Pick a fruit on your way through campus thanks to innovative concept from professor and students
Jose-Luis Izursa in front of his early stage edible forest
Image Credit: Graham Binder
The University of Maryland boasts a skyline of beautiful buildings, and the development of new structures and facilities is on a fast track to provide a more immersive experience for students. At first glance, the built environment is a dominant feature on the University of Maryland campus with its classic architecture, modern glass buildings, and new construction seemingly everywhere. But look more closely and you'll see the emergence of holistic, purposeful, and productive green spaces woven throughout a collection of buildings. These spaces offer tremendous possibility for learning and imagination beyond the confines of brick-and-mortar classrooms.
Jose-Luis Izursa, a senior lecturer in the Department of Environmental Science and Technology (ENST), takes this concept seriously, and by way of his background in designing systems for sustainable food production he has taken a parcel of land and he is turning it into an edible forest to improve the health (both physical and mental) of students, faculty, and staff. Pedestrians or those on bikes and scooters are encouraged to stop and spend a few minutes relaxing in the (soon-to-be) forest while helping themselves to a piece of fruit dangling from a canopy cover tree.
“This installation isn’t quite permaculture, but it’s very close in the sense that we want visitors to observe and interact with their natural surroundings, enjoy a yield from a tree, and integrate with the broader UMD community,” said Izursa. “True to the mission of AGNR’s proposed One-Health Campus, we believe our edible forest garden will spark conversation and solutions to improve food security and human health, and promote sustainable environments.”
