The Jackson Street Food Forest

Located at the intersection of Lipscomb and Jackson in South Melbourne, the Jackson Street Food Forest is a 1.25-acre living laboratory dedicated to community resilience and ecological restoration.

We are currently in Phase 1 of development, which focuses on the installation of raised garden beds, the establishment of deep-rooted pollinator corridors, and the initial planting of our perennial food forest.

Next Volunteer Planting Event:

Friday, April 24th
9AM - 12PM
Click below to learn more and register

Project Goals:

Cultivate Food Sovereignty: We are growing fresh, nutrient-dense produce directly within the neighborhood to ensure our community has reliable access to healthy food.
Manage Stormwater Naturally: By utilizing deep-rooted native plants and intentional landscaping, the site acts as a giant sponge. It absorbs and filters stormwater runoff, reducing local flooding and trapping excess nutrients before they can reach Crane Creek and the Indian River Lagoon.
Restore Local Biodiversity: We are transforming this 1.25-acre site into a sanctuary for native birds, beneficial insects, and pollinators.
Build a Community Hub & Pilot Model: Beyond the plants, this site is a space for people. Our goal is to create an inclusive, intergenerational gathering place where neighbors of all skill levels and physical abilities can connect. As a pilot community food forest project, Jackson Street serves as a scalable model for how urban spaces can be transformed into productive, ecological, and social assets.

Why Biodiversity Matters (For All of Us)

A diverse ecosystem is the "life support system" for our community. Here is how increasing biodiversity at Jackson Street directly benefits humans:

Food Security & Pollination: Over 75% of the world’s flowering plants and about 35% of the world’s food crops depend on animal pollinators. By providing a home for bees and butterflies, we are ensuring our own fruit trees and vegetable beds are productive and resilient.
Natural Pest Control: By inviting native birds and predatory insects (like ladybugs and lacewings) into the garden, we create a "natural cleanup crew." This reduces the need for harmful chemical pesticides, keeping our soil and our food safer for everyone.
The "Urban Sponge" Effect: Diverse root systems improve soil structure. This makes the land far more resilient to the extreme weather we see in Florida—helping the ground hold more water during heavy rains and stay cooler during heatwaves.
Health and Well-being: Research shows that "green cover" in urban areas lowers ambient temperatures and improves mental health for the neighbors who walk, work, and rest in these spaces.

The Power of Community: April 4th Highlights

We are incredibly grateful for the 68 volunteers who joined us on Saturday, April 4th, 2026. The energy on-site was unmatched as we tackled several major projects in a single morning:

12 Cubic Yards of Soil: Because our new garden beds are built tall for accessibility and depth, our volunteers hand-shoveled 12 CY of soil rather than just tilting wheelbarrows. It was a massive physical feat!
Exceeding Expectations: We set out to build four garden beds but ended up completing five in record time.
150+ New Plants: Thanks to the extra hands, we were able to get over 150 plants into the ground, including 90+ pollinators, 65 pigeon pea trees, and 6 dragon fruit cuttings.