Apple Project

Apple trees provide a ready source of healthy fruit that is available for all. Many old orchard trees still bear fruit, and wild trees may be grafted and turned into a productive food supply, with a bit of skill and a minimal financial investment. And, there is the occasional wild tree that has excellent quality fruit - this is the basis of all known apple varieties. 

Healthy Acadia’s Apple Project has introduced thousands of students in dozens of schools across Hancock and Washington counties to Downeast Maine’s rich apple heritage. Through this free, two-session program, students explore the exciting abundance of heirloom apple varieties and flavors found in Maine.

In the first session, a taste testing of locally-grown heirloom varieties introduces students to new flavors and piques their interest. This is followed by a discussion about the region's apple heritage and diversity, the kids' own apple experiences, and the biology and ecology of the apple tree. At the end of the first session, students are encouraged to go out into their own backyards and communities to harvest a sampling of apples.

In the second session held the following week, students work to identify the apples collected and are treated to a hands-on apple cider pressing - and tasting! - with apples that they have gathered. In addition to learning how to make cider, students explore the history of cider and other uses of apples.

For more information about this engaging program, or to get your class or school involved in an Apple Project in your community, please contact:

Hancock County schools: Rachel Emus:  Rachel@HealthyAcadia.org. 

Washington County schools: Regina Grabrovac: Regina@HealthyAcadia.org.