Project Title: Urban Food Forests to Improve Water Quality and Build Community Resilience
Award amount: $185,537
Grant period: 2024-2027
Program: USDA Forest Service, Great Lakes Restoration Initiative
Project Description: ASLF is proud to announce an impactful new project as part of the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (GLRI). Partnering with SUNY- Oswego and the St. Luke Family of Caring in Oswego, NY, our goal is to significantly improve water quality, food security, and other ecosystem services within the Oswego and Lake Ontario community. During our GLRI project period we will achieve the following goals:
- Plant at least 400 trees and shrubs at two locations in Oswego, NY, thus reducing stormwater runoff into Lake Ontario by approximately 50,000 gallons annually during the first 20 years; 250k-500k (or more) annually after the trees are fully grown
- Build the urban food forest and promote agroforestry in Oswego, NY
- Involve and engage residents, students, community members, and other partners in outreach and education opportunities or events
- Expand Centennial Arboretum at SUNY-Oswego and help the university bring the arboretum to accredited Level II status