Ways to Get Involved

Help to Create a Local Fruit Grower’s Association

We can be more fruitful together. An important goal of the Chilkat Valley Orchard Project is to establish an association of tree-fruit growers to share ideas and help each other succeed.

As climate warms, the potential for fruit cultivation in our area increases. Of course, latitude 59N is not Yakima—and not without unique challenges—but here in the Haines and Klukwan areas, and around Northern-Southeast Alaska, fruit growers are innovating and succeeding. Together we can learn and achieve greater success. If you’d like to help, please email: info@cvorchardproject.org

A few reasons for growers to association

• Connecting with successful growers to learn what works best
• Avoiding wildlife damage from bears, moose, voles, etc.
• Choosing fruit varieties and root stocks suited to the site/region
• Developing orchard skills and getting help and advice
• Learning about innovative production methods
• Using holistic methods to increase yields and avoid pests

Orchard Planning—Getting Help

A central component of the Orchard Project is providing consultation to property owners and helping new, well planned orchards come into existence. In fact, the success of the project will be measured in the number of individual fenced areas brought under cultivation with fruit trees. We want people who need more information about fruit trees to call or email and ask for help (907-314-0331; info@cvorchardproject.org).

Soil Testing and Site Assessment at No Cost—

Firstly we evaluate the essential site parameters—solar access, water, soil-type and drainage. If warranted by the prospects and owner interest, we’ll fund a few analytical soil tests that help us understand the soil chemistry and how it can be improved–then we have a clear picture about the site’s overall strengths, needs and strategies to consider.