Private Sector

The Soil Born Farms Edible Forest Project is located on the American River Parkway, home to the valley elderberry long horn beetle (VELB), a federally threatened species. This project aimed to restore riparian habitat, support pollinators and VELB, and honor Nisenan cultural connections to the land.

Spanning nearly 3 acres within the 55-acre American River Ranch, the Edible Forest Project focused on cultivating drought-tolerant California native plants, including oak trees, blue elderberry shrubs, and other woody and herbaceous species. These plants are fostered and sustainably harvested to create a functioning ecosystem that supports high-value crops and other plants in a resource-efficient manner.

The H. T. Harvey & Associates team prepared the Habitat Restoration and Management Plan for the project and obtained required project permits—including a Central Valley Flood Protection Board encroachment permit. Installed in early 2025, the project is on track to meeting its restoration targets, supporting a variety of native, edible, and medicinal plants, and contributing to the health of the VELB.

Ecological goals of the project included establishing a diverse and balanced ecosystem, minimizing the introduction of invasive plant species and plant pathogens, preventing dust spread, and avoiding chemical usage. The project planning and operation also integrated cultural, agricultural, community human health, and ecosystem functions and values.