On a chilly November morning in 2024, members of the Annapolis Friends Meeting bundled up against the crisp air and gathered on our Meetinghouse grounds with shovels in hand and purpose in our hearts. Together, a group of Friends (Quakers) and supporters planted what might best be described as a living buffet: a carefully planned collection of fruit and nut-bearing trees and native shrubs—a gift for future generations and the local ecosystem alike.

This transformative planting was made possible through a collaboration with Interfaith Partners for the Chesapeake (IPC) and their Anne Arundel County Outreach Coordinator, Mollie Rudow. Mollie introduced our “Green Group” to a new and visionary initiative she was spearheading at IPC called the Trees for Sacred Places. This program supports watershed congregations in participating in Maryland’s 5 Million Trees Initiative, a statewide effort to restore tree canopy and improve climate and water resilience.

With Mollie’s guidance, we connected with specialists from the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR), who offered support in designing our planting plan, selecting species appropriate for our region, arranging for the transfer of the plants, and—joy of joys—even helped us with the planting itself. Together, we installed thirty native species, including shrubs, lower-story, and upper-canopy trees, to help rewild our property and establish a more sustainable and inviting landscape.

The Magic of an Edible Trail

As convener of our Green Group, along with Kim Finch of our Meetinghouse & Lands Committee, we met with DNR Tree Specialists Abbie Piegols and Kari Wurth to discuss our vision. It was in this meeting that two words caught my ear—“food forest” and “edible trail.” At first, they sounded like concepts from a fantasy novel, but they were very real—and very exciting.

The DNR is now actively encouraging the development of edible landscapes through their newly created Agroforestry division, which blends sustainable agriculture with forestry practices. These models promote food production while restoring the land, improving soil health, and supporting biodiversity. In fact, in 2020, the DNR and partners established an Edible Trail on Maryland’s Eastern Shore, offering a public path lined with edible plants—fruit and nut trees, berry bushes, and perennial vegetables—that nourish both people and the planet.

This innovative trail is featured on the DNR website and credits Forester Francis Smith as a visionary behind the effort. Smith notes the trail’s roots in the wisdom of Indigenous land stewardship, which long recognized the importance of growing food in harmony with natural ecosystems. In this new wave of planting, there’s a move toward creating public spaces that both feed and heal—spaces that invite community members to forage respectfully, learn about local ecology, and reconnect with nature.

When we learned about these options, our original planting plans took an exciting turn. We chose to create an edible trail on our own Meetinghouse property, with a pathway that meanders through plantings designed not only for ecological value but also for their potential to provide food: pawpaw, serviceberry, persimmon, hazelnut, and more. Our Meeting approved the plan, and before long, it was a joy to see so many f/Friends rally on a wintry day to bring it to life—made all the more efficient thanks to Phil and Dan, who pre-dug holes for all 31 trees the day before!

Why Edible Trails Matter

Edible trails are more than just sources of seasonal snacks—they’re living classrooms and sacred spaces. Here’s why they matter:

• Community Nourishment: Edible trails offer accessible, free food in public or shared spaces. For congregations and faith communities, they can serve as outreach tools—ways to engage neighbors, teach sustainability, and embody service through stewardship.

• Ecological Benefits: These plantings promote biodiversity, improve pollinator habitats, manage stormwater, and contribute to healthier soil and air.

• Spiritual & Educational Opportunities: Faith communities can use these trails to host foraging walks, earth-based worship, and educational events around environmental justice and food equity.

• Climate Resilience: Fruit and nut trees sequester carbon and help communities adapt to climate change by offering shaded spaces, food security, and erosion control.

Looking Ahead

So far, the deer have done a bit of browsing, but we remain hopeful. With the help of Mother Nature, we anticipate seeing our first fruits next year and, in a few years' time, an abundance of nuts. As these trees grow, so too will the sense of purpose and peace they bring to our space.

If you’re curious about edible trails, food forests, or how your own faith or community space can participate in Maryland’s 5 Million Trees Initiative, we encourage you to connect with Mollie Rudow at IPC to explore available resources and support. You can reach Annapolis Friends Meeting at [email protected] to learn more about our project, visit our trail, or share your own green journey!

Together, let’s grow a future that feeds both body and spirit.

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