Orchard Restoration

by Addie Schuenemeyer

Fruit orchards once featured prominently into the agricultural landscape of Southwest Colorado. Montezuma County is old orchard country. Many of these orchards still exist, primarily apples, though as remnants of themselves, quite often down to several trees 100-years-old or older growing in a fence line.

Many of the folks who grew up around these old trees are still here to share their knowledge. Together, these people and these trees create a living history that few places have held on to. The great work and generous spirit of our early pioneers will not pass forgotten if Montezuma Orchard Restoration Project is successful.