The South Lorain Branch of the Lorain Public Library System is expanding its urban farm this fall, thanks to a new micro-grant aimed at empowering youth to tackle climate change. As part of the Youth Climate Action Fund, supported by Bloomberg Philanthropies and the City of Oberlin's Climate Action Plan, the library will plant 15 fruit trees at its South Lorain Branch in September. The trees will turn the existing garden into a more productive, educational and inviting community space.
"The overall vision is to expand the preexisting urban farm at the South Lorain Branch to further utilize the property as productive, educational and aesthetically pleasing community space by planting 15 fruit trees," Coordinator of LCCC's Sustainable Agriculture program and instructor to Oberlin College's Food Studies Department Brendan Ortiz said in a news release. "Supplies ordered will include eight apple trees split between two varieties, three pear trees two elderberry trees and two serviceberry trees, to be planted in September."
Oberlin was one of just 100 cities worldwide selected to receive initial funding and technical support through Bloomberg's global youth climate initiative. The LPLS project is among several being funded locally to encourage youth-led climate and sustainability projects.
The original goal of the South Lorain urban farm was to address food insecurity and limited access to affordable, nutritious food by teaching residents—especially children—how to grow their own produce. The addition of fruit trees will enhance these efforts, while also promoting environmental awareness and long-term food sustainability.
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