On Saturday, May 31, volunteers, educators, and local officials will break ground on a living “pawpaw classroom” along the east side of Garden Road, behind Barsema Hall, in the area known as NIU’s “North 40.” The grove — the first pawpaw planting in NIU history — will feature 50 native pawpaw trees (10 seedlings and 40 seeds) and spotlight sustainable food forestry, hands-on research, and community engagement.

The project is led by The Little Pawpaw Foundation, founded by pawpaw enthusiast Austin Cliffe, in partnership with NIU’s Office of Campus Sustainability, the Northern Illinois Center for Community Sustainability (NICCS), and organizers of the annual Paw Paw Festival.

Pawpaw (Asimina triloba) is the largest edible fruit native to North America. Its custard-smooth flesh carries tropical notes of banana, mango, and pineapple, and it is rich in vitamin C, potassium, and essential amino acids. Pawpaws thrive in partial shade and require minimal chemical input, making them ideal for low-maintenance food forests and regional sustainability research.

As a native understory tree, pawpaw plantings help restore habitat corridors and provide early-season resources for specialized pollinators, contributing to local biodiversity.

This project aligns with NIU’s Edible Campus initiative, which integrates food-bearing plants into the campus landscape, creating living laboratories for student learning, faculty research, and community engagement.

The Little Pawpaw Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit whose mission is to educate communities and plant pawpaw trees across Northern Illinois. The Office of Campus Sustainability advances university-wide climate action, renewable energy initiatives, and community partnerships that foster environmental and social resilience. Held annually in Paw Paw, Illinois, the Paw Paw Festival celebrates America’s largest native fruit with music, food, and family-friendly activities that spotlight local growers and artisans.