The Harvest in the Historic Orchard Will Start Soon!
An insider’s presentation – hike – tour to celebrate the bounty!
On August 17, nature and history lovers can learn about the history of an orchard originally planted in 1908-1912, later abandoned and recently restored at Jack London State Historic Park. They can then hike to the newly reclaimed orchard to see – and taste – the rejuvenation that now provides fresh produce for those facing food insecurity.
Deputy Director of Operations Eric Metz will start the day with a presentation on the history and progress of the orchard.
The group will then have the option to take a medium-effort, six-mile (round trip) hike to the orchard for a for a personalized tour of the various areas that have been given a new lease on life to learn more about the unique challenges they had to overcome to revitalize the different areas, such as no access to water. Many of the fruit trees in the orchard now are much older than their average lifespans. Meet Rory Poole, a certified arborist and a long-time volunteer who has used his skills to help revitalize the orchard!
According to records from 1910, there were “675 apple trees, 175 apricots, 115 cherries, 250 pears, 75 plums, 810 prunes, and 575 peaches, and of grapevines 1,147 vines” in the orchard that was part of Sonoma Developmental Center. By the 1980s, the orchard had been abandoned.
In 2002 Jack London State Historic Park acquired approximately 600 acres of the land, including 110 acres of orchard. In 2017, Jack London Park Partners acquired permits to start the work to revive these struggling trees with the work performed by mainly volunteers.
Participants in the August 17 program will learn about the remaining varieties and a special project to reintroduce the heritage peach with the assistance of 18 volunteers, including 13 from the Sonoma Valley Rotary Club.
Today, the revitalized trees are producing a bounty of fruit. Jack London State Historic Park has now partnered with Farm to Pantry to glean the fruit from the orchard and deliver it to Sonoma organizations that help people facing food insecurity. Meet Riley Reed, Farm to Pantry, Special Projects Coordinator to learn more about their work. In 2023, 7,129 pounds of fruit was donated to Farm to Pantry!
“The original goal of reviving the orchard was preserving the cultural landscape. The produce is just a happy side effect,” Metz said. “We wanted to keep these trees alive – and grow more like them – to preserve an example of a pre-World War II orchard for future generations. Fruit isn’t grown this way anymore.”
Those planning the hike should bring plenty of water, hiking poles, a snack, dress in layers, and wear sturdy shoes.
Date: Saturday, August 17, 2024
Time: 9 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
Place: Meet in the ranch parking lot (turn right after the entry kiosk)
Price: $15 per person, plus the entry fee of $10 per vehicle for up to nine passengers.
Price: $15.00