[ Project ]

Foraging Forest

The Foraging Forest is a unique restoration project that brings together habitat restoration and community engagement in a creative new way. We are reminded that restoration projects strengthen the ecosystem benefiting all plants and animals – including humans.

A woman wearing gloves, a maroon headband, and a vest planting a small tree or plant in the ground surrounded by mulch and small black pots in a wooded outdoor area.
A young man standing outdoors in a cleared yard holding two small potted trees, one in each hand, with trees and a fence in the background.

The planting site will grow to become an outdoor community space where people can learn about …

Ecology

Biology

History

Sustainable foraging

… or simply enjoy a moment of serenity in Simcha’s Corner.

Create a foraging forest in your own backyard!

Person kneeling on soil patch planting a small green shrub, surrounded by other plants.
A parking lot with black asphalt, a green lawn, and some trees in the background.

Remove invasive species by pulling or cutting. Use herbicide sparingly – and only if absolutely necessary. Carefully follow package directions.

A rectangular wooden tray with two compartments, one filled with light-colored powder and the other with a mixture of small dark and brown grains.
Large light green number 2 with a subtle texture.

Prepare the site for planting: layer old cardboard and wood chips as mulch or for pathways.

Two potted plants in round planters with dark and light soil
A large, stylized number three in light green with a black background.

Choose native plants that are appropriate for growing conditions: sun, moisture, soil type. Click here for the plant list for the Foraging Forest.

A square black planter with two young green plants growing in different soil types, sand on the left and dark soil on the right.
The image is heavily corrupted with a green and black digital distortion, making it impossible to identify the content.

Remove invasive species by pulling or cutting. Use herbicide sparingly – and only if absolutely necessary. Carefully follow package directions.

A small potted plant with green leaves inside a rectangular beige planter, surrounded by a miniature decorative fence with dark posts and brown rails.
A large, stylized green number 5 with a circular hole in the middle, set against a gradient background that transitions from dark at the top to light green at the bottom.

Protect the plants from deer by installing fencing.

A modern indoor gardening system with three potted plants and a small golden watering can hovering above.
A light green recycling symbol on a black background.

Maintain the site: water regularly until plants are established and continue removing invasive plants.

Hillsborough High School student, Keana Werlen, created a cookbook to showcase Foraging Forest plants. Download Keana’s cookbook here.

Download Now

Volunteer Opportunities

Become a volunteer
Silhouette of evergreen trees with a black sky background.