DMACC's Food Forest is a place where students, instructors and the public can slow down, take a stroll and immerse themselves in revitalizing time in nature. Studies show that time in natural environments can reduce stress and increase one's sense of wellbeing.
Additionally, college campuses, including DMACC campuses are places of food insecurity. DMACC's Food Forest not only produces highly nutritious food available for all to enjoy, but also helps educate students about ways they can produce their own food in a localized system, free from centralized production. And, this can be done, even in small urban spaces like patios, rooftops and apartment balconies.
DMACC's Urban campus is the most diverse campus in the state of Iowa, with students from over 60 nations. The average age of students is 29 years old, many have families, and many are economically disadvantaged. Through this project, we can help all of our students, faculty, staff, and campus visitors learn more about our natural heritage and ways to feed our families and our Earth.
DMACC is proud to employ the principles of permaculture to help create vibrant, healthy, and productive communities through reconnecting humans to nature in regenerative ways.