Pollinator Pathway

The Mack Park Farm was created in 2019 as a way to provide healthy, local food to the Salem community and to serve as a model for urban agriculture and regenerative growing. The City of Salem contracts with two local farmers who designed and manage the farm and food forest areas. The vegetable farm grows thousands of pounds of organically grown food each season that is given to our local food pantry and directly to Salem residents at free farmers' markets.   

The farm is surrounded by five food forest "guilds" that are planted with fruit trees, berry bushes, perennial herbs, and native pollinators. These areas are open to the public for picking and enjoyment, but also draw bees, birds, and butterflies which help keep our plants healthy and productive! Volunteers help with planting, harvesting, and maintaining the farm. This project has been a rewarding way to nourish our residents, engage the community, and build a resilient and sustainable public space.