10/21/2026
Dr. George Washington Carver Edible Park Celebrates Its 28th Anniversary
The Dr. George Washington Carver Edible Park, owned by the City of Asheville Parks and Recreation, is maintained in collaboration with the City of Asheville, Bountiful Cities, and East End/Valley Street residents. The park is located at 30 George Washington Carver Ave, Asheville, NC 28801, across from the Stephens-Lee Recreation Center. Established in 1998 after planning began in 1997, it covers 1.1 acres and features over 40 diverse varieties of fruit and nut trees.
Idea for an Edible Public Space
Jonathan Brown and Samantha Lefko, college students at Appalachian State University in the mid-1990s, were passionate about sustainable development and permaculture. Jonathan, inspired by his studies, became a certified permaculture educator, while Samantha obtained a certificate in permaculture design. They shared a vision of creating an edible public space accessible to all. After moving to Asheville and forming the nonprofit organization City Seeds, they developed the concept for the Bountiful Cities Project, later renamed the Dr. George Washington Carver Edible Park. Their innovative approach integrated sustainable development techniques and involved the community at every step. Over the years, through partnerships and support from Bountiful Cities, the Buncombe County Fruit & Nut Club, Asheville Greenworks, and the East End/Valley Street Neighborhood Association, the park has been transformed from underutilized site into a thriving food forest, showcasing the potential of permaculture in urban areas and promoting community engagement and sustainability.
Stephens-Lee High School and the Naming of the Park
The Dr. George Washington Carver Edible Park holds a significant location as it is situated on the former grounds of Stephens-Lee High School, which played a vital role in Asheville's black community. Unfortunately, Stephens-Lee High School was demolished but the park stands as a constructive project that acknowledges the past while celebrating the resilience and contributions of the community. In 2000, Lady Gloria Howard Free, an alumna of Stephens-Lee High School and a board member of City Seeds, proposed renaming the park from the Bountiful Cities Project to the Dr. George Washington Carver Edible Park. This change aimed to honor the exceptional academic and researcher, Dr. Carver, renowned for his contributions to alternative crop production and soil conservation. The new name symbolizes pride in his work and seeks to draw attention to his enduring legacy. It serves as a testament to the importance of preserving cultural heritage and promoting positive change.
Join Us at the Park
Stay involved by joining our community work days, which take place on the third Friday of every month. Contribute to the park's growth and development by participating in these work sessions. For updates on events and activities, please check the Dr. George Washington Carver Edible Park page or contact [email protected] We look forward to seeing you at the park!
Note: The information provided for this flyer is based on content from “The Community Food Forest Handbook” by Catherine Bukowski and John Munsell.
