School Board Approves Community Orchard

The Johnson County School Board has approved the use of district lands near the administration building for a community orchard.

Kelly Norris, Chairman of the Bread of Life Food Pantry and District Forester for the Wyoming State Forestry Division, brought the idea before the board at their meeting this month to request the use of the land for an orchard where the fruits can be utilized by anyone in he community.

She explained that the MOU would be between the Bread of Life Food Pantry, the Boys and Girls Club of Central Wyoming, and Johnson County School District No. 1 for the Buffalo Community Orchard.

She spoke about the partnership between the three entities.

Norris said funding for the orchard would come from a grant through the State Forestry Division specifically for community orchards in the state.

The plan for the orchard calls for four each of apple trees, pear trees, and plum trees initially, with possible expansion of other trees in the future.

The orchard will be located between the administration building and the golf course.