Meet Mike McCord, the driving force behind Community Foodscapes, Atlanta’s premier advocate for sustainable living and edible landscaping.
With a Bachelor’s of Science in Agriculture from UGA and a wealth of experience as a Permaculture Designer, Certified Arborist, and Georgia Certified Landscape Professional, Mike’s journey is one of passion and purpose.
From his early days surrounded by forests and veggie gardens to traversing the globe through WWOOF’ing in five different countries, Mike’s dedication to environmental stewardship and hyper-local food production is unwavering.
His entrepreneurial spirit ignited with the founding of Community Foodscapes in 2015, a venture that began with a simple idea and less than $500 in hand. Without the traditional trappings of a business plan or external funding, Mike proved that success starts with action, not paperwork.
Today, as the Director of Operations at Community Foodscapes, Mike continues to lead by example, spearheading initiatives such as lawn conversions, fruit tree orchards, and eco-friendly drainage solutions. His commitment to community engagement and environmental sustainability is evident in every project undertaken.
Join Mike on his mission to cultivate vibrant, sustainable communities one garden at a time.
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My story is one of humble beginnings and boundless passion for the natural world. Growing up surrounded by forests, waterways, and the bounty of veggie gardens, I developed a deep-rooted connection to the land from an early age. This upbringing instilled in me a profound respect for the environment and a keen interest in sustainable agriculture.
Fuelled by this passion, I pursued a degree in agriculture from UGA and embarked on a transformative journey through WWOOF’ing in five different countries. These experiences broadened my horizons and deepened my understanding of the interconnectedness between people and the planet.
Upon returning home, I was inspired to channel my knowledge and skills into a tangible mission: building community through freshly grown, hyper-local food. And thus, Community Foodscapes was born.
Armed with little more than a vision and a shovel, I set out to make a difference. Despite the absence of a traditional business plan or external funding, I embraced the ethos of “test and learn,” steadily growing Community Foodscapes into the thriving enterprise it is today.
My journey is a testament to the power of perseverance, passion, and the belief that positive change begins with action. As I continue to steward Community Foodscapes and advocate for environmental sustainability, I am driven by a singular purpose: to cultivate vibrant, resilient communities rooted in harmony with nature.
My journey is a tapestry woven with threads of curiosity, exploration, and unwavering commitment to environmental stewardship. From the verdant landscapes of my childhood to the bustling streets of Atlanta, each step has been guided by a deep-seated reverence for the natural world and a desire to effect positive change.
My path took a pivotal turn with a degree in agriculture from UGA, followed by transformative experiences WWOOF’ing across five countries. Immersed in diverse cultures and ecosystems, I gleaned invaluable insights into sustainable farming practices and the interconnectedness of global food systems.
Armed with newfound knowledge and a burning passion to make a difference, I founded Community Foodscapes. With little more than a shovel and a vision, I embarked on a journey of grassroots activism, challenging conventional notions of entrepreneurship and paving the way for a new paradigm of sustainable living.
Through perseverance and a steadfast belief in the power of community, Community Foodscapes blossomed into a beacon of hope and inspiration, empowering individuals to reconnect with the land and cultivate thriving, resilient ecosystems.
My journey is far from over, but with each passing day, I am reminded of the transformative power of small actions and the profound impact that one individual can have on the world.
My vision is rooted in a deep-seated belief in the transformative power of sustainable living and environmental stewardship. At its core, it is a vision of harmony—a world where people and the planet coexist in balance, nourishing one another in a symbiotic relationship.
Central to this vision is the concept of hyper-local food production, where communities are empowered to grow their own food, reduce their ecological footprint, and foster greater resilience in the face of environmental challenges.
Through initiatives like Community Foodscapes, I envision a future where every individual has access to fresh, nutritious food, regardless of their socioeconomic status. From edible landscaping to community gardens and fruit tree orchards, these initiatives serve as catalysts for change, inspiring communities to come together, reconnect with the land, and cultivate vibrant, sustainable ecosystems.
But my vision extends beyond mere sustenance. It is a vision of empowerment—a world where individuals are empowered to take control of their own food security, reclaiming their autonomy and forging deeper connections with the natural world.
As we continue to steward the land and nurture thriving, resilient communities, my vision remains steadfast: to create a world where sustainability is not just a choice, but a way of life—a legacy for future generations to inherit and cherish.
Working with Mike has been an absolutely wonderful experience! He's extremely knowledgeable and generous with his time in supporting new gardeners like us. He and his team have helped us envision how we can produce more food while creating a beautiful space. We highly recommend his services!
Update: we have now worked with Community Foodscapes for 2 years and they're helping to transform our backyard property into an serene, beautiful orchard following the plan that they designed for us. They recently planted 9 trees and 8 bushes. All came in beautiful, healthy condition.
