECHNICAL.LY — A new program from the Baltimore Orchard Project is looking to bring fruit trees to vacant lots and community gardens in Baltimore.

The Moveable Orchards program is aiming to plant the seed of growth on the lots, as well as provide healthy food, according to Civic Works, which runs the Baltimore Orchard Project.

The semi-permanent structures are designed to keep trees thriving in lots where land and soil quality is questionable for growing. They’ll grow figs, serviceberries, dwarf apples and pears in a container with a self-wicking bed. It’s designed to be easily lifted by a pallet truck. Once installed, the idea is that community members take leadership in cultivation.

“Because they are above-ground, self-contained structures, community members won’t need to worry about contaminants or complicated exit strategies if a lease is lost,” Baltimore Orchard Project planting coordinator Eric Sargent said in a statement.

BOP board member Alanah Nichole recently launched a crowdfunding campaign for the program, aiming to raise $15,000. The goal is to fund two moveable fruit trees. The initial sites are at the Love Farm in Sandtown Winchester and the Baltimore Food Hub in the Oliver neighborhood of East Baltimore.

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