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By SisterMacCanon Brown, MacCanon Brown Homeless Sanctuary
The MacCanon Brown Homeless Sanctuary community (MBHS) had excitement planting a new community orchard in Milwaukee’s food scarce Amani neighborhood on October 7th!
Adekola Adedapo  gave an African blessing to all the new young tree plantings.  Wanda Booker offered a prayer of blessing.
Dennis Fermenich, Consulting Arborist and City of Milwaukee Forester commented, “As a lifelong arborist and someone who grew up on the North Side of Milwaukee, it is wonderful to be a part of this effort that enriches the neighborhood and community, and supports Sister MacCanon Brown’s work.”
Gratitude was expressed for the support of Dennis Fermenich and Dan Larsen Landscaping in bringing this vision to life.
The gathering included MBHS staff members, several members of the dedicated, diverse intergenerational MBHS volunteer Garden Team, Board members and tree care expert Lawrence Pollard.
What was planted ?
16 food-producing trees, including Honeycrisp and Zestar! apples, pears, peaches, plums, sweet cherries, pawpaws, pecans, and more! These trees will help increase access to fresh, healthy food while expanding the whole neighborhood’s tree canopy.
Environmental scientist David Holmes said, “This project is about investing in people and building a stronger community.
The orchard will help:
- Increase local production of fresh fruit and nuts
- Expand the neighborhood’s tree canopy
- Create future part-time employment opportunities for Central City residents
- Engage and educate intergenerational neighborhood Garden Team volunteers
- Build a lasting community resource through hands-on learning and stewardship
Made possible through a Tree Canopy & Workforce Community Grant, this initiative brings together food access, environmental sustainability, workforce development, and community engagement.
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