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Micro Orchard at McCauley School

From its humble beginnings in 2009, OFRE has become a widely respected organization within the city and throughout Canada. In 2014, Operation Fruit Rescue Edmonton created a Micro-Orchard to celebrate our five year anniversary as a non-profit.

OFRE Micro Orchard at McCauley School in Edmonton

McCauley School Micro-Orchard: A Community Legacy

OFRE Accomplishments

In 2014, Operation Fruit Rescue Edmonton (OFRE) transformed a section of the McCauley School grounds into one of Canada’s first public urban orchards. This initiative, supported by a City of Edmonton grant, aimed to educate and engage the community in sustainable fruit cultivation and preservation.  Planning started in 2013 and the site broke ground for planting in September 2014.

Orchard Features

  • Diverse Plantings: The orchard showcased fruit varieties suitable for Edmonton’s climate, including apples, pears, cherries, saskatoons, and raspberries.

  • Sustainable Design: Incorporating moisture-retaining mulch-filled trenches and nitrogen-fixing plants like weeping caragana, the orchard minimized the need for supplemental watering and fertilizers.

Community Engagement

The orchard served as a hub for educational workshops, teaching skills such as:

  • Apple Cider Pressing

  • Fruit Tree Care

  • Jam and Jelly Making

These events empowered Edmontonians to grow, harvest, and preserve local fruit, fostering a sense of community and environmental stewardship.

Transition to Sustainable Food Edmonton

In 2023, stewardship of the McCauley Community Orchard transitioned to Sustainable Food Edmonton (SFE). Under SFE’s guidance, the orchard continues to thrive, offering:

  • Gardening Workshops

  • Orchard Management Programs

  • Community Events

This partnership ensures the orchard remains a vibrant space for education and community connection.

Visit the Orchard

Located on 107A Avenue between 95th and 96th Street, the McCauley Community Orchard stands as a testament to Edmonton’s commitment to sustainability and local food systems. Visitors are welcome to explore the orchard and participate in ongoing programs.