Golden Noble is a classic English apple variety known for its exceptional quality. It also represents a selection of similar apples, characterized by their golden hue with a blush, offering a delightful balance of tanginess and sweetness. These fine apples are held in high regard.
In this spirit, we are thrilled to honor our first five legacy volunteers with the MORP Golden Noble Award. This award serves as a tribute to distinguished individuals for their dedication to MORP’s mission: to preserve Colorado’s fruit growing heritage and restore an orchard culture and economy to the southwestern region.
David Sanford
David Sanford is the first and longest-serving member of the original advisory team. He played a crucial role in guiding MORP through its journey to become an established organization. With extensive knowledge and expertise in irrigation, water rights, and general farming practices, Dave is always ready to lend a hand when we need it the most. Whether it’s assisting with events and work projects, maintaining the Orchard Hub, packaging juice, or picking apples, Dave consistently shows up.
Ken Amling
Founding advisory team member Ken Amling has played a significant role in nearly every aspect of the organization for years. He was instrumental in the rediscovery of the Colorado Orange apple and provides invaluable assistance with grafting, pruning, tractor repairs, restoration projects, and any other tasks that arise. Aside from MORP staff, no one has devoted as much time to the MORP orchards as Ken.
Judy Larner
Judy Larner started volunteering picking apples from the old trees during our first attempts to get local apples to market years ago. Judy has experienced the magic of the old orchards many times, she gets it. Season after season she has shown up to pick fruit or help with labeling and juice packaging. She is the steady presence that keeps fall harvest and production moving. And she is always ready to pick more apples!
Jennifer Stark
When we established the Dolores Community Heritage Orchard in 2019, we anticipated local involvement, but we could never have envisioned the incredible support that Jennifer Stark would provide. From ensuring that the young trees receive the necessary water and care to thrive, to sourcing mowing equipment and securing a shed for storage, Jen has been a steadfast presence for the orchard since day one. Orchards are fundamentally about people, and at the heart of the Dolores orchard is Jen. She loves those trees as much as they need her.
Dave Hodges
On his own time, Dave Hodges of the Apple Core Project came all the way down from Nucla to train on the mobile cider press. This was when we were first learning how to operate this complicated piece of specialty equipment. Having someone both capable and competent helped smooth the learning curve. Dave still shows up to help operate the press, and most importantly, clean up afterwards – an arduous and messy job that often goes well into the evening.
Volunteer with MORP
We understand that not everyone can contribute in the same way as our dedicated legacy volunteers, but there are still ways for you to make a difference. You might already be one of the many volunteers who are making an impact, and we sincerely thank each of you! MORP continually seeks support through sweat equity, and each year, with plans to expand by planting an additional acres of heritage orchard and further developing our juicing service, there are numerous opportunities to get involved. Please don’t hesitate to contact us to be added to our volunteer list.