The Power of Oregon Prison Gardens: Agrivoltaics at Warner Creek Correctional Facility
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Date
2024
Authors
McKone, Mikayla
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
University of Oregon
Abstract
Research has shown that there are
many physical and mental benefits from
having gardens in prison. Gardens provide
Adults in Custody (AICs) the opportunity to
connect with nature, learn new skills, build
relationships, and access fresh healthy
food, among many other benefits. With
the introduction of renewable energy to an
existing prison garden, this project explores
how solar panels can expand the current
benefits of the existing prison garden at
Warner Creek Correctional Facility. Through
a literature review, case study analysis,
and site visits, this research proposes a
new site for agrivoltaic implementation
which overlaps with Oregon Department of
Corrections Sustainability Plan. Although
landscape architects cannot solve issues of
mass incarceration or climate change alone,
they can help promote renewable energy
to maximize mutual benefits to increase
land use efficiency, improve the human
experience of incarceration, and address
food security inside prison.
Description
51 pages
Keywords
Prison gardens, Agrivoltaics, mass incarceration, ODOC Sustainability Plan, inequity, food systems