Fruits of their labor: An orchard is planted at LHU

LOCK HAVEN, PA – A very ambitious project was underway at Lock Haven University this morning when two dozen or so athletics, community, and biology class volunteers descended on a grassy courtyard in front of the Fairview Suites dormitory on North Fairview Street.

“One of our goals is to combat food insecurity for college students,” Dr. Heather Bechtold explained. “The current plans are to plant an orchard on each of the PASSHE campuses and LHU is the third campus in the system to plant one.”

The fruit of their labor, which amounts to 40 trees in all, will be available to students and the community. “It gives new meaning to the words grab and go,” Dr. Bechtold said. “I am happy that we will be able to have this new connection with the local community outside of the university.”

According to Dr. Bechtold, the team planted six cherry, six pear, six plum, six peach, and 16 apple trees of different varieties that are known to have natural properties of disease and pest resistance.

“The trees came from a greenhouse on the east coast and will be maturing in a short time period,” Bechtold explained. “We might even get fruit after a year.”

“Fruit donations will be given to the Haven Cupboard when the trees begin to bear fruit,” Bechtold explained. “My students and I will be in charge of pruning, watering, and maintenance of the trees after they take root.”