Volunteer Newsletter, June 26, 2006

It's time for an H4H in Palo Alto.  We will be meeting at the new headquarters for Conexions, the new host non-profit organization for the Valley of Heart's Delight.

Plums and citrus are on the schedule.  No apples yet this year as they are coming in late, and no apricots due to the spring rains.  We will be harvesting backyard fruit trees so please come able to carpool from home to home.

Saturday, July 1st
8:30am - 12:30pm
Valley of Heart's Delight, a project of Conexions
1023 Corporation Way, Palo Alto   ***  note new location!  ***

RSVP to joni@villageharvest.org if you plan on joining in.

Instructions for harvesting volunteers:

• Dress in layers for a warm day, with sun protection, and insect repellant in mind.
• Wear comfortable, covered shoes.
• Come prepared to carpool.  Please let us know if you have a truck or SUV to help carry fruit.
• Bring a small box or bag to share in the harvest. Tree ripened fruit from Santa Clara Valley... it doesn't get any better than this!
• Children 12 and over are welcome but please see our Volunteer FAQ's for more information.

What everyone has been waiting for.....

But sorry to say that this year is very spotty due to late chill and spring rains.  There are very few apricots because they blossomed during the spring rain, cherries are hit or miss depending upon variety and pollinization, but there are plums (both asian and european) and there will be apples -- lots of apples -- eventually.

Here are the dates that we expect to be harvesting early summer stone fruit.  Dates for the late summer fruit will be set late July.   Eating locally and seasonally means that we roll with what the weather brings us.  In a hard year, that means fully enjoying what the season brings and supporting our local orchardist who will just be scraping by this year.  Some are double hit by both the Medfly Quarantine as well as a poor crop year.