Grow & Gather
Grow & Gather: An Urban Food Forest at the Innovation Barn is a thriving ecosystem designed to nourish both people and wildlife, featuring a diverse array of fruit trees, fruit bushes, herbs, vegetables, and vibrant pollinator flowers. As a certified wildlife habitat and part of the butterfly highway, it provides a sanctuary for birds, bees, and butterflies while teaching people how to co-exist harmoniously with nature. Emphasizing the principles of nature’s original circular economy, this space models sustainability through water reuse systems such as rain gardens and ponds, eliminating the need for chemicals or mowing. It serves as a safe and welcoming gathering space for the community, fostering connections while feeding both people and the surrounding ecosystem.
Nature is the original circular economy where nothing is wasted, everything returns, and life is sustained through endless cycles of renewal.
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Each section of our food forest has been adopted by members of the community including local companies, schools, and volunteer groups. Explore the sections below to see who’s caring for each space and what’s growing there!
Section 1 - West Meck High School
Weeping Redbud, Red Maple, Winterberry, Baptisia, Yaupon Holly, Dandelion, Clover
Section 2 - East Meck High School
Mountain Mint, Yaupon Holly, Tulip Magnolia, Winterberry, Lily Turf, Red Maple, Dianthus, Crocus
Section 3 - Barn Hands
St. John’s Wort, Coneflower, Little Bluestem, Switchgrass, Catmint, American Holly
Section 4 - Planting Positivity
Section 5 - Bank of America
Section 6 - Change Please Coffee
Valerian, Strawberry, Switchgrass, Lavender Cotton, Bee Balm, Hyacinth, Tulip, Prairie Dropseed, Oat Grass, Lyreleaf Sage, Little Bluestem, Oregano, Foxglove Beardtongue, Black Eyed Susan, Pepper, Dandelion
Section 7 - Planting Positivity
Section 8 - Young Men’s Service League
Black-eyed susan, Hot lips Salvia, Witch Hazel, Pink skullcap, Goldenrod, Viburnum, Jerusalem sage, Rosemary, Western Serviceberry
Section 9 - Crown Town Landscapes
Western Serviceberry, Blueberry, Fig, Maple, Redbud, Yaupon holly, Camellia
Section 10 - Crown Town Landscapes
Fig, Apple, Rosemary, Black-eyed susan, Oxeye daisy, Coneflower, Switchgrass
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The following organizations helped us create the Grow & Gather Urban Food Forest at the Innovation Barn.
Charlotte Wildlife Stewards
North Carolina Wildlife Federation
North Carolina Native Plant SocietySouthern Piedmont Chapter
NC State Master Gardeners Mecklenburg
City of Charlotte Landscape Management Pollinator Gardening
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Envision Charlotte is on the committee for Bee City Charlotte and actively participates in education and awareness of protecting pollinators, wildlife, and our natural environment.
On March 13, 2023, Charlotte City Council passed a resolution designating Charlotte as a Bee City USA affiliate, joining 23 other North Carolina towns and cities in the program committed to supporting pollinators. Charlotte will partner with local beekeepers to educate the community on bees, enhance habitats and reduce the use of pesticides.
Click HERE to learn more!
