Unlike community gardens — where individuals tend their own plots — community orchards are shared spaces where fruit trees and berry bushes are planted, cared for, and harvested collectively. This communal approach offers a unique combination of environmental and social benefits that are increasingly vital in the face of the climate and biodiversity crises.
The Peterborough Community Orchard Stewards are a growing network of volunteers supported by GreenUP who tend, prune, and harvest these community spaces, while also nourishing neighbourhood connection.
These shared green spaces are places where people of all ages and backgrounds can come together. From pruning and mulching to harvest celebrations, community orchards foster relationships rooted in reciprocity and shared care.
Though a single fruit tree might not seem like much, together orchards function as green infrastructure. The trees absorb carbon dioxide (CO2), while providing shade that cools urban spaces and helps counteract the urban heat island effect.
The roots improve soil, enhance water infiltration, and help manage stormwater. All are critical functions as our climate continues to change and as Peterborough experiences more intense rain events.
Community orchards also provide ecosystem benefits to other species. In spring, blossoms support native bees and pollinators. Throughout the growing season, fruit-bearing plants provide food and shelter for birds and other wildlife. In doing so, orchards act as green corridors, forming habitats that help promote biodiversity within the city.
What’s happening underground is equally as important. Volunteers work to build healthy soil by adding compost, mulch, and understory plants. Healthy soil supports fungi, microbes, and invertebrates that aid in nutrient cycling, water retention, and the breakdown of pollutants.
Soil supports key ecosystem functions that directly impact plant performance and even human well-being.
Peterborough’s community orchards are still young. This spring, volunteers planted 15 fruit trees supplied by the City of Peterborough across the city’s community orchards. The new trees replaced some damaged by rabbits and also expanded on the existing apple varieties by adding plum, cherry, and pear trees.
Since forming in 2022, the Peterborough Community Orchard Stewards have cared for six community orchards which can be found in the following parks: Mapleridge, Whitefield (near Talwood Dr.), Keith Wightman, Reid/McDonnel (along Jackson Creek near the green bridge), Roland Glover, and Dominion.
There are a variety of ways new volunteers can get involved.
Become an orchard steward
Community members can join a neighbourhood stewardship team to water and weed an orchard close to home. Ideally, volunteers commit to about one hour a week.
The orchards at Mapleridge Park and Talwood Community Garden are currently seeking new volunteer stewards.
Participate in a stewardship day
For those unable to commit weekly, stewardship days offer a chance for volunteers to help out seasonally.
In spring, trees are prepared by applying fresh compost and mulch, removing tree guards, applying a dormant oil spray, planting replacement trees, and weeding. Summer stewardship involves mulching and composting, or simply watering young trees during dry periods. In the fall, the focus is on weeding, planting, reapplying tree guards, and general tidy up.
Everyone is welcome to participate, or simply drop by to connect with stewards and learn more.
Spread the word or donate
GreenUP relies on donations to provide capacity and sustain this work for the long term.
Sharing this article with someone who may want to get involved or someone who may have the capacity to support this work will help a greener, more connected Peterborough bear fruit.
While sustaining the orchards depends on a core group of committed volunteers, there’s always room for casual helpers and curious passersby to get involved. Many lead volunteers bring a deep knowledge of fruit tree care, and regularly lead skill-sharing with the community at large.
Community orchards support climate resilience, social networks, and vibrant public spaces. When people work together towards a shared goal, they build important components of community resilience needed in these times. These orchards are for everyone, and the more people who get involved, the stronger they will become.
To find out more about Peterborough’s Community Orchards Stewards, or to get involved, visit greenup.on.ca/orchard-stewards/.
