352: Apples in Gravel? Maine Heritage Orchard | Part 1

John Bunker on Maine Heritage Orchard: Successes and Challenges over the First Ten Years

This is Part 1 with John Bunker, who is both an author, Founder of FEDCO Trees, an Apple Historian and a key person behind the Maine Heritage Orchard. In this recording her the full presentation from John as recorded at Maine Apple Camp in August of 2022.

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John Bunker speaking at Maine Apple Camp

Bunker’s 7 Point Strategy to Seek out Apples

John Bunker moved to Maine when he was 21 years old and immediately fell for the state and collecting apples.

In the late 70s – early 80s  he began to learned about Maine’s historic apple varieties. Seeking out apples requires a bit of stealth and an out going personality

1. Seek out mentors

2. Do cold calls – when seeing apples along the road

3. Introduced myself as “Hi I am John Bunker. You won’t believe this but I am an apple historian.”

4. Give talks at Garden Society and such and charge nothing. John bunker has a sliding scale from 1 mil to zero dollars for his talks.

5. Pass out Wanted Posters

6. Fairs and Events: Do a display of apples – it becomes a magnet for people to see.

7. Apple Identification for no charge and also payment

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John Bunker

In this Chat

  • The history of the Maine Organic Farmers and Gardners Association (MOFGA).
  • The orchards at the Common Ground Fair
  • Reclaiming land such as gravel pits
  • The History of the Maine Heritage Orchard
  • What is needed to sustain the Maine Heritage Orchard

This talk was recorded at Maine Apple Camp.

  • Apple Camp is held biannually. The next camp will take place in 2024.
  • It is hosted by the Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association.
  • Go to MOFGA.org and join today!

Contact info for John Bunker

Episode 353 will feature Part 2 with John Bunker on the Maine Heritage Orchard.

Mentions in this Chat

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