Managed turf usually scores negatively for environmental stewardship and sustainability. Turf requires routine fertilization, watering, mowing, and weeding. In 2013, Chesterfield County, Virginia, established an experimental urban orchard to replace managed turf space. It is now a great example of sustainable practices through its use of native Virginia fruit and nut trees to provide an edible landscape in a suburban/urban environment. Multifunctional plant mats catch and store rainwater during the rainy season, then they slowly release the water back into the tree roots over the next several weeks or months. The orchard is open to the public 24/7, and educational events are offered to gardeners, school children, and other groups. Learning Objectives: Promote sustainability through urban forestry. Provide an example of sustainable practices to the public through an urban orchard. Provide novel public education opportunities as part of an overall urban forestry program.

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Wei Zhang

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