Frequently Asked Questions

A food forest is a type of perennial agroforestry system that mimics the structure and function of a natural forest ecosystem, but is designed to produce a diverse array of edible plants, herbs, fruits, and nuts (food for humans). These systems are cultivated to maximize productivity, biodiversity, and ecological resilience while minimizing inputs such as water, fertilizer, and pesticides.

Food forest etiquette involves respecting the space, the plants, and other visitors. This includes staying on designated paths, refraining from picking unripe fruit or damaging plants, disposing of trash properly, and being mindful of noise levels to maintain a peaceful environment for all visitors.  Harvest gently.  Take only what is ripe and abundant. Always leave some for others. During the first few years, as we establish our forest, the forest will be closed to public harvest. This is to insure the health and longevity of the plants.

While we may follow organic principles in our gardening practices, we are not certified organic. However, we prioritize sustainability, soil health, and biodiversity in our approach to food production.

Absolutely! First and foremost, we are part of the city park system. Our food forest is free and open to visitors during designated hours for Cane Creek Park and West End Park. Maps and self-guided tours are available for anyone interested in exploring the space. (You may find these maps are "coming soon" while the forest is under construction 2024-2027. Thank you for your patience as we grow responsibly.)  Additionally, we will periodically offer guided tours and educational programs to provide deeper insights into the principles and practices of food forestry. Subscribe to our social media feeds for the most up-to-date information about our tours and programming.

Food forests mimic natural ecosystems, prioritizing diversity and low maintenance, producing a variety of edible plants without pesticides or fertilizers. Indigenous North American societies practiced perennial forest management, cultivating long-lived, food-bearing plants vital for their diet and stability. Research shows these forest gardens offer a sustainable, biodiverse alternative to conventional agriculture. Learning from Indigenous practices is crucial for preserving biodiversity and cultural heritage.

There are many ways to get involved with our food forest and foraging trail!  You can volunteer your time to help with planting, maintenance, or educational events. You can also donate funds or resources to support our efforts.  You can participate in workshops, classes, or community events hosted at the food forest.  Additionally, if you own land that connects to the Tennessee Central Trail, you can plant to become part of the foraging trail.

Some day! Our food forest will be open to the public, and visitors will be welcome to enjoy the fruits, herbs, and other edible plants grown here during volunteer programming. We will encourage responsible harvesting by only taking what you need and leaving some for others to enjoy. We also plan to partner with nonprofit organizations and agencies that harvest and distribute food to vulnerable populations within our community. Forests take a long time to grow. We thank you for your patience and are eager to host our first volunteer picking days and educational programs. Open picking will begin based on plant variety and maturity. Follow our social media accounts for the latest harvest announcements (coming 2026 or 2027).

July - December 2024: The GFWC Cookeville Jr Women's Club will help establish the Friends of the Cookeville Food Forest and Foraging Path as a nonprofit, with some planting at Cane Creek Park along the connected path. January - June 2025: The grant will transfer to the Friends Group, focusing on fundraising, planning, and community meetings for the forest's design. Initial soil amendment and limited planting will occur. July 2025 - June 2027: Major planting for the forest will take place, requiring a solid volunteer group for maintenance. July - December 2027: First public harvest and celebration, educational programming, fundraising for expansion, and planning for sign dedications and art installations.