Hungry? Walk around Duluth between the end of August through October and you're bound to find food. In 2012, the City of Duluth began the Edible Duluth Program with the purchase of several hundred fruit trees that are now planted, growing, and producing all around town.
Although the fruit is there for anyone, there are some considerations for what to pick and when. "We try to have at each orchard site at least two, but usually four varieties," says Duluth Park Maintenance worker Trevor Christensen of the different apples available. Residents are encouraged to take what they need, but the variety can sometimes lead to premature harvesting. One tree might have ripe fruit, while the tree next to it might not be ready for another month. Signage about the different varieties is posted during harvest season.
The future of the Edible Duluth Program includes maintenance of the existing orchards and also the expansion and diversification of what is offered. "We're experimenting with berry bushes," says Christensen about the future of the program. Pears and plums are also being considered. "We're going to be looking into that and trying test plantings."
For updates about the orchards and the Edible Duluth Program, follow the City of Duluth on Facebook or visit the Parks and Recreation website.
You can hear Green Visions at 8:20am every Wednesday on Northland Morning.
