In 2024, DUG decided to include species identification signs across all food forests to promote education, bridge barriers, and make these public spaces more welcoming.
Why Identification Signs
DUG invited its Tree Keepers to inventory the Food Forests they managed and use the species identification signs to signal to the community the breadth of plant varieties in those spaces. While not all spaces share the same varieties, they are all meant to be open and welcoming spaces for all to enjoy. The species identification signs were meant to both educate our forest stewards and our community members. The signs feature plenty of information about the plant variety and invite community members to learn more by using the QR code which directs them to the DUG website.
Learn more about DUG’s Food Forest Initiative.
The Anatomy of a Sign
- Species Image: Each plant variety features a design made by local artist, Holly, which demonstrates the unique features (including fruits and flowers) of each plant species. Learn more about Holly below!
- Common + Latin Name: The plant’s common name and Latin name are featured.
- Region of Origin: The location where the plant variety originated is included to offer historical context of growing conditions.
- Harvest Time: A range is included for when the species fruits and is ready for harvesting. This range is also visually depicted in a seasonal pictograph located below the species image.
- Description: The sign includes additional information about the plant variety, including growth expectations, fun facts, alternative names for the plant, and potential best uses for the fruit when harvested.
- Extras: Additional features on the sign include a QR code which directs visitors to the DUG Food Forest Tour page to explore additional plant varieties across DUG food forests and view additional photos of the variety.
Meet the Artist, Holly
Holly is a graphic designer and illustrator from Lakewood, Colorado, and currently resides in Southwest Denver. Her preferred illustration tools are pen and ink, watercolor painting, and digital drawing on an iPad. Her favorite illustration subjects include botanica, wildlife, mapping, and pattern studies. Her art is a reflection of daily observations, often comparing the similarities in human and non-human life experiences. Holly is also an avid printmaker and gardener and loves connecting with both the art and permaculture communities in Denver. When she’s not working or crafting, Holly can often be found camping and hiking in the Rocky Mountains.
You can follow Holly on Instagram @hollite
