Foragers' Forest
The Foragers' Forest is now open
George Mason University’s Foragers’ Forest, on its Fairfax Campus, can be described as equal parts food forest and rewilding experiment. It offers visitors access to safe-to-eat native foods, while serving as wildlife habitat, providing climate benefits and restoring ecosystem services. As a “living lab,” this space also facilitates learning and research on various topics across the sciences and humanities.
Visit us on the Fairfax campus
The Foragers’ Forest covers 5,300 square feet and is planted with over 1,900 native plants.
- Foragers' Forest
Located in two groves near the stream between Aquia Creek Lane and Patriot’s Circle on Mason’s Fairfax Campus.
- Campus map
Campus Foragers’ Forest turns 1
In October, the organizers of the Foragers’ Forest on George Mason University’s Fairfax Campus marked the project’s first anniversary with the planting of endangered American chestnut trees.
Research that influenced our work
Connecting the local area one CHEW at a time
The Foragers’ Forest provides access to free native foods and safe foraging opportunities. Beyond its role as a food growing space, it also serves as a nexus for sustainability goals related to climate, hunger alleviation, ecological rehabilitation, and wildlife (CHEW).
The two Foragers’ Forest groves include clusters of closely planted native trees and shrubs, an approach adapted from the Miyawaki method and used in several local ecological restoration projects. These “woody” clusters are surrounded by native meadow plants that provide diverse habitat for wildlife. Whether exploring from the trails or observing from nearby benches, the Foragers’ Forest invites visitors to enjoy the rich flora and fauna that call this space home.
Our partners include George Mason University’s College of Science, the Institute for a Sustainable Earth, Mason Sustainability, and Mason Facilities. A special thank you to the generous funding from Amazon Web Services, ISE, and Mason Facilities.
Foragers' Forest facts
56
Different species of plants
1,900+
Perennial native plants, including walnuts, persimmons, blueberries, and hazelnuts.
5,300
Square feet of planting area
