Bronx Students Break Ground On City’s Biggest Orchard

The students.

We are pleased to see projects like this sprouting up in Bronx - we could use more Johnny Appleseeds like these fine young folks in all five boroughs.

Last month, students at the Bronx Guild High School broke soil in an empty field and planted an apple tree together. What is more remarkable is that this tree was the first of a planned 150-tree orchard that may soon be bearing not only apples but peaches, pears, and figs.

Thanks to the school’s urban agriculture project, students already tend to chickens and bees in the neighborhood, and maintain small gardening plots. Last year, they decided to add a huge orchard in an acre of wasteland in Soundview. Assisted by science teacher Bill Lynam, they measured the land, drew up a budget, and planned out plots for fruit trees and berry bushes. They hope to cover the costs – $4,000 in total – with grants and in-kind donations.

“It’s a dream big kind of project,” says assistant principal Meghan Best.