The Heritage Apple Corps is a volunteer-run, community-driven initiative to revitalize, protect, and maintain Central Oregon's heritage apple trees. Help us – volunteer, contribute, or simply appreciate these treasures hiding in plain sight.
It's 1886, and Julius and Sarah McCoin have just staked their claim near Gray Butte. With grit and a few saplings gathered on freight runs, they planted an orchard along a stream on their homestead. The Heritage Apple Corps builds on that legacy, helping to revitalize the McCoin orchard and others like it.
Revive, maintain, and protect the historic McCoin/Cyrus orchards as a symbol of regional resiliency and interdependence with our land, trees, and agricultural roots.
Recruit and train community members to lead heritage orchard preservation efforts long-term.
Through education and events, build connections to our historic roots – heritage orchards.
Through in-the-orchard work, we ensure these heritage orchards thrive for future generations
Workshops, public engagement activities, in-orchard signage and education generate connection and support.
With the U.S. Forest Service, employ DNA technology to identify and geotag historic apple varieties in our region
Establish a dedicated conservation arboretum to propagate and pass on the DNA of heritage apple trees.
Volunteer for restoration events
Visit historic orchards (open soon)
Join our workshops
Donate to fund our work and pass on the legacy
The Heritage Apple Corps is a program of The School of Ranch, a 501c3 nonprofit. EIN: 92-1278473
This project is proudly supported by Discover Your Northwest, a non-profit for the Ochoco, Deschutes, and Crooked River National Forests dedicated to promoting the discovery of the Deschutes and Ochoco National Forests and Crooked River National Grassland by enriching the experience of visitors, building community support and creating the next generation of environmental stewards.
Heritage Apple Corps