Berkshire Orchard at Kennedy Farm seen on August 22, 2013.

The first of two new urban orchards, featuring fruit trees and shrubs is now a reality in Indian Orchard.  Berkshire Farm at Kennedy Farm has a dozen fruit trees, and 20 native Blueberry bushes growing in part of the Springfield School Department’s Kennedy Farm, which is located at Kennedy Junior High School.  The new orchard trees and shrubs recently received an ‘end of summer’ refresher, when the Regreen Springfield summer interns spent two days weeding, pruning, mulching and cultivating the area.

A second orchard is planned for Johnny Appleseed Park at Mill Street, with the planting of fruit trees and bushes scheduled for installation in late September.  Check back for details on how you might help in this planting, which will include participation by TD Bank employees.  TD Bank is the major funder for the Urban Orchards initiative.