We are excited to share some wonderful updates about the orchard at The Ahwatukee Community Garden! Our fruit trees are thriving beautifully, showcasing lush, bushy growth and abundant blooms on each tree. This vibrant transformation is a testament to the collective effort and care from our dedicated community.

New Irrigation System Installed

We are pleased to announce the installation of a new irrigation system. This significant upgrade means we no longer need to hand-water the trees, ensuring a more consistent and efficient watering process that will support the orchard’s continued health and growth.

Expansion with Chinese Elm Trees

This season, we are expanding our orchard by adding six Chinese Elm trees. These trees are known for providing excellent natural shade, which will enhance the comfort and aesthetics of our garden space.

Teepee Shade Structures for Tree Protection

To protect our fruit trees from the intense Arizona sun, we are introducing teepee-style shade structures over each tree. These structures will offer crucial protection during the hottest parts of the day, ensuring our trees remain healthy and productive.

A Transformed Community Space

The orchard has truly transformed a previously blank area of the park and community garden into a lush, shady gathering spot. This cooler, inviting space is not only a beautiful addition to our community but also promises to yield abundant fruits for everyone to enjoy.

All hands on deck today at the garden.

🌳🌱 Another successful day at Ahwatukee Community Garden! 🌿 We planted 10 more trees in what will soon be the Children's garden space, and the kids had a blast getting their hands dirty! 🌟 Today's additions include Plum, Apricot, Peach, and Apple trees.

🌱🌳🌟 Planting Seeds of Change: A Community Update 🌟🌳🌱

Today, our community embarked on a journey of growth and renewal as we took a significant step towards greener, more vibrant surroundings. With unwavering dedication and a shared commitment to nurturing our environment, we planted the seeds of hope and possibility.

Celebrating Progress:
Our hearts swell with gratitude as we reflect on the incredible strides made today. Thanks to the generosity of Urban Farm Nursery, we welcomed 18 bare root trees into our community, symbolizing resilience and the promise of tomorrow. Moreover, their contribution of two additional trees and essential amendments exemplifies the power of collective action in fostering positive change.

Hands-on Impact:
Led by our passionate team of volunteers, including our enthusiastic group of preteens, we transformed the Escalante Community Garden into a thriving oasis, planting eight trees that will stand as monuments to our shared vision of sustainability. Tomorrow morning, our journey continues as we prepare to plant an additional ten trees at the Ahwatukee Community Garden, guided by the belief that every sapling represents a beacon of hope for our future.

Empowering Education:
One of the most rewarding aspects of today's endeavors was witnessing the eager minds of our youth engage in hands-on learning. From preparing the soil and ensuring proper drainage to mastering the art of planting bare root trees, our young participants embraced each lesson with enthusiasm and determination. As they tenderly nestled cowpeas at the base of each tree, a symbol of our commitment to holistic growth, they embodied the spirit of stewardship that defines our community.

A Harvest of Dreams:
With each tree carefully planted and nurtured, we sow the seeds of transformation that will yield a bountiful harvest in the seasons to come. From the crisp sweetness of Anna Apples to the golden allure of Katy Apricots, our orchards now boast a diverse array of fruit-bearing trees, promising abundance and delight for all who call our community home.

Looking Ahead:
As we gaze upon the fruits of our labor, we are filled with anticipation for the abundant blessings that lie ahead. Together, we stand on the precipice of a greener, more sustainable future, fueled by our collective passion and unwavering dedication to nurturing the world around us.

In the words of Ralph Waldo Emerson, "The creation of a thousand forests is in one acorn." Today, we planted not only trees but the seeds of possibility, unity, and renewal. Together, we will continue to cultivate a legacy of growth and vitality, one tree at a time.

With boundless gratitude and optimism, All of us here at Community Harvest Community Gardens

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Our recent collaboration with a local tree farm marks a significant step forward in our mission to cultivate positive change within our community. Through the ChangeX Tree Grant, we've successfully secured 18 fruit trees – a delightful mix of apple, peach, and apricot – ready for planting this weekend.

Partnering with the Girl Scouts and the energetic children from our community garden, we are transforming this tree-planting initiative into an educational and community-building experience. Our primary objective is not only to enhance the greenery in our neighborhood but also to empower the next generation with essential knowledge about planting and caring for bare root trees.

This weekend's activities will include hands-on learning opportunities, where neighborhood kids will gain valuable insights into the process of planting bare root trees. Beyond the act of planting, this initiative aims to instill a sense of responsibility, environmental stewardship, and community collaboration.

Financially, we've invested $1314 in acquiring the fruit trees and ensuring they have the necessary soil mix, amendments, and fertilizers for optimal growth. Additionally, we've allocated $80 towards partnerships for a compost program, encouraging community members to contribute food scraps to our garden. This initiative promotes a sustainable cycle of waste reduction and nutrient-rich compost production through collaborative efforts.

Looking ahead, our future projects include workshops focused on nurturing, pruning, and the overall care of these newly planted trees. We are committed to following suggested fertilization schedules to ensure the continued health and growth of our orchard. This ongoing commitment reflects our dedication to the long-term success of this initiative and the sustained positive impact it will have on our community.

The impact of our collective efforts is already visible, and we're immensely grateful for the support that has made this positive change possible. As we move forward, the community is blossoming, both literally and figuratively, promising a more vibrant and sustainable future.

Stay tuned for updates and documentation of our tree-planting event, capturing the essence of a day filled with laughter, learning, and the sweet promise of a fruitful future for our community.

Community Tree Orchard Project Action Plan

Timeline:

Planning started in August 2023.
Researching optimal tree combinations and edible-producing varieties for the region will continue through December 2023.
Project initiation and implementation will begin in January or February 2024, depending on the last frost dates in Zone 9.
Meeting Schedule:
The team will meet once a month on the last Sunday of each month.
Key Dates:

Research findings on tree compatibility and edible varieties due by December 15, 2023.
Transformation of the allocated space (grass reduction) to be completed by December 31, 2023.
Project kick-off event scheduled for January or February 2024.
Planting and installation of irrigation systems to commence in February or March 2024, depending on frost dates.
Budget:

Seed funding will be allocated as follows:

Trees: Purchase a variety of fruit-bearing trees suitable for the region.
Compost: Obtain compost for soil enrichment.
Planting Materials: Acquire necessary tools for planting and maintenance.
Fertilizer: Procure appropriate fertilizers for healthy growth.
Watering Systems: Install watering systems to ensure proper irrigation.
Impact:

Community Benefits:

Provides shade and fruit for community members to enjoy.
Creates a gathering space for the community beyond existing garden projects.
Measurable Goals:

Aim to involve 25+ people in the planting and care of trees.
Engage children in various aspects of the project, fostering hands-on learning and community involvement.
Spread of Knowledge:

Utilize social media platforms, websites, and community outreach to spread awareness about the project and its benefits.
Location:

Two potential locations identified:

Between the expanded community garden spaces.
Within the universal accessible space and the designated children's space.
Permission and Permits:

All necessary permissions and permits have been secured for the chosen location.

Kid Leader Involvement:

Children have actively participated in the planning process:

Researched compatible tree varieties and suitable fruits for the region.
Assisted in selecting trees that grow well together.
Kids' Involvement in Design and Activation:

Children are actively engaged in the design and activation phases:

Using graph paper to plan and measure the entire space.
Ensuring proper spacing between trees following long-term growth guidelines.
Next Steps:

Finalize the tree selection based on children's research by December 15, 2023.
Procure necessary materials and tools based on budget allocation by January 15, 2024.
Organize a kick-off event to involve the community and the children in January or February 2024.
Begin planting trees and installing necessary systems in February or March 2024, depending on frost dates.
Continuously engage the community through regular meetings and updates.
By following this updated action plan, we aim to create a thriving community tree orchard that benefits the community by providing shade, fruits, and a welcoming gathering space for all to enjoy. The involvement of children in the planning, design, and implementation phases ensures an educational and collaborative experience that will leave a lasting positive impact.

Community Tree Orchard Project Action Plan

Timeline:

• Planning started in August 2023.


• Project initiation and implementation will begin in September 2023.

Meeting Schedule:

• The team will meet once a month on the last Sunday of each month.

Key Dates:

• No key dates have been determined yet.

Budget:

• Seed funding will be allocated as follows:
  
  
  
  • Trees: Purchase a variety of fruit-bearing trees suitable for the region.
  
  
  • Compost: Obtain compost for soil enrichment.
  
  
  • Planting Materials: Acquire necessary tools for planting and maintenance.
  
  
  • Fertilizer: Procure appropriate fertilizers for healthy growth.
  
  
  • Watering Systems: Install watering systems to ensure proper irrigation.
  
  
  
  

Impact:

• Community Benefits:
  
  
  
  • Provides shade and fruit for community members to enjoy.
  
  
  • Creates a gathering space for the community beyond existing garden projects.
  
  
  
  

Measurable Goals:

• Aim to involve 25+ people in the planting and care of trees.


• Engage children in various aspects of the project, fostering hands-on learning and community involvement.

Spread of Knowledge:

• Utilize social media platforms and websites to spread awareness about the project and its benefits.

Location:

• Two potential locations identified:
  
  
  
  1. Between the expanded community garden spaces.
  
  
  2. Within the universal accessible space and the designated children's space.
  
  
  
  

Permission and Permits:

• All necessary permissions and permits have been secured for the chosen location.

Kid Leader Involvement:

• Children have actively participated in the planning process:
  
  
  
  • Researched compatible tree varieties and suitable fruits for the region.
  
  
  • Assisted in selecting trees that grow well together.
  
  
  
  

Kids' Involvement in Design and Activation:

• Children are actively engaged in the design and activation phases:
  
  
  
  • Using graph paper to plan and measure the entire space.
  
  
  • Ensuring proper spacing between trees following long-term growth guidelines.
  
  
  
  

Next Steps:

1. Finalize the tree selection based on children's research.


2. Procure necessary materials and tools based on budget allocation.


3. Organize a kick-off event to involve the community and the children.


4. Begin planting trees and installing necessary systems.


5. Continuously engage the community through regular meetings and updates.

By following this action plan, we aim to create a thriving community tree orchard that benefits the community by providing shade, fruits, and a welcoming gathering space for all to enjoy. The involvement of children in the planning, design, and implementation phases ensures an educational and collaborative experience that will leave a lasting positive impact.