FGCU Food Forest

The Food Forest is a Student-run Botanical Garden Which Highlights Tropical/subtropical Edible Species That Grow Well in South Florida.

The FGCU Food Forest works to advance the mission of the university through offering unique and innovative educational and service learning opportunities for students, alumni, staff, faculty, and community members and through enhancing awareness of sustainable food production and whole food nutrition. Furthermore, the Food Forest seeks to elevate the environmental sustainability of the institution through providing organic fruits and vegetables to the campus and southwest Florida communities. Ultimately, through engaging the hands, hearts, and minds of students, alumni, staff, faculty, and community members, the Food Forest will offer a space for the cultivation of lifelong learning and for a commitment to sustainable food and living practices.

 

Though the Food Forest is run by students for students, this garden is open to the community sunrise to sunset. The Food Forest is housed in the Department of Integrated Studies. 

 

 

How to get involved

How to Get Involved

The University Food Forest is a student run organization, and is overseen by the Food Forest Advisory Council (FFAC). 

get involved

Permaculuture

Permaculture Design

Permaculture design is an ecological method of designing landscapes that blend lifestyle & geography.

 

Plant Identification

Plant Identification

Is that actually edible

learn more 

The Food Forest is a student-led edible garden that specializes in the growth and maintenance of tropical/subtropical fruits and plants. The permaculture ethics of Earth Care, People Care and Fair Share are lived through the mission of the Food Forest which values community partnership, environmental sustainability and leadership. It is a free resource (faculty, staff, students, and community members alike) for everyone and serves as a place of peace from the hectic stressors of life. 

The FGCU Food Forest works to advance the mission of the university through offering unique and innovative educational and service learning opportunities for students, alumni, staff, faculty, and community members and through enhancing awareness of sustainable food production and whole food nutrition. Furthermore, the Food Forest seeks to elevate the environmental sustainability of the institution through providing organic fruits and vegetables to the campus and southwest Florida communities. Ultimately, through engaging the hands, hearts, and minds of students, alumni, staff, faculty, and community members, the Food Forest will offer a space for the cultivation of lifelong learning and for a commitment to sustainable food and living practices.

Garden Etiquette for the Food Forest

 

The Food Forest is university property and is patrolled by the University Police Department.  If you notice anything call (239) 590-1900 or visit https://www2.fgcu.edu/UPD/index.html

 

Directions:  The FGCU Food Forest is located off of the main FGCU entrance road, just past the Sugden Welcome Center and next to the Kleist Health Center.  

Food Forest location map

Meet the Staff:

Marco Acosta
Food Forest Manager
Office: By Appointment 
E-mail: 

macosta@fgcu.edu

Eric Otto
Eric Otto
Department of Integrated Studies Chair 
E-mail: 

 eotto@fgcu.edu