Oral Presentations and Performances: Session I
Project Type
Presentation
Project Funding and Affiliations
Garden City Harvest
Faculty Mentor’s Full Name
Margiana Peterson-Rockney
Faculty Mentor’s Department
Environmental Studies
Additional Mentor
n/a
Abstract / Artist's Statement
This project aims to research the benefits of a sustainable community orchard in Missoula, with a focus on promoting nutritional equity, enhancing local food security, fostering environmental stewardship, and strengthening community engagement. Building on the proven success of Garden City Harvest’s community garden program, I will demonstrate how community orchards can further strengthen the local food system. Through a focused research approach, I will identify and implement best practices for the development and management of community orchards, with a particular emphasis on strategies that promote nutritional equity and environmental sustainability.
My research will include thorough reviews of case studies, academic literature, and reports on community orchards, along with direct feedback from residents to accurately assess community interests and needs. Site visits to successful urban orchards will provide valuable insights into practical implementation, while surveys and interviews will gauge community support for the initiative. I will also explore the economic and environmental impacts of urban agriculture and actively seek partnerships with local organizations, businesses, and government entities.
The key goals of this project are to design a viable orchard layout, develop a self-sustaining orchard model, and foster long-term community ownership through involvement and outreach. The data collected will inform a strategic, actionable plan for the potential implementation of a community orchard in Missoula, ensuring it meets the diverse needs of the community while contributing to the city’s broader goals of food security and environmental resilience. I am committed to sharing my findings with local stakeholders to guide future decisions and collaborations.
Category
Social Sciences
Roots of Resilience : Building a Sustainable Community Orchard for Food Equity and Environmental Stewardship in Missoula
UC 330
This project aims to research the benefits of a sustainable community orchard in Missoula, with a focus on promoting nutritional equity, enhancing local food security, fostering environmental stewardship, and strengthening community engagement. Building on the proven success of Garden City Harvest’s community garden program, I will demonstrate how community orchards can further strengthen the local food system. Through a focused research approach, I will identify and implement best practices for the development and management of community orchards, with a particular emphasis on strategies that promote nutritional equity and environmental sustainability.
My research will include thorough reviews of case studies, academic literature, and reports on community orchards, along with direct feedback from residents to accurately assess community interests and needs. Site visits to successful urban orchards will provide valuable insights into practical implementation, while surveys and interviews will gauge community support for the initiative. I will also explore the economic and environmental impacts of urban agriculture and actively seek partnerships with local organizations, businesses, and government entities.
The key goals of this project are to design a viable orchard layout, develop a self-sustaining orchard model, and foster long-term community ownership through involvement and outreach. The data collected will inform a strategic, actionable plan for the potential implementation of a community orchard in Missoula, ensuring it meets the diverse needs of the community while contributing to the city’s broader goals of food security and environmental resilience. I am committed to sharing my findings with local stakeholders to guide future decisions and collaborations.