The Mendota Apple Orchard

The Mendota Mental Health Institute has given Troy Community Gardens permission to maintain its antique apple orchard, a project the Gardens has taken on in its effort to increase the food security of its gardeners. The orchard, which has 29 standard sized trees of unknown varieties, was at one time cared for by MMHI patients but had not been maintained for many years when Troy gardeners and other Madison residents took over care of it in 2004. It is the goal of the project to maintain the orchard using only organic methods.

The orchard has been used to teach skills in orchard care to Madison residents through workshops and workdays. Youth involved in the Farm and Field program also help maintain the orchard during the summer months.

Apples are harvested by those involved in the project, with part of the harvest being sold at the Troy Community Farm Stand to raise money for the project. In the fall, we press a few bushels of apples at our Harvest Festival. If you'd like to get involved in the project, check the events page for workday listings throughout the season.

Please be aware that the orchard is located on restricted property and is not open to the public. Only through planned orchard activities with Troy Gardens can the orchard be accessed.

Photos of the orchard