Establishing an Uncommon Orchard with Native Plant Understory

View the project final report

Commodities

• Fruits: berries (other), paw-paws, peaches, pears, persimmon, plums, quinces
• Nuts: hazelnuts
• Additional Plants: native plants

Practices

• Crop Production: agroforestry, pollinator habitat
• Education and Training: youth education
• Natural Resources/Environment: biodiversity, carbon sequestration

In a Fall 2019 Agriculture and Climate Change class, students studied ways to make Scattergood's certified organic school farm more resilient to the effects of climate change as well as incorporating ways to combat it. They recognized that native plants and food-producing perennials are an effective combination. This project will allow several different classes to be involved in converting approximately one acre of underutilized certified organic pasture into organic orchards with a native grass understory. Students will study, experience and report on eradicating introduced species, selecting and seeding native species, and selecting, planting and caring for appropriate food-bearing perennials.

This project will provide students with hands-on experience in native plant restoration and agroforestry, including:

     Organically removing established introduced plants through tillage and cover cropping,

     Working with experts from the Xerces Society in selecting and seeding geographically and functionally appropriate native species,

     Working with experienced farmers in selecting and transplanting food-bearing perennials,

     Presenting information effectively through signage at the orchard site,

     Educating our immediate and extended community through tours, presentations, social media, and a field day.