See update below! $16,000 to go!

Developing an Heirloom Orchard Biodiversity 

Resilient ecologies 

Rebuilding soil 

Developing a true sense of place 

Connecting human health with land health — values that resonate with me. 

The dream to have an heirloom orchard, I believe, has been passed down to me from people I never met. My great grandparents from Italy, the Rosso family, were vibrantly known in northern New Mexico for their orchards and gardens. Lorenzo Rosso was so much so, that he received a beautiful poem typed on a copper sheet, praising him for his flourishing landscapes. New Mexico to me, not only speaks of home but also of generational dreams. 

That dream can now be a reality, as I have found an orchard property.  I am working to obtain a Farm Service Agency loan, but the process is lengthy, and the property could sell before I can secure the funds. That is why I am asking for your help now in the form of a donation or investment for a total of $16,000. Let me tell you a bit more… 

MIMBRES ABANDONED ORCHARD 

Just recently a unique property came into view that is actually just over the mountains in the Mimbres Valley. This valley, named after the ancient Mimbres people, is a beautiful river valley and has agriculture peppered up and down this public waterway. It is 10.6 acres with an abandoned heirloom apple orchard on both sides of the Mimbres river. Yes the river runs right through the property and it has water rights that date back to 1870! The trees were once well loved and probably part of one big orchard, as there are apple trees on both sides of the neighboring properties. The land has a wonderful topography that starts high and then slopes to the orchard, cottonwoods and then to the river. Much care is needed, not only of the pruning of these wild tangled apple trees, but much fallen wood/trees and care to the ditch (acequia) needs to happen for proper watering of these old trees. All good-earth work in my eyes. 

ACQUISITION OF LAND 

Cash offer open to pay $86,000

*If seller rejects, will keep moving forward with FSA loan, asking  $120,000 based on appraisal number. 

 

Secured funds through donations/investments  — $70,000      

 

*Outstanding required funds $16,000

((*Oncology Certification - goal reached - $5,000))

SOURCES BEING PURSUED 

- Go Fundme - active 

 - Farm Service Agency - application in process 

- Dirt Capital Partners, Iroquois Valley, and Slow Money - are all unable to assist for various reasons 

VISION OF LAND and ONCOLOGY 

I plan to create a thriving diverse food forest with heirloom fruit and nut trees, perennial fruiting shrubs and annual garden plants of which I can create value-added products for the local community (taking product to the surrounding local Farmer Markets). Along with focusing my culinary and nutrition expertise on therapeutic foods for cancer healing. Showcasing and offering these foods and plant medicines would take place in a natural-material structure, allowing me to also hold nutrition consultations with those suffering from cancer ( as an oncology nutrition consultant/nutritionist). 

And very long-term, I can envision having casitas (also using natural building methods) for 2-3 clients to stay on site for healing support. 

Other visions include farm to table dinners within the orchard and other retreats/events.  

MY BACKGROUND 

— Sustainability and Nutrition 

After years of studying and traveling abroad to Italy, I have collected degrees in pastry art, culinary art, environmental studies (sustainability, community and bio cultural focus), gastronomic science studies, and most recently a masters in clinical nutrition. Along with working multiple seasons on CSA farms, community/university gardens, honeybee care, and obtaining my permaculture certification — the passion for land stewardship has been ever present. 

 My work with Gary Paul Nabhan on the RAFT project (Renewing America's Food Traditions), was life changing. It showed me the brilliant diversity of plants, trees and animals, that are often disappearing due to our industrialized economy and a further removal of local eating. During this time, an heirloom apple gathering of the top apple experts in America took place in Madison Wisconsin and it was here that I became profoundly interested in saving the genetics of fruit trees. And I hoped that one day I would care for an heirloom orchard. 

HANDS-ON ORCHARD EXPERIENCE 

After many years of keeping this vision in focus, a small 50 tree heirloom orchard in New Mexico became reality. I spent a full year engrossed in every aspect of orchard care. From winter-time pruning of these ancient wonders, to holistic sprays, wood chip pathways, harvesting, and processing the apples into fresh juice, hard cider, apple pies, apple sauce and apple butter. It was a dream come true. But while this project had manifested and was activity flourishing, the orchard partnership ended. I am now pivoting and moving on to implement what I have learned into another property. 

NEXT STEPS 

Securing this land and obtaining my oncology nutrition certification, will allow me to create a detailed design for the landscape and future structures. And I would continue to diligently work on getting grants/slow money/farm loans for the equipment (wood chipper!), a production/processing kitchen and other orchard/project needs. 

 

Please consider a donation today and reach out to me with any questions or for more information. 

Thank you!