Sprouting Soon: Our First School Orchard

More time spent in Maine means more time spent growing ReTreeUS.  And if our organization were itself a fruit tree, that tree would be tall and fruiting. With the help of our generous sponsors, donors, members, and new friends with invaluable connections, the seeds of positive change are spreading.  We see a healthier planet ahead. 

We have acquired almost everything we need for a nursery now, including tools, compost, mulch, someone to till at a discounted rate...and, most importantly, trees!  Next spring will be a busy time for us; but all of our work is fun. 

From now until we till and plant cover crops, a lot of our time is still spent networking, grant writing, and campaigning from indoors.  

Richard and I work on our non-profit in the sunroom of his childhood home.
We hope to make this the greenhouse and official office for ReTreeUS.  

None of this time is rewarded with a paycheck yet, so we both found part-time jobs to pay the bills.  I am most excited today about my job, because I just found out I was hired by a nearby private school as Administrative Assistant.  Directing my own non-profit, combined with administrative work I've done for other non-profits in the past, make me a great fit for the job.  The fact that I am working with the school's founder, Michele, makes the job even better.

As the school's original founder, Michele fosters a philosophy of teamwork and responsibility among her students.  (Both of these ideals fit perfectly with ecology and sustainable agriculture.)  She leads many outdoor activities there and encourages students and parents to buy local, healthy food.  One of the Freeport Farmer's Markets is even hosted in the school's parking lot for that reason.

Michele began a garden with her students in the school yard, but she said maintenance was a challenge, and she is excited about the prospect of an orchard.  Fruit trees require less energy-input than a garden...and often produce much more.

She plans to make hers the first school to participate in the ReTreeUS program.  She has also connected us with key people who could help us expand in the very near future.

This entire process has been like a fruit tree: producing branches, giving way to fruit, then leading to more fruit in a chain reaction of giving.  Thank you to all who support us, to all who enjoy the fruits of our labor, and to all who will help grow a healthier planet.