Portland Fruit Tree Project announces expanded Fruit Tree Stewardship Program, and exciting new ways for you to get involved!

Portland Fruit Tree Project announces expanded Fruit Tree Stewardship Program, and exciting new ways for you to get involved! Portland Fruit Tree Project (PFTP) is a non-profit organization that increases equitable access to healthy food and strengthens communities by empowering neighbors to share in the bounty and care of city-grown food resources. We register fruit and nut trees throughout the city, bring people together to harvest and distribute thousands of pounds of fresh fruit each year, and teach tree care and food preservation in hands-on workshops.www.portlandfruit.org 

In 2010, PFTP’s winter pruning efforts will be expanded into a year-round Tree Stewardship Program. The goals of this program are to increase the health and abundance of registered fruit trees through volunteer-powered tree care services, and to engage tree owners and interested community members in hands-on opportunities to build skills and knowledge in fruit tree care. To accomplish these goals, we will offer an expanded series of Tree Care Workshops, and an exciting new volunteer program: Tree Care Teams! More details below…

Tree Care Workshops: In 2010, our expanded Tree Care Workshop Series will include:

·      Winter Pruning (January & February)

·      Fruit tree selection & planting (March)

·      Pest & disease assessment/control (May and September)

·      Summer pruning and thinning (June and July)

We are seeking volunteers to help teach workshops! Are you interested in sharing your knowledge on one (or more) of these topics? Please contact Bob (503)284-6106, [email protected] 

Tree Care Teams: Join PFTP in increasing the health and abundance of urban fruit trees -- Become a Tree Care Team Member, or aTree Care Team Leader! PFTP is forming small teams of volunteers to care for fruit trees registered and harvested by PFTP. Each Tree Care Team will include one ‘Team Leader’ with experience and skills in organic fruit tree care, who will teach and guide the group. Each team will be responsible for a group of 4-6 trees in their area, visiting each tree once per season to complete the full spectrum of care throughout the year. This will be a unique opportunity develop strong skills in fruit tree care, meet new people, and improve the health and productivity of trees providing food to your community! Members and Leaders will participate in ten 3-hour work-parties over a 9-month period (February-October, 2010). Topics/tasks will include: Winter Pruning, Spring check-ups/Pest & Disease Control, Summer Pruning/Thinning, Fall Clean-Up/Pest & Disease Assessment. 

To apply: Please contact Bob to request an application (specify Tree Care Team MEMBER or Tree Care Team LEADER): 503-284-6106, [email protected]  Application Deadline: January 15th for Leaders, January 22nd for Members. Please help us make this Tree Stewardship Program a success! Put your skills/knowledge to great use and join PFTP in caring for our community's food resources. If you are interested in becoming a Workshop Instructor, Tree Care Team Leader, or Tree Care Team Member, please contact us today!                                                                                                             Sincerely,                                                                                                             

Bob Hatton                                                                                                            

NWSA AmeriCorps member                 

Harvest & Stewardship Coordinator                             

Portland Fruit Tree Project                                                                                                            

503-284-6106                                                                                                            

www.portlandfruit.org