Springfield Opportunity

[avs]

All, Sustainable Springfield has been contacted by the Fruit Tree Planing Foundation to be a possible applicant to receive 20+ fruit trees for our community.  The program is a national program and Edy's Fruit Bars is one of the sponsors http://www.communitiestakeroot.com/

There needs to be a water source, Sustainable Springfield will help with the cost of irrigation/fees/maintenance.  In order to become an applicant we need to secure a site in the next 1-2 weeks where 20-50 trees can be planted long term.  My initial thought was one of the parks?  Or if anyone has a large lot they will donate/lease?  What are your thoughts? 

Please post/or email us: sustainablespringfield@yahoo.com

Thanks!  Amanda Searle

[Demosthenes]

Avs, My house has a shallow water well for irrigation. Would this not be a possibility for sustainable springfield? Its mineral rich, so not good for drinking, but fine for plants. Then you only need the cost of the electricity to run the pump, there there is no JEA associated water cost.

[avs]

They would like the site to be a public space so that the community can have access to the trees, that is why I was thinking of the park or if there is a lot that Sustainable Springfield could manage?  And it needs to be big enough to accommodate 20-50 full grown fruit trees

[fsujax]

which types of fruit trees?

[avs]

If we become a recipient then they will work with us to determine what types and varieties will grow best in our area

[Sigma]

I think Shands land behind the Proton Therapy Center is enough space and they were looking to do a type of garden back there.

[Debbie Thompson]

There is a well house in Klutho Park for the fountain.  Maybe tap into that water source?  Or, the Woman's Club paid for an irrigation system in  Confederate Park.  Chris Farley could tell you more about that.  I don't know if it's being used currently, but the pipes are there.

These are probably city water, but if the trees are in the park, maybe the City would allow us to use that water.

[KuroiKetsunoHana]

I think Shands land behind the Proton Therapy Center is enough space and they were looking to do a type of garden back there.

wait, shands has spare space?  then why are they always buying up and demolishing what's left ov the neighbourhood?
[/soapbox]

sorry.  sugar hill's a very sore point with me.

[Demosthenes]

How about the park land south of the creek at Confederate Park and the Dog park? Both plots of land are vastly under used, and an orchard would really beautify the area.

[uptowngirl]

I am surrounded by vacant lots over here on Ionia but can't seem to get anyone to sell them much less donate them :-(

[avs]

I think the parks is a great way to go.  Does anyone know who at the Parks Department I need to talk to and what their contact info is?  You can always PM me too

Keep the ideas coming!