Planting orchards for schoolchildren worldwide

Dear friend,

We are excited to share that our latest Fruit Tree 101 orchards are now in the ground, receiving plenty of water and care from the dedicated school staff and students who helped plant them at two Florida high schools earlier this year.

The first schoolyard orchard was planted at Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, as part of the school’s beautiful healing garden. The orchard features a diverse array of delicious fruit trees, including pomegranate, tangerine, finger lime, lychee, longan, mountain apple, June plum, wax jambu, lemon drop mangosteen, guava, sugar apple, and ice cream bean. Students and teachers came together in the garden during the school’s day of service, honoring those lost in the 2018 tragedy on campus. As we planted the trees, we were reminded of the lasting legacy they create—from the clean air we breathe to the healthy harvests future generations will enjoy on countless summer afternoons. Trees give us nutrition, oxygen, shade, and shelter. Trees give us life. We are grateful to everyone who joined us to plant, mulch, and install irrigation on this special day.

The second orchard was planted at Hollywood Hills High School in Hollywood, Florida. As the school's garden coordinator beautifully put it: “The trees stand as verdant classrooms, offering endless lessons in science, art, and imagination. Students will witness the bustling ecosystems provided by the trees as living laboratories, inspiring hands-on discoveries and fostering a lifelong love for nature.” We loved planting this orchard on a sunny day in March with the help of a dozen enthusiastic students. Orchards like these at public schools encourage students to engage with nature, sparking curiosity and wonder as they watch the fruit develop from flower to harvest. Often, we spread the trees throughout the campus, placing them where they will bring brightness and positive energy to both current and future students. It’s a special way to beautify school grounds while simultaneously creating sources of food, learning, and joy.

Thank you for your continued support in making these projects possible. We couldn’t do this without your generous donations!

Here’s to a fruitful future for all!