Montezuma Orchard Restoration Project (MORP) is excited to partner with AmeriCorps National Civilian Community Corps (NCCC) this summer — from now through early August — to preserve our orchard heritage and practice water conservation in orchards as we grow our local fruit economy.
Main projects include fence building, tree planting, weed management, drip irrigation installation, and cover crop establishment at the Orchard Hub, Dolores Community Heritage Orchard, and Gold Medal Orchard.
Please help us welcome and support the 10 member NCCC team by contributing to one or more of the following:
Help us keep them well fed
Sign up to provide a meal or if you do not have time to cook a full meal, meals and/or gift cards from area restaurants and grocers are welcome. As well as, locally raised/made items such as produce, eggs, baked and canned goods, honey, meats, etc. If you prefer to email a gift card send to: morporchard@gmail.com. Extra bonus! Choose items from some of our Sustain-a-Tree sponsors listed at the end of this article.
If the crew is not home when you drop off items (anytime is fine between 8am-6pm), please leave in cooler and/or dry container on front porch of the house that is located to the south of the old barn at the Orchard Hub. (Beware of possible construction activity.)
Help us keep them safe and comfortable
Help us keep them safe and comfortable during their stay at the Orchard Hub farmhouse by providing any of the items on this Wish List. You may order directly at the link OR you may source similar items elsewhere, but please let us know when you do so we can thank you and update the list. BTW, we are grateful to the Fort Lewis College Student Housing Department for donating 10 beds.
Help us contribute sweat equity by volunteering to work alongside the crew
Volunteer opportunities will be most Saturdays now through early August. Dress for working outdoors with comfort and safety in mind. Work boots, gloves, and eye protection are required. Bring your own water and food (and treats for the crew, if you like). No pets please. Helpful tools to bring, if you have on hand, include shovel, plier, hammer, long tape measure, and/or fence stretcher. Please let is know if you happen to have extra deer fence supplies you might donate such as tall posts and field fence that will build to 8 feet tall.
If you plan to volunteer, please contact us a few days out to confirm work plan, directions, and details.
Directions to the Orchard Hub are 13751 Road 29, Dolores, CO 81323. Second driveway on the west side of road just past Southwest Seed. No pets please. Note: depending on the week, the volunteer work site may be at the Hub or another orchard location so please contact us a day or two out to confirm.
Annual Membership
Join us in “keeping Colorado orchard country”. Your tax-deductible donation saves lost apples. Join here.
Membership levels (automatically renews annually until you say stop):
Blue Ribbon: $30 | Best of Show $50 | Grand Champion $100 | Silver Medal $500 | Gold Medal $1,000
Sustain-a-Tree Membership
When you become a Sustain-a-Tree member you join a dedicated group of people reaching out each month to preserve Colorado’s fruit growing heritage. Together, we can be the sustaining-core keeping Colorado orchard country. Members receive discounts on heritage apple trees and orchard workshops, and help to sustain an actual tree growing at the Gold Medal or Dolores Community heritage orchards. Sign up today.