A free-to-pick public orchard.
Upcoming Events:
We are experimenting with doing shorter work parties more often.
Thursday October 9th 5-7pm
Community Cider Pressing! Saturday October 11th 1-4 - Bring a container for cider and/or a snack to share.
Thursday October 23rd 4-7pm
Sunday October 26th 1-4pm Ben Cooke Memorial Tree Planting and Work Party
Mt. Joy Orchard is a free to pick public orchard providing a creative social space while demonstrating the use of agricultural practices that promote pollinator habitat, biodiversity and the preservation of Maine's agricultural heritage.
The orchard currently consists of over 100 fruits trees, mostly heritage Apple cultivars on standard rootstock, along with Pears, Peaches, Cornelion Cherries, Yellowhorn, Paw Paws, Apricots, Asian Pears, Elder Berries, Plums and other minor fruits.
Mt. Joy is maintained by the community, mostly during monthly work parties. Please join us for a work party, or get in touch if you would like to help maintain the orchard independently. Every spring we plant more plants, always with a eye towards expanding diversity. Every fall we add lots of mulch to help build up the soil and minimize weed pressure. In winter we prune the trees to maintain health, productivity and ease of harvest.
We acknowledge that the Mt. Joy Orchard stands on Indigenous land. The Dawnland tribes made Machigonne their home for thousands of years. This region was a site for seasonal gatherings, most especially sustenance fishing and harvesting shellfish. In the Wabanaki spirit of generosity and sharing, we offer this orchard to the community so that all who live here may have sustenance. This area is also the historic site of 19th century Fort Loyal, where a great battle was fought over rights and resources. Our goal is to practice the reciprocity principle and restore our relationship to the land which sustains us all.