The Mesquite Mile is a multi-phase project based in Lubbock, TX. It aims to relocate regionally historic Mesquites (genus Prosopis) from commercial agricultural land (where they are maligned and removed) to Lubbock’s urban core (where they can be properly managed as assets). The project utilizes art as a tool to create a drought resistant shade canopy and public food forest—converting lawns and surplus space into interconnected rainwater harvesting earthworks that reimagine the narrative of this vital keystone species. See more about the work by visiting the Interchange Artist Grant website and our collaborators Travis Neel and Erin Charpentier at workabout.space/
Partners include:
Heart of Lubbock Neighborhood Association—The organization will assist in community outreach and education—helping to locate families and landlord participants.
Heart of Lubbock Community Gardeners—The Gardeners will donate time and will help with community outreach, education and food forest stewardship.
Texas Tech University School of Art will provide in-kind volunteer support through service-learning coursework, engaging students with the construction and maintenance of the food forest.
Texas Tech School of Landscape Architecture will provide in-kind support to the project by providing service-learning coursework, engaging students with the planning and design of food forest plantings.
See more on our instagram page for the project