Tour explored edibles in Toronto's urban forest
August 25, 2014 – FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – Did you know that each year Toronto’s urban forest produces millions of pounds of healthy and delicious food? On Saturday, August 23, 90 food and tree lovers discovered some of these appetizing delights in parks and along neighbourhood streets on an Edible Tree Tour led by Local Enhancement & Appreciation of Forests (LEAF), Not Far From the Tree and Orchard People.
Now in its sixth year, the Edible Tree Tour always attracts a crowd. “This tour is popular year after year because it's a great narrative - the story of our edible city - and because it opens our eyes to a world so far away from fruit packaged in cellophane wrap,” said Susan Poizner, tour co-leader and founder of Ben Nobleman Community Orchard and fruit tree consulting and education company Orchard People.
Not Far From The Tree inspires Torontonians to harvest, share, celebrate and steward the bounty from our urban forest through a fruit picking and sharing program. “I love helping people discover the variety of edibles that can be grown and munched on right in the city. There is a lot of potential in Toronto's soil,” said Becky Thomas, tour co-leader and Program Manager at Not Far From The Tree. “I think the most amazing thing about food-producing trees in the city is just how abundant they are! Once you start to learn about urban edibles, you will start noticing them everywhere.”
The tour addressed edibles beyond common fruits. “There is a ton of food growing in this city that most people don’t even think about,” said Robyn Stewart, tour co-leader and Education & Outreach Coordinator at LEAF, an organization which protects and improves the urban forest through planting, education and stewardship programs. “In addition to things like apples and pears, less well-known snacks from trees like magnolia and pine are hiding in plain sight.” Participants learned about delicious treats found in Wychwood Barns Park and on nearby streets. They also had a chance to discover the edibles growing in LEAF’s Learning Garden. The tour ended near The Stop’s Farmers’ Market at Wychwood Barns, where even more local foods waited.
Visit http://www.yourleaf.org for more information.
Photo opportunities and interviews available upon request.
CONTACTS:
Robyn Stewart
Education & Outreach Coordinator, LEAF
416-413-9244 x14 (Office) | 416-834-3785 (Cell)
robyn@yourleaf.org