FogTree: Blending Science and Art to Build Climate Resilience in Coastal Communities (2024)

FogTree is an interdisciplinary project that explores fog as an overlooked but vital water source through the combined power of science, art, and community engagement. Led by scientist Peter Weiss, the project collaborates with artist Jennifer Parker and UCSC undergraduate Arlo Reilly to create a visually striking, functional sculpture as a fog harvester inspired by a redwood tree. Fog catchers on the UCSC farm have already supplied up to 35% of a vegetable garden’s irrigation needs, while also serving as public tools for education, inspiration, and resilience. By bridging scientific research and artistic design, FogTree invites people to reimagine sustainable living, deepen their relationship to natural weather systems, and take part in shaping a more climate-conscious future, one drop of fog at a time.