Orchards

Orchards are managed collections of fruit trees, often planted in a grid or in other organized patterns. They are traditionally planted to harvest their fruits, such as apples, pears, and citrus, but can also be planted for their aesthetic value and as a habitat for local wildlife. Orchards can provide numerous benefits to the environment and local communities, including pollinator and wildlife habitat, reduced runoff and soil erosion, and enhanced human nutrition. Additionally, orchards can provide economic benefits to local communities by producing fruit for sale in local markets. Orchards also help to conserve agricultural biodiversity by preserving heirloom and native varieties of fruit.