The Case Western Reserve University Farm in Hunting Valley, is 1 of 120 possible sites to receive 1 of 20 donations this year of an orchard. If the university is fortunate enough to win one, it will allow for an expansion of the Farm Food Program (http://studentaffairs.case.edu/farm/food/) which employs students, teaches them about sustainable farming methods and produces chemical free, locally grown food which is consumed by CWRU students at the campus' many dining halls.
The grant is funded by and administered by a partnership between the Fruit Tree Planting Foundation and a program started by the Edy's Ice Cream/ Dryer's Fruit Bar company called "Communities Take Root" (http://www.communitiestakeroot.com/Plant/Index). The mission of these organizations, is to donate orchards to non-profit entities where it will benefit members of the community and to help promote healthier eating habits.
Winners will be decided by a popular vote on the Communities Take Root website. Voting is open to anyone, and anyone can vote once per day.
Five orchards will be awarded per month for four months, with all of the actual donations to take place this fall. Winning sites will receive fruit and berry trees and shrubs that are hardy for their respective climates. After appropriate fencing has been constructed to protect the orchards form browsing wildlife, The Fruit Tree Planting Foundation provides a professional horticulturist to teach the planting volunteers on proper planting and care techniques for orchards.
Please consider voting at the Communites Take Root Website (http://www.communitiestakeroot.com/Plant/Index) to help Northeast Ohio take one more step in the direction of sustainability.
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