Heritage Apple Corps, the U.S. Forest Service, and community partners invite the public to celebrate the newly installed interpretive signs at both McCoin and Cyrus Historic Orchards on the Crooked River National Grassland.
A ribbon-cutting ceremony will be held at Cyrus Historic Orchard on October 2 at 12:00 noon.
More than a century ago, pioneer families planted fruit trees across what is now the Crooked River National Grassland. Some of those trees are still standing today, living reminders of the families who settled and worked this landscape.
The signs share the stories of the McCoin and Cyrus families, who homesteaded the area and cared for the orchards, as well as the heritage apple varieties that remain today.
“These pioneer fruit trees are living pieces of Central Oregon history,” said Peter Loverso of Heritage Apple Corps. “The signs help visitors understand why these orchards matter and how we are protecting them for future generations.”
Each year, Heritage Apple Corps and the U.S. Forest Service bring volunteers, arborists, orchardists, and community members together for heritage fruit tree restoration workshops and field days at the historic orchards. Participants learn hands-on techniques for caring for veteran fruit trees while helping restore the orchards. The partnership also supports DNA identification, genetic preservation, and wildfire risk-reduction efforts.
The interpretive signs were made possible through the generous support of the Pacific Northwest Forest Service Association and Nora Scott. Content was developed collaboratively by Heritage Apple Corps, the U.S. Forest Service, and historian Steve Lent of the Bowman Museum.
The ceremony will take place at Cyrus Historic Orchard, approximately one-half mile west of Cyrus Horse Camp. Community members are invited to attend, see the new sign, and learn more about the McCoin and Cyrus historic orchards. Following the ribbon cutting there will be several hours of volunteer deadwood removal at nearby heritage trees.
Access: The orchard is reached by unpaved roads and may require a high-clearance vehicle. Roads can be muddy and rutted after rain. Visitors should follow the recommended route, as alternate roads may be closed or impassable.
For event details and directions, visit heritageapplecorps.org/events/EventDetails
What: Historic Orchard Interpretive Sign Ribbon Cutting
When: October 2nd, 12:00
Where: Cyrus Historic Orchard, approximately one-half mile west of Cyrus Horse Camp, Crooked River National Grassland
Driving directions: https://heritageapplecorps.org/events/driving-directions/
This story is based on submitted information and has not been verified by our news team.
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