How to Partner with POP in Planting an Orchard

Every POP orchard is planted in collaboration with a community partner. POP provides orchard design assistance, plant materials, help with event organizing, and training in orchard care. The community partner is responsible for ongoing care of the orchard as well as distribution of the harvest.

Community groups interested in collaborating on an orchard should first submit a POP Community Partner Application. This is followed by an evaluation conducted by POP’s Orchard Director and/or liaisons from the Orchard Committee. The primary criteria for selection as a community partner are: site control, capacity of the group to care for an orchard, safety and suitability of the site itself, and plans for distribution of the harvest. Upon selection, POP will help guide the community partner through preparations for a planting. The process of evaluation, selection, and planting preparation is outlined in the POP Partner Checklist.

Interested groups should download the POP Community Partner Application, answer the questions on the form, and then submit it to Orchard Director Phil Forsyth at phil@phillyorchards.org or 215-724-1247. Applications for spring plantings are due by January 15th and fall plantings by July 15th.