Explore the Food Forest on Our Quarry Campus
Take a self-guided tour through all six zones of the Food Forest at the Spokane Conservation District (SCD) Quarry Campus.
Food forests, also known as food gardens, are human-designed ecosystems that mimic the structure and function of natural forests through diverse plantings of edible species. SCD has established six unique Food Forest zones to demonstrate how these systems build soil health, conserve water, and provide valuable habitat.
The public is welcome to explore a self-guided route featuring demonstration plantings, short walking trails, and learning areas that showcase stewardship practices in action. Use the campus map below to guide your visit.
Why Do Food Forests Matter?
Food forests combine agriculture and nature conservation, offering a multifunctional approach to today’s environmental challenges.
Food forests provide many benefits, including:
- Producing healthy food
- Regenerating soil
- Boosting biodiversity
- Balancing water cycles
- Cooling local climates
- Capturing carbon in the soil for long-term storage
Unique Features In Each Food Forest Zone
Each of our six Food Forest zones serves a distinct purpose and features different plants and design elements. Check out the illustrations of each zone to discover what sets them apart.
Zone 1
Food Forest/ Peoples Garden
The largest of our six Food Forest areas, Zone 1 features a trail that winds through a forest diversified with edible plants. It also includes features such as a wetland area and wildlife piles.
Zone 2
City Farm
A vibrant demonstration garden featuring fruits, vegetables, nut trees, and a thriving food forest of edible and native plants that reflect Spokane’s agricultural roots and urban sustainability goals.
Zone 3
Compost Demo Area
An educational space showing how organic materials—like leaves, food scraps, and garden waste—can be transformed into nutrient-rich compost that supports healthy soil and gardening practices.
Zone 4
Cool Canopy Demo
A living showcase of the SCD CoolCanopy Program, featuring diverse tree species planted to demonstrate how urban forestry improves community health, resilience, and environmental equity.
Zone 5
Pollinator Observation Space
A vibrant garden featuring plant species selected to attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators. Zone 5 offers visitors a close-up view of these essential species in action throughout the growing season.
Zone 6
WSU Master Gardener Demo
An educational space maintained by WSU Master Gardeners, showcasing research-based gardening techniques, plant care, and sustainable landscaping practices suited for the Inland Northwest climate.
Get Involved
SCD cares for the Food Forest year-round with support from Friends of the Quarry — a group of volunteers who help maintain our unique quarry campus and inspire others to learn about and explore it, too.
Let’s get together for conservation — join our volunteer-powered effort!
