I’ve been working at Tilth Alliance for the past 18 years, and one of the things I’ve loved most during this time is the ability to help increase connection, stewardship, and access to our local food system for young people, new gardeners, local community groups, and everyone in between.

As part of this work, I’m thrilled to share that Tilth Alliance is accepting additional applications for our Community Food Forest Program!

Through this program, we can help you create a community food forest in Seattle/King County, providing everything you need to get started, including fruit trees, berries, and other plants, soil testing, tools, and infrastructure like drip irrigation, tree protection, trellises, soil amendments, and mulch. Your team will also receive training workshops for staff and volunteers, a site-specific care manual and maintenance plan.

Over the last several years, we’ve worked with partners such as Campbell Hill Elementary in Skyway and the Namaste Garden and International Rescue Committee in Tukwila. We have the funding to support the development of 12 additional food forests within the next two years.

What is a food forest?

A food forest is a land stewardship approach rooted in reciprocity, community care, and natural design. It features fruit trees and berries which provide fresh local fruit while also increasing canopy and shade, cleaning air and water, and supporting pollinators, birds, and wildlife.

What are the qualifications to apply?

• Your project takes place on publicly owned land or offers a clear community benefit, such as a school garden, community farm, public park, housing authority property, etc.
• Permission from the landowner
• Access to water and enough space for 5-10 fruit trees (at least 500 square feet)
• At least 2 staff or community members ready to become food forest stewards and commit to ongoing maintenance
• A plan for sharing the future harvest

Have a space in mind but not sure if it’s a good fit? Please reach out to me and I’m happy to brainstorm ideas and discuss further!