Our
Mission Statement
🌿 About Us | Food Forest Utah
We believe in the power of nature to create sustainable ecosystems—and that healing begins in the soil, the trees, the food we grow, and the animals we walk alongside.
Our mission is simple yet powerful: to reconnect people with their food, their environment, and the beauty of nature, while promoting sustainability and self-sufficiency in every garden we touch. Through education, passion, and hands-on experience, we’re nurturing a deeper appreciation for fresh fruits, vegetables, flowers—and life itself.
🌱 Our Core Values
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Passion for Excellence – We create beautiful, productive landscapes that blend innovation with ecological sustainability.
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Environmental Stewardship – Our gardens protect biodiversity and regenerate the land.
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Community Focus – We help Utah residents build food forests that nourish bodies and strengthen neighborhoods.
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Scientific Approach – We use research-driven methods that thrive in Utah’s unique climate.
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Beauty & Aesthetics – We believe gardens should nourish the soul as much as the body.
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Self-Sufficiency & Resilience – Empowering people to grow their own food builds stronger, more secure communities.
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Education & Outreach – We share knowledge through workshops, blogs, and hands-on mentorship.
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Inclusivity & Diversity – Everyone is welcome to grow with us.
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Innovation – We embrace creativity and bold ideas to make our food forests future-proof.
By living these values, we envision a Utah where every home can grow abundance—and where nature is not just admired, but partnered with.
🌸 Our Story: From a Wilted Air Plant to a Forest of Growth
My journey started small—just a wilted air plant in an office cubicle. But it sparked something. I devoured books, took classes, and connected with people who were just as obsessed with nurturing life.
Through trial and error (and many failed seedlings), I found my passion: blueberries, tropical fruits, even mango and passion fruit. What began as personal healing became something much bigger. Now, through community gardening, workshops, and fresh produce donations, we’re growing not just food, but hope.
🐾 Healing in Nature:
My Story
This mission is personal.
Alongside gardening, I am also a foster parent to some incredible rescue dogs—and we don’t just stay home. We hike. We walk. We sit by rivers. We heal together in the wild places.
Our little pack includes:
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🐾 Kai – a 7-year-old Samoyed with a heart of gold and a few pounds to lose. He’s making steady progress, one veggie snack at a time.
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🐾 Kitty – a 1-year-old floofy sweetheart who’s never met a human or animal she didn’t love.
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🐾 Shark – our 9-month-old mix and proud foster fail—because sometimes, love makes the choice for you.
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🐱 Plus two free-spirited cats: a grey tabby who keeps the garden in check, and a black cat who walks with us like he was born to lead the pack.
Whether we’re planting seedlings or trekking through the woods, our lives revolve around love, nature, and second chances. The garden gives us food. The dogs give us joy. The earth gives us healing.
🌎 Why We Do It
Because nature is not a luxury—it’s a lifeline.
Because every person, pet, and plant deserves to thrive.
Because food forests don’t just feed bodies. They feed souls.
🧡 We Foster. We Grow. We Explore.
Because every living thing deserves a chance to thrive.
Let’s grow together:
📸 @landofmarshmallows | @therottielife
📬 Contact: foodforestutah@gmail.com
🌿 #FoodForestUtah #FosterLife #SustainableGardening #HealingThroughNature #PermacultureInUtah #DogAdventures #GrowWithUs #FoodForest #Rescue #Fosterparent #bestfriend
Our
Story
Embracing Diverse Gardens: A Journey of Growth, Community, and Abundant Harvests
In gardening, there's a beautiful truth: everyone gardens differently. It's not about right or wrong, but about the unique paths we take to create something beautiful. Often, it's the rebels, those who break the rules, who end up with the most unexpected and stunning gardens.
My own gardening journey began with a wilted air plant in my office, a reminder of my early struggles. But that moment sparked a self-taught journey—books, classes, and a community of passionate gardeners who helped me grow. I learned, not just about plants, but about connecting with others who share a love for nurturing life.
Over time, I found my niche—blueberries, tropical fruits like mangoes and avocados, and even passion fruit. What started as personal growth soon became a communal effort. Together, we grow and share produce with those in need. Through workshops and my blog, I pass on what I've learned, not just about gardening, but about self-sufficiency and generosity.
Mistakes have been my greatest teachers. Every failed seedling or withered plant taught me something valuable, pushing me to keep going. And my message is simple: keep trying, keep growing. If you're feeling discouraged, know that persistence leads to growth, in both your garden and your spirit.
Our community is built on more than just what we grow—it's about the bonds we form and the joy of learning together. Whether you're a beginner or experienced gardener, join us. Let’s grow together, share our experiences, and celebrate the diversity of our gardens.
In gardening, there's room for everyone. Embrace your uniqueness, experiment, and watch your garden bloom, not just in greenery, but in joy and connection. Keep sowing, keep learning, and let's flourish together. There's always space for one more in our garden of growth and generosity.
🌿 Embracing the Wild Garden: Growth, Community & Fluffy Chaos
Here’s the thing I’ve learned—gardening isn’t about being perfect. It’s messy. It’s surprising. Sometimes it’s wildly overgrown, And honestly? That’s the beauty of it.
Everyone gardens differently. Some people follow the rules. I… don’t. I plant what feels right, I follow the sun, and I trust that if I show up with love and water (and maybe a few compostable snacks), something will grow. Spoiler: it usually does.
My gardening story started with a half-dead air plant I forgot to water in my office. It was a disaster, but it was also a spark. That little plant (may it rest) kicked off a self-taught journey—books, late-night YouTube binges, community classes, and a whole lot of dirt under my nails.
Now I’m growing blueberries, tropical fruit, passion fruit, and yes—sometimes chaos. It turned from personal therapy into something bigger. A mission. A community. A way to share food and beauty with people who need it. We host workshops, give away produce, and try to leave things better than we found them.
The truth? I’ve failed a lot. Plants die. Seeds don’t sprout. Dogs dig up freshly planted kale. But each mistake teaches me something new—and I just keep going. If you’re out there feeling stuck or unsure, just know: it’s okay to not get it right the first time. Or the fifth. Growth happens anyway.
What I love most, though, is the community this has created. Whether you’ve been gardening for decades or just bought your first packet of seeds, you belong here. You have something to share. We’re learning from each other every single day—and I wouldn't have it any other way.
So come dig with us. Plant something weird. Let your garden (and life) be wild and beautiful in its own way. There’s always room for one more in our garden—human, dog, or otherwise.
Let’s grow something good. 🌱
Let’s grow it together.
Grow Vegetables
"Learn to grow fresh vegetables with us! Empower your journey to homegrown goodness!"
Grow Flowers & Herbs
"Master flower cultivation! Learn to grow exquisite blooms." Create a flower farm.
Grow Fruit
"Discover fruit growing secrets! Build a Food Forest!