By Carrie Muehling
NORMAL – The joint project between the University of Illinois Extension and the Town of Normal will grow food that will eventually be free and available to the public.
“It’s pretty unique in Illinois. Certainly across the country, you can find a couple of examples in public parks. In Illinois, this is the only one we’re aware of that is in a public park,” said Mercy Davison, planner for the Town of Normal. “Not surprisingly, some of the first ones were in the notably very progressive cities like Seattle and Madison, but again, the Town of Normal doing it in Central Illinois where no one can beat our soil. No one can beat our weather. So, we think we’ll still have the best food forest.”
Christina Reinhart of Bloomington said her family signed up to help as soon as they heard about the project and they look forward to watching it grow.
“To come back later in life and hopefully see all of the trees here and stuff – it’s really a big deal. I hope that people realize that and help out with the community. I can, so I’m considering it an investment on future returns,” said Reinhart, who is a member of the Radical Homemakers of Bloomington-Normal. The groups focuses on sustainability, self-sufficiency and taking care of the community.
Planting the food forest was also a family event for the Gardner family of Normal. Michael, Jr. and S.J. worked alongside their sons, 8-year-old Michael III and 4-year-old Armon, as 6-month-old Isaiah watched from his stroller.
“It’s an investment, absolutely. Even from the years we’ve had our own garden, they learn the work that goes into bringing food to the table. They like watching the changes as the plants grow and develop. It inspires them to ask questions. It encourages them to eat foods they otherwise probably would not. The boys love green beans and they did not love green beans until we grew green beans,” said S.J. Gardner. “Then also, just instilling in them the idea of doing something that not just supports our family, but contributes to the community, as well. They understand that not everybody has the ability to go and purchase fresh fruits and vegetables, and yet, fruits and vegetables are very important.”
Eight-year-old Michael Gardner understands the long-term goal.
“We’re going to plant a food forest. So I’m digging holes so somebody can plant the stuff,” he said. “We’re helping our community.”
Consultants from Midwest Agriculture and Restoration Services directed volunteers through the digging and planting process, which included placing fruit trees and bushes, asparagus and prairie plants into a number of plots at the site. The Normal Food Forest is located at One Normal Plaza, just off Pine Street in Normal.
Carrie Muehling can be reached at carrie@wjbc.com.
