Did you know a Public Orchard was recently established in Snoqualmie? Yes, it’s true.
The City of Snoqualmie has been buying up homes along Park Street – near the back side of the Mount Si High School property – as this area will become part of the city’s Riverwalk project in the future.
One of those now vacant, city-owned lots was recently turned into a small public orchard. It was the idea and Eagle Scout project of Ashton Fender, called The Park Street Community Orchard, which sits adjacent the Snoqualmie River.
According to the city, Ashton and his family worked closely with city staff to complete the community Eagle Scout project this spring.
Ten antique varieties of fruit trees were selected with the help of City of Snoqualmie Arborist, Phil Bennett. They were then planted by Ashton in the vacant lot that was once the site of the very first orchard established in the Snoqualmie Valley by Jeremiah Borst.
Cherry, apple and a peach tree were planted to help Ashton’s goal of providing free, healthy food to any community member or passer-by.
According to the city, the orchard will remain consistent with future phases of the Riverwalk project – and a plaque was installed adjacent to the sidewalk on Park Street, south of River View Park.
The city will maintain the public orchard. It is expected the trees will begin producing fruit in a couple of years.
Ashton is part of Boy Scout Troop 466. Nice work!
Comments
Thank you Ashton for making a orchard. At the same time this was in the works, the City of Snoqualmie cut down 4 old apple trees that were still bearing alot of fruit on a lot that the city bought for a park that sits right next to city hall. 10 planted, 4 down.