Adopt an Olive Tree & Save a Tuscan Orchard

In the hills of Cortona, Tuscany stands an olive orchard of nearly 400 trees, many planted hundreds of years ago and deeply rooted in the history of this land.

Today, this orchard is at risk. Its owners are elderly and ill, and without intervention, the grove will soon be abandoned, a fate that often leads to irreversible decline, disease, and loss of biodiversity.

I am Magdalena and I believe these trees deserve care, dignity, and a future.

With a base in Seattle and in Tuscany, I have years of experience in caring for Tuscan olive orchards and producing premium extra virgin olive oil.

My mission

My goal is to save, purchase, and restore this olive orchard, bringing it back to full health using organic, traditional, and regenerative practices.

Olive trees are resilient, but they need time, skilled pruning, nourishment, and love. Usually, full recovery takes three years.

My dream is to create a bridge between a genuine Tuscan experience and people from around the world.

1. Adopt a tree, and become an "Angelo Custode" (Guardian Angel)

To become a Guardian Angel, a donation of $296+ is requested.

By adopting an olive tree, you become the guardian of a living legacy and help preserve authentic Tuscan olive heritage.

Your one-year adoption includes and ensures:

• A personal plaque placed on your tree with your name or the name of a loved one

• Receiving an "Angelo Custode" (Guardian Angel) certificate with your name or the name of a loved one (e-mail required)

• ✂️ Professional pruning and restoration (starting Spring 2026)

• Organic fertilization, mowing, and soil care

• Regular updates and photos from the orchard

Olive oil from your adopted tree

After the first major restoration pruning in March, 2026, harvesting production in October 2026 will be small but precious.

In November 2026, each Guardian Angel (of $296+ donation only) will receive a one-time thank you gift of:

• 500 ml of organic extra virgin olive oil from the restored orchard

• Harvested as "olio nuovo" (Italian for "new oil") refers to the first, freshest, unfiltered extra virgin olive oil of the season, bottled immediately after pressing, resulting in a cloudy, vibrant green oil with intense grassy, peppery, and fruity flavors.

This oil represents patience, regeneration, and respect for nature.

Adoption is symbolic and supports orchard restoration. Olive oil is offered as a thank-you gift from my heart to yours. Ensure you include a physical address where I can ship the thank you gift.

2. Steward of the Orchard

Donations of any size are welcome. You will be a Steward of the Orchard by donating any amount less than $296.

As a Steward of the Orchard, you'll receive a certificate and regular updates via e-mail, so make sure you provide your e-mail address.

Supporting the local custodians of the orchard

By adopting a tree and saving the entire orchard, you support employment of local workers, who rely on maintenance and harvesting income every year.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is the orchard located?

The orchard is located in Cortona, Tuscany, Italy, in a traditional olive-growing area known for producing high-quality extra virgin olive oil from historic local varieties that I intend to maintain.

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Why is this orchard at risk?

The current owners are elderly and ill and are no longer able to care for the trees. Without intervention, the orchard would likely be abandoned, a fate that often leads to irreversible damage or removal of secular trees. This has happened to other orchards in the same area.

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What does “adopting a tree” mean?

Adoption is symbolic and supportive, not a legal transfer of land ownership.

Your contribution helps purchase, protect, and care for one olive tree as part of a long-term restoration project.

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Can my adoption be a gift to someone?

Absolutely. Adoption is a great idea for a wedding, wedding anniversary, birth of a child or grandchild, graduation, bar mitzvah and other life celebrations.

A plaque and certificate will be issued with the name of the person of your choice as an "Angelo Custode" (Guardian Angel). Email is required.

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How will the funds be used?

Funds are used for:

• Partial purchase of the orchard from its current owners

• Professional pruning and restoration

• Organic fertilization and soil care

• Mowing and general maintenance

• Harvesting, cold pressing and bottling small quantities of olive oil

All activities follow traditional, organic practices.

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Why does restoration take three years?

These olive trees are in need of:

• Gradual, careful pruning

• Time to regain balance and strength

• Several seasons to return to healthy productivity

This timeline respects the natural rhythm of the trees.

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Will I receive olive oil?

Yes.

In November 2026, Guardian Angel adopters (of $295+) will receive a thank you gift of one 500 ml can of extra virgin olive oil.

Production will initially be limited due to restorative pruning.

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What if the harvest is affected by weather or climate?

Olive farming depends on nature. In the case of an exceptionally poor harvest, updates will be provided transparently, and oil distribution may be delayed or reduced.

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Can I visit my tree?

Yes, Guardian Angel adopters are welcome to visit. Contact me for updates and GPS coordinates.

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What if I donate less than $296?

Of course, donations of every size are welcome and appreciated.

You will become a Steward of the Orchard by donating any amount less than $296.

As a Steward of the Orchard, you'll receive a certificate and regular updates via e-mail