7:30 AM -  11:45 AM

Using LEAF Network Resources to Select Site, Plant, Water, and Harvest “Edible” Trees in Arizona  | 

Ann Audrey, Environmental Consultant

The Linking Edible Arizona Forests (LEAF) Network provides a wealth of information to help you add “edible” trees, those species that produce edible fruits, nuts, seeds, and pods, to sites within urban and community forests. In this lively 4-hour workshop, you will learn how to select, site, plant, water, care for, and harvest edible trees and shrubs.

As part of the workshop, participants will assess a specific urban forest site to determine the most favorable locations to plant edible trees. The assessment will address sun and shade patterns, cold air drainage, wind patterns, spacing between trees, and Firewise design. Most importantly, in these times of uncertain water supplies, you will evaluate the potential to harvest multiple non-potable water supplies to help support the trees. Sustainable design principles will be discussed and applied to help guide where to place trees to maximize benefits for the trees and the site.

Overview of the training include:

• Principles for selection of appropriate "edible" trees (those that produce edible fruits, nuts, seeds and pods) for different Arizona locations
  
• Principles for tree placement based on sun angles, wind, cold air drainage and other microclimate factors 
• Ways to support trees using harvested rainwater, stormwater runoff, graywater and condensate water
• Care and harvest of food-producing trees
• Hands-on exercise to assess a site of your choice to choose species and determine optimal placement