The public met with organizers Lauren Preston and Kristen Merrill to provide feedback and learn about the ongoing project of creating a free, community-focused orchard in the Bedford area. They are looking for anyone interested in volunteering to reach out and get involved in the project.

The planned orchard is part of a broader nonprofit effort of Ranch Market, focused on supporting local needs through community markets, fundraising events and food access initiatives. Organizers say the orchard represents the next step in that mission.

“Our mission is rooted in the spirit of Star Valley Ranch Market’s vision,” organizers shared during a recent public meeting. “To strengthen our community by providing free household essentials and stabilizing support for our neighbors and to uplift local business by supporting community markets.”

Growing fruit is just a small part of what the project will provide. Organizers want to create a multi-use space featuring a food bank component, public walking areas and opportunities for education. Preston emphasized, “there is no end to what people in this community can create… This is a space for all of us to, you know, chip in on and to help create, and help design.”

Phase one of the project includes planting approximately 200 fruit trees across a 1,500-foot-long site, with an additional 150 trees planned in a second phase. The design includes a central pathway, irrigation and elk fencing to protect the trees from wildlife.

The land, a 1.8-acre parcel, is being provided through a 30-year renewable lease from Preston Ranch.

Securing grant funding for infrastructure such as elk fencing, irrigation and tree planting is the current task. If funding is approved, 2026 will be a planning year. Planting in 2027 is the goal.

The planning process is important, but the heart of it all is the people of Star Valley. “The average income per household in this valley is about $15,000 less per year than the average expense,” Merrill said. “And we need fruit.”

During last week’s meeting, questions were asked in attendance about what it might cost someone to come and harvest.

Preston emphasized that people can help with the orchard in numerous ways, but it is ultimately open to anyone.

Community members can pick fruit for their own use, while volunteers may also choose to help harvest for those unable to participate.

“This is not transactional,” Preston said. “If you helped out with pruning, that’s a contribution… But also, if you don’t have a lot of money and you weren’t able to help, it’s there for you.”

Preston and Merrill see additional opportunities for the orchard to support local enterprise, such as using excess fruit for products sold at markets, with proceeds reinvested into community projects.

As planning continues, community members are being invited to take an active role in shaping the orchard’s future.

Those who may be interested in volunteering time and skills to help, are encouraged to visit theranchmarket.org. Updates on the project will be shared on the website and people are also able to join a mailing list through by clicking on the “sign up” tab.

Organizers say they are looking for community members with a wide range of skills. This includes people with experience in social media, event planning, orchard design, planting and grant writing. They also welcome those interested in serving on committees, including helping decide which trees will be planted, as well as anyone with ideas or talents that could benefit the project.

“There is no end to what the people in this community can create,” Merrill said. “Between all of us, we can come up with something that’s really awesome. But it’s going to take all of us.”