Document Type
Article
Publication Date
11-13-2013
Abstract
Recent “green” planning initiatives envision food production, including urban agriculture and livestock production, as desirable elements of sustainable cities. We use an integrated urban political ecology and human–plant geographies framework to explore how foraging for “wild” foods in cities, a subversive practice that challenges prevailing views about the roles of humans in urban green spaces, has potential to also support sustainability goals. Drawing on research from Baltimore, New York City, Philadelphia, and Seattle, we show that foraging is a vibrant and ongoing practice among diverse urban residents in the USA. At the same time, as reflected in regulations, planning practices, and attitudes of conservation practitioners, it is conceptualized as out of place in urban landscapes and an activity to be discouraged. We discuss how paying attention to urban foraging spaces and practices can strengthen green space planning and summarize opportunities for and challenges associated with including foragers and their concerns.
Recommended Citation
McLain, Rebecca J.; Hurley, Patrick T.; Emery, Marla R.; and Poe, Melissa R., "Gathering "Wild" Food in the City: Rethinking the Role of Foraging in Urban Ecosystem Planning and Management" (2013). Environment and Sustainability Faculty Publications. 5.
https://digitalcommons.ursinus.edu/environment_fac/5
Cartoon Abstract
Included in
Environmental Studies Commons, Human Geography Commons, Nature and Society Relations Commons, Other Political Science Commons, Sustainability Commons, Urban Studies and Planning Commons
Comments
The item available for download here is the version of record originally published in Local Environment: The International Journal of Justice and Sustainability, volume 19, 2014, Issue 2.
The final publication is also available at Taylor & Francis via http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/13549839.2013.841659
The cartoon abstract, originally published via FigShare, is available also here.