What is a Sustainable Orchard?
We are proud of our cider trees and work hard to protect the environment. In The Orchard, we have taken sustainable action in designing our orcharding practices and always consider the impact that our operations have on our trees and the land around them. While we aren’t Organic Certified yet, many of our practices are consistent with organic principals and this is something we are working towards. We believe that using fewer chemicals and pesticides allows us to grow higher quality, healthier, and better tasting fruit. Is it challenging? Sure… Is it worth it? Absolutely!
“The Orchard invests heavily in sustainable
orcharding practices and continually
works to find more environmentally
responsible farming methods.”
What is Sustainable Action?
Taking sustainable action when growing cider apples means that wherever possible, we use organic certified foliar nutrients to feed our trees and natural fertilizers to improve soil health. We also populate The Orchard with beneficial insects that naturally prey on damaging insects. There are many things we do to try and be environmental stewards:
- Generating all of our energy through wind & solar power
- Using biopesticides* to protect from disease and damaging insects
- Planting pollinator beds to encourage beneficial insects
- Growing a variety of fruits to create a diverse ecosphere
- Collaborate with researchers to find new sustainable processes
*Biopesticides are pest management agents and chemicals derived from natural sources such as bacteria, fungi, viruses, plants, animals and minerals.
We Have Help…
The bird houses and bat boxes we have placed throughout the orchard are part of our Integrated Pest Management program. They help reduce unwanted pests and our flying friends add to the beauty of our natural space. We also have many foxes, bald eagles, ravens, and owls living in and around The Orchard and they thrive in its healthy environment. We are always looking for ways to improve our landscape and make it and inviting place for people, plants, and animals. Follow us on Instagram and Facebook to join us on our adventures.