Grant Highlight | Beverly Bryan Community Orchard

One of our 2018 Biodiversity Grand Awardees was The City of Wyoming Tree Commission; “The Tree Amigos”. They did an outstanding job of researching their project to provide the West Michigan community with more heirloom variety trees there were sustainably sourced. This project is directly impacting the devolopment and education of students in food insecure areas within West Michigan.

For full details on their project, continue reading the overview provided below.

Thank you, Slow Food West Michigan, for your 2018 Biodiversity Microgrant which was used to purchase additional trees for the City of Wyoming Tree Commission (The Tree Amigos) Beverly Bryan Orchard at West Elementary School. A partnership between The Tree Amigos, Wyoming Public Schools, and Kent School Services Network (KSSN), the orchard is already providing West Elementary Students with opportunity to learn about caring for fruit trees and where fruit comes from. In two- years’ time, we hope that fruit harvested will address food insecurity by providing students, their families and school neighbors with increased access to healthy fruit. (A majority of West’s students receive free and reduced lunches.)

With the monies received from you, other grantors, and donations, The Tree Amigos were able to plant 16 additional heirloom variety fruit and nut trees (apple, peach, pear, nectarine, chestnut and plum).

In addition, The Tree Amigos:

• Installed permanent signage at the front of the orchard.
• Hosted an Arbor Day Celebration at the Orchard with students and city dignitaries.
• Planted a pollinator garden to enhance orchard health.
• Worked with school staff and students to maintain, water and care for the orchard.
• Developed a care-plan with a consulting arborist.

Future plans include more trees and if approved, a beehive.

The City of Wyoming Tree Commission “The Tree Amigos” TreeAmigosWyoming@gmail.com