Urban ForestryKelly Baggatts

“Evaluating Urban Food Forestry as a Strategy to Mitigate Food Insecurity and Enhance Socio-ecological Resilience in Washington, DC.”

This project evaluates urban food forestry as a strategy to address food insecurity while strengthening ecological resilience in Washington, DC, with a focus on Ward 8. The research will examine how integrating edible trees and perennial plants into urban landscapes can increase tree canopy, improve local food access, and reduce climate-related risks such as heat and stormwater runoff. Through site assessments, species selection analysis, and community engagement, the study will explore practical models for implementing food forests in schools, community spaces, and underutilized land. The goal is to develop a replicable framework that demonstrates how urban forestry and urban agriculture can work together to support healthier communities and more resilient urban ecosystems.