Sangha of Auspicious Companions

Nonprofit Turns Vacant Lots Into Free Fruit Orchards

A small orchard planted 13 years ago at a shuttered Kansas CIty elementary school has grown into a national movement that has inspired more than 847 orchards with 14,000 trees in 17 cities, all producing fruit for people living within walking distance. Kansas City itself now has 248 free orchards, with almost 4,600 fruit, nut and berry trees, more than any other US city. After a community gardening group in St. Louis asked for help almost a decade ago, the Giving Grove expanded into cities from Seattle to Atlanta, and is in talks with San Francisco, Minneapolis, and New York City. “It’s stuff people can learn, but it takes a long time, and it’s not really efficient for one group to do that,” said founder Kevin Birzer. “So our thought from day one was we would provide that expertise, the knowledge of how to grow the trees, how to select the trees.” The Giving Grove helps local groups find grant money, improve soil, prune trees, and work with volunteer orchard stewards. Much of its budget comes from 1% for the Planet, which mobilizes businesses to direct 1% of their annual revenue to vetted environmental solutions.

Be The Change

Take a slow walk through your neighborhood today with fresh eyes, noticing any vacant lots, neglected corners, or underused green spaces – and let yourself imagine them transformed, the way a single stand of trees at a shuttered school became “a national movement.” Then look up whether a community orchard, gleaning network, or urban garden exists near you, and send one email or make one call to ask how you might get involved.