Apple Picking and Orchard Exploration with Boston University Upward Boston

Seven high-schoolers from Upward Bound joined Cassie, Adrienne, Allison, and Caitlin for a fun-filled orchard trip on 10/13/18. Adrienne and Caitlin served as provisional trip leaders, along with seasoned trip leader Cassie and Upward Bound leader Allison.

Despite the rainy weather, everyone arrived mid-morning in high spirits. We started the day with an opening circle, where we shared a round of introductions, including a fun fact and our favorite apple foods. We geared up with weather appropriate clothing to ensure everyone stayed dry and warm, and then set out for the orchard.

Honey Pot Hills Orchard has over 10,000 trees, so we stopped on our way into the orchard to review the map and see which sections of the orchard were open that weekend. We looked at the different types of apples, chatted about the uses for each and decided to start with the Red Delicious trees – a crowd favorite! We learned through some of the posted signs – and through trial and error! – that the best way to pick an apple is to flip it upside down and twist, rather than pulling straight down.

We then decided to make our way to the other end of the orchard, where the tasty Gala apples were ready for picking. The orchard was quite hilly, so we got a little bit of a hike in as well! We were able to make it from one end of the orchard to the other – but we still wanted to see more! The group decided to take a hayride in order to make our way around the perimeter of the orchard.

After our hayride, we stopped for a delicious lunch of sandwiches, veggies, apple cider donuts and hot cocoa! We had a great conversation about the work that goes into producing the food we eat every day food – and challenges that farmers may face. After wrapping up lunch, we visited the farm animals and even got to feed a goat! As always, we ended with a closing circle to reconnect and reflect on all the fun we had.

It was a great day spent at Honey Pot Hill Orchard – and even the first time apple picking for some of our participants! One of the students said, “I didn’t even know places like this existed.”

Despite the drizzles, we really enjoyed our time picking apples and exploring a modern orchard and farm. The group had an incredible attitude and we were all lucky to have experienced the day together!

-Adrienne and Caitlin