Lawrence Fruit Tree Project

The Lawrence Fruit Tree Project (LFTP), initiated in 2008, addresses food insecurity by fostering a community-driven approach. Our mission is to educate and motivate people about perennial food plants, encouraging them to plant and care for these resources to build resilience in food security and establish meaningful urban connections.

In 2012, we established the Lawrence Community Orchard, a unique free food park accessible through the City of Lawrence’s urban agriculture land leasing program, Common Ground. This initiative allows anyone to enjoy ripe fruit from the orchard, a result of the hard work and dedication of numerous volunteers.

Situated on almost an acre in the Burroughs Creek corridor of East Lawrence, our community orchard features over 100 productive woody plants covering approximately 30 species. This vibrant space, including a fruit tree nursery, kiosk, supply shed, and picnic table, invites the community to engage and learn in an inviting environment.

March through November, we host monthly Community Orchard Days, generally on the first Saturday of each month, inviting everyone to join our efforts in enhancing the community's green space. We encourage signing up for our news and volunteer schedule to stay informed and participate actively.

We actively update our Instagram and Facebook profiles, sharing opportunities and activities. For those interested in developing community orchards, volunteering, or seeking advice on fruit trees, our coordinator is readily available via email, ready to guide and support community efforts.