Can the burgeoning urban gardens of Detroit provide a model for Kalamazoo – and other “post-industrial” American cities? Find out when “Eat Local, Kalamazoo” presents “The Greening of Michigan: A Vision for Post-Industrial

America.”

Since 1950, Detroit has lost nearly half its population and more than 15,000 businesses. Some 70,000 vacant lots now cover one third of the city’s 139 square miles, and Detroit is often viewed as an icon of post-industrial America. However, hope is blooming today in numerous community gardens and urban agriculture projects taking place throughout the city. A recent MSU study found that Detroit could grow 76 percent of the vegetables and 42 percent of the fruits it needs to feed its entire population. Local food production could also generate $200 million in sales and at least 5,000 jobs.

Join Greening of Detroit Director of Urban Agriculture Ashley Atkinson, local activist Olga Bonfiglio and some of Kalamazoo’s urban farmers for a look at how communities can make the transition from manufacturing to agriculture.
For the latest information on upcoming events, please visit www.eatlocalkalamazoo.org.