Date of Award
2016
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Bachelor of Science (BS)
Department
Biological Sciences
First Advisor
Dr. David Foster
Abstract
This research project aims to continue the implementation of an edible forest garden, building on the efforts of Messiah College students Ryan Witmer and Ben Davies in 2007. The forest garden is located within the Rider-Musser development project at Oakwood Hills, adjacent to Messiah College. Current projects include depiction of site change over time using ArcGIS software, georectified historical aerial images from 1937 forward; vegetation analysis of current forest composition; soil type and properties mapping; and an initial planting in the forest garden with selected fruit shrubs. A manual was prepared to provide longevity and future management options for the project. It contains the characteristics of the current plant species of the site and steps for eradication of some invasive species, as well as information about the care and maintenance of species planted during the semester and those that should be implemented in the future.
Recommended Citation
Feather, Lyndsay and Foster, David, "Edible Forest Gardening: Planning, site selection, and implementation of permaculture at Messiah College" (2016). Honors Projects and Presentations: Undergraduate. 25.
https://mosaic.messiah.edu/honors/25
