Campus News
February 22, 2010
Fruit, berries to ripen on campus
This summer, expect to see the early fruit of Emory’s labor when several dozen new fruit trees and berry bushes take root around campus. The plants were purchased at a recent sale sponsored by Georgia Organics and the Atlanta Community Food Bank.
“Emory’s support made an important contribution to the sale that benefits the Atlanta Local Food Initiative, of which Emory was a founding member,” says Peggy Barlett, professor of anthropology and chair of Emory’s Sustainable Food Committee. “Edible landscapes are a growing part of the sustainable food movement around the country. Many campuses and institutions have found fruit trees and shrubs offer seasonal beauty, support for wildlife, and nutritious food to enjoy.”
The plantings are concentrated on Clairmont Campus at Dooley Drive, near the path to Lullwater Preserve, and adjacent to the sustainable gardens at the Depot and Cox Hall.
“The Clairmont Campus site is well-traveled, plus residents live on that campus in the summer and can enjoy the fruit during that growing season,” says Jimmy Powell, director of exterior services and sustainability for facilities management. “Plantings near the sustainable gardens were selected because they support the overall educational component of the gardens.”
Emory was able to purchase the dozen trees and two dozen shrubs as part of its annual replanting budget. The plantings include apples, pears, figs, plums, blackberries, blueberries and raspberries.
