The Shelburne Falls Community Orchard is a modest expression of a deep love of our place, and a response to food insecurity and unequal land access in our small, rural community.  We are deeply connected to the landscape of our beautiful river valley, including it’s flora and fauna, people, traditions and spirit. However, in the poorest county in MA, we recognize a struggling economy alongside vast, untapped potential.  Our primary goal is to gather a diverse team to unlock potential, and to imagine our project contributing to a vibrant community which lifts up the health and well being of all. Our immediate work is to steward a ½ acre piece of land as a model for healthy food, rich social connections, and a just economy. We seek to build a safe, healthy ecosystem with regenerative agriculture, integrated pest management, and organic growing practices.  Close to the center of town, the orchard is in a prime location for community access, ecological education, partnership with local schools and community businesses, art installations, cultural events, and easy harvest distribution. The harvest will help modestly to relieve food insecurity through free harvesting and distribution to neighbors in need. Locals with limited land access are invited to harvest plants for new business endeavors to grow our local economy. We hope that our humble project supports the larger goal for evolution of our place, to guarantee resiliency in the face of climate change.