ABOUT THE ORCHARD

our mission

Dream, build, and share an orchard community.

our vision

Inspire communities to cultivate thriving systems of sharing and growing fruit.

work & learn
days

A weekly opportunity for community members of all experience-levels to help us cultivate the flagship Orchard site, while developing their own hands-on orcharding skills.  The first of these each month begins with an Orchard Tour.  We encourage volunteers to bring their own water, hat, sunscreen, close-toed shoes and clothes fit for the season.  All are welcome, and no experience is needed – we’ll show you what to do when you arrive!  

Schedule

April – May:  Saturdays, 1-4pm

June – August:  Wednesdays, 5-8pm

September – November:  Saturdays, 1-4pm

Volunteer Groups:  If you are interested in bringing a group of more than 5 volunteers, please contact us beforehand to make arrangements.

FREE classes

Each year we teach a variety of classes on topics such as tree selection and planting, pruning, grafting, soil development, integrative pest management, companion plantings, and more.  To view our currently scheduled classes, please visit our Facebook page.

seasonal festivals

The Community Orchard is well-known for our community festivals, which generally include Spring Planting Day (in April), Harvest Festival (in July), CiderFest (in October), and Hibernation Celebration (in January). To view our currently scheduled events, please visit our Facebook page.  

partner plantings & tree giveaways

We regularly partner with community members, neighborhood associations and other local organizations wanting to plant fruit trees and other perennial edible agriculture in both public and private spaces, while offering free fruit tree giveaways for individuals and organizations looking to plant some fruit trees of their own to help feed others.  Please contact us if you or your organization are interested in partnering with us.

 

other partnerships

We welcome your ideas on how we can partner with other organizations to fulfill our sustainability mission and create an even broader and longer-lasting impact on the community.  If you have an idea and/or are interested in partnering with the Orchard (e.g., for a fruit tree giveaway or other educational opportunity), please contact us.

OUR STORY

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The Bloomington Community Orchard was born from simple ideas:

• Everyone should have access to food.
• Local food is a key element of a sustainable future.
• We build community through sharing space, food, and resources.

What started as just a seedling of inspiration, quickly became fertilized by both local and global need, and soon became one of the most fruitful volunteer-driven sustainability initiatives of its kind.

More History & Milestones

ANNUAL REPORTS

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2014201520162017201820192020 – 2021 – 20222023

PARTNERS & SPONSORS

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