Plans for a community orchard and recreation area in Bedford are in the early stages and will be discussed in an upcoming informational meeting on March 25, aiming to provide free access to fresh fruit, education and outdoor enjoyment.

The nonprofit organization Ranch Market, organized by Kirsten Merrill and Krissy Bender, will utilize farmland donated through a long-term lease by Lauren Preston. She has worked with Ranch Market in the past for other projects. Some of those include working to collect food and items for the local food pantry, including the utilization of a “blessing box” located in Star Valley Ranch for people to donate canned items. The organization focuses on local commerce, community markets, and food access initiatives.

The hope is for the orchard to become a place for all people to feel welcome and enjoy the beauty and harvests that will continue for many years, though harvesting won’t likely begin until a few years after planting.

The planned 1,500-by-45-foot strip of land will hold approximately 200 trees, eventually increasing to 350. Tree species will vary, with plans to grow apples, cherries, and a variety of other trees and shrubs that are conducive to Star Valley’s climate, all of which will be accessible to the public.

The idea for the  orchard came from Lauren Preston’s love of trees, including the old apple trees located at Preston Ranch.

“I love trees and we have some really beautiful, old apple trees on our ranch”

She has a vision to create a community ecosystem that supports neighbors and improves local food access.

“This orchard is essentially a food bank on the stem,” says Preston.

She plans for the orchard to create opportunities to share in the valley’s abundance and the community’s kindness, including apple-picking events, a gathering place to enjoy the scenery and harvest fresh food, the eventual use of turkeys for natural pest control, and more.

Preston will seek to connect with those interested in the project, including potential visitors and, especially, those who wish to assist in making it all happen.

She hopes to make connections with those who have knowledge of local plant life and the growing season, as well as those with experience in grant writing, social media management, event planning and more.

For anyone interested, Preston encourages them to attend the first public informational meeting on March 25 at 6 p.m. at the Thayne Community Center, room 101 .