​Dr. George Washington Carver Edible Park 25th Anniversary

The Dr. George Washington Carver Edible Park is owned by the City of Asheville Parks and Recreation, and Bountiful Cities Is responsible for the upkeep of the edible park with funding from The City of Asheville. It is located across from the Stephens-Lee Recreation Center at 30 George Washington Carver Ave, Asheville, NC 28801. The planning for the park started in 1997, and it was established in 1998. The park currently spans 1.1 acres and is home to 40 diverse varieties of fruit and nut trees.

Idea for an Edible Public Space

Jonathan Brown and Samantha Lefko, college students at Appalachian State University in the mid-1990s, were passionate about sustainable development and permaculture. Jonathan, inspired by his studies, became a certified permaculture educator, while Samantha obtained a certificate in permaculture design. They shared a vision of creating an edible public space accessible to all. After moving to Asheville and forming the nonprofit organization City Seeds, they developed the concept for the Bountiful City Project, later renamed the Dr. George Washington Carver Edible Park. Their innovative approach integrated sustainable development techniques and involved the community at every step. Through partnerships and support, they transformed an underutilized site into a thriving food forest, showcasing the potential of permaculture in urban areas and promoting community engagement and sustainability.

Stephens-Lee High School and the Naming of the Park

The Dr. George Washington Carver Edible Park holds a significant location as it is situated on the former grounds of Stephens-Lee High School, which played a vital role in Asheville's black community. In 2000, Lady Gloria Howard Free, an alumna of Stephens-Lee High School and a board member of City Seeds, proposed renaming the park from the Bountiful City Project to the Dr. George Washington Carver Edible Park. This change aimed to honor the exceptional academic and researcher, Dr. Carver, renowned for his contributions to alternative crop production and soil conservation. The new name symbolizes pride in his work and seeks to draw attention to his enduring legacy. Unfortunately, Stephens-Lee High School was demolished but the park stands as a constructive project that acknowledges the past while celebrating the resilience and contributions of the community. It serves as a testament to the importance of preserving cultural heritage and promoting positive change.

Join Us at the Park

Stay involved by joining our community work days, which take place on the third Friday of every month from 2:30pm to 5:30pm. Contribute to the park's growth and development by participating in these work sessions. For updates on events and activities, please check the Dr. George Washington Carver Edible Park Facebook page. We look forward to welcoming you to the park!.

Note: The information provided for this flyer is based on content from “The Community Food Forest Handbook” by Catherine Bukowski and John Munsell