Will An Orchard Work at Your School or Community Park?
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The MSCO Story
The Mary Scott Community Orchard came to life thanks to the dedication of local teachers and students. While the idea had strong community support, it was the passion and commitment of these educators and students that transformed it into a reality.
How Difficult Is It?
Every orchard requires thoughtful planning—from choosing the right trees and location to ensuring the proper care and support. But what if you’re not an expert? Fortunately, help is available. Reach out to local greenhouses, nurseries, or visit an established orchard nearby to share your vision. You might be surprised by the wealth of valuable advice and guidance you’ll receive.
Is This A Project I Could Do At My School?
Absolutely! Many schools have large, unused spaces on their playgrounds, and there’s a growing trend in education to transform these areas into vibrant spaces filled with trees, gardens, and more. You can bring this exciting initiative to your own school!
Covering the Costs?
The costs for a project like this are surprisingly manageable. Teachers and administrators can apply for grants to cover expenses, and there are also opportunities for private fundraising and sponsorship. The more clearly you define your project’s vision, the more likely you are to attract enthusiastic support!
How complex is a project like this? Is this best as a solo project, or do I need partners?
Every project like this requires planning and effort. We all lead busy lives, but we stay committed to our communities through service and volunteering. An orchard doesn’t have to feel overwhelming—you can collaborate with teachers and community groups for tasks like maintenance or harvesting fruit and seeds. Many people are eager to help but may hesitate if the commitment seems too large. By offering clearly defined, manageable roles, you can boost enthusiasm and participation. While there are many aspects to running an orchard, a dedicated team serving as a governing body can greatly reduce the workload, making it much more manageable.
General Information
Specific Cultivar Resources
Specific Cultivar Resources
Orchard People is an excellent resource for eveyrthing related to raising fruit trees. They offer wonderful resources and a regular newsletter.
Specific Cultivar Resources
Specific Cultivar Resources
Specific Cultivar Resources
Experts are available in every field, and you can always reach out to the agricultural extension office at a university. They can connect you with specialists and provide access to valuable research and resources.
Orchard Tree Varieties
Specific Cultivar Resources
Orchard Tree Varieties
You’ll need to choose between standard, semi-dwarf, and dwarf apple trees, depending on the specific needs of your project. It’s always helpful to seek advice from others. While there are many nurseries to choose from, we've had great experiences with Cummins Nursery and highly recommend them!
Orchard Plans
Regular Funding and Budgets
Orchard Tree Varieties
There are too many ways to plan an orchard for us to list them all here. And that’s one of the most exciting parts of the process! Our advice would be to take time to look at other plans that are posted on the Internet. When planning a school orchard, consider the following:
- Ensure there is a reliable water source throughout the year.
- If planting multiple rows, arrange the trees in a north-south orientation.
- Trees need as much sunlight as possible, ideally all day long.
- Pollinators like bees, butterflies, and moths will be attracted, so factor this in when choosing the orchard’s location.
- Seek the expertise of a reputable nursery or an expert in the field.
Grants and Funding
Regular Funding and Budgets
Regular Funding and Budgets
Grant proposals can be submitted on behalf of a nonprofit organization, such as a school. Generally, grants are not awarded to individuals, so ensure you have a 501(c)(3) sponsor or a school sponsor. Below are two sample grant proposals that meet the needs of most schools.
Regular Funding and Budgets
Regular Funding and Budgets
Regular Funding and Budgets
While maintaining a small-scale orchard is relatively affordable, there are ongoing costs, typically just a few hundred dollars per year. We recommend seeking sponsorship from local businesses that align with the orchard’s goals. Part of the funding can be used to create banners acknowledging their support or provide students with t-shirts featuring the business logo on the back!
Orchard Care
Additional Resources
Recruit Volunteers
There is always regular and necessary maintenance to the site. Trees have to be sprayed, fertilized, and pruned on a scheduled basis.
Recruit Volunteers
Additional Resources
Recruit Volunteers
Important spaces like this have to be maintained. If you would like to volunteer for the orchard, please send us an email or contact us through our Facebook page. We would be happy to discuss the maintenance of the site and yearly scheduling. Orchards have minimal maintenance throughout the year (except harvest!). This consists of weeding and spraying as needed. Let us know if you're interested!
Additional Resources
Additional Resources
Suggestions and FAQ's
Here are some more resources for your reading and researching pleasure!
Suggestions and FAQ's
Suggestions and FAQ's
Suggestions and FAQ's
There are so many questions that people have along the way. We have compiled an FAQ section, based on our own experience. We hope it will be helpful to you!
Orchard People Fruit Tree Care
An excellent website and resource for apple tree growers at all levels of experience.