Did anything surprise you?
In all of the public garden context where I’ve worked or volunteered, cannabis is a plant that is prohibited. Yet, for residents coming out of houselessness, this plant is valued for a variety of reasons. Many residents on-site have a close connection with the cannabis plant for its medicinal properties. For some, it has also been part of past employment and is connected to financial opportunity and security. When considering creating healing landscapes, its important that they are reflective of the needs of residents. They must be culturally relevant and appropriate.
The outdoors are especially important for some people who are coming from houselessness. Some unhoused have become accustomed to being outdoors for the large part of their day. It can be incredibly jarring for someone to move into a new home after spending time unhoused. Shelters should be conscious and compassion about this fact by providing as much access to the outdoors as possible. Given that most shelter residents are given little habitable space to live in, the landscape of a shelter becomes an extension of their space. Being intentional and generous with outdoor space can save residents added stress, discomfort, and conflict.
“I had an issue going into the building. It felt claustrophobic. Even the big warehouse. I was used to being outside in a tent. Had to get used to the roof, getting over fears. Started in a pallet shelter, but lived in a tent on-site as a transition before moving into an RV.”
Lastly, there are so few wet prairie and upland prairie habitats left. Throw in the fact that this area of the city is experiencing urban heat island effect. What are we doing with all this pavement?!?!
I need to learn more about natural systems, wetland management/stewardship, ecological restoration. I don’t want to be part of the problem.