If you’re at all familiar with PHS’s City Harvest initiative, you know PHS is committed to urban agriculture. If the topic interests you as well, then come to the latest installation of the Urban Sustainability Form for…
Wednesday, February 15, 2012
Networking Reception: 6 – 6:30 pm, Program: 6:30 – 8:30 pm
Register at hightunnels.eventbrite.com/
Event Overview:
At this Urban Sustainability Forum, find out how high tunnels could help improve access to affordable, nutritious foods in Philadelphia. High tunnels are nonelectric, temporary structures that consist of a layer of plastic over a pipe frame. These structures, however, are not greenhouses. They do not require a permanent heating or ventilation system, ventilation is accomplished manually, and there are no furnaces or fans. High tunnels can extend the growing season and improve the yield and quality of vegetables, small fruits, and cut flowers.
Urban farming is a fast-growing movement in the United States, especially in Philadelphia. As more than 86 percent of the U.S. population now resides in or around urban areas, the sustained use of urban farming could contribute to food security, food safety, and workforce development. Increased availability of fresh and nutritious food in urban areas could combat the alarming rise of obesity and thus reduce related healthcare costs in the United States. High tunnel projects could help eliminate Philadelphia’s “food deserts,” or urban areas lacking access to nutritious, affordable food, and provide more fresh and nutritious specialty crops to underserved populations.
URBAN VOIDS: grounds for change will be on sale during this program. This book illustrates the innovative community engagement process and the international ideas competition that challenged residents and designers to imagine sustainable re-purposing of its vacant lands. Featuring essays by key participants and an illustrated gallery of competition finalists, URBAN VOIDS offers inspiration for Philadelphia’s future.To find out more about efforts to use vacant land in productive, innovative and healthy ways, see http://www.gfcactivatingland.org.
Register at hightunnels.eventbrite.com/
Posted on February 9, 2012 by Daniel
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