I’m looking for 5-10 acres (flexible) of open land in or near Washtenaw County to start a small, organic mixed orchard with pollinator habitat built into the orchard from the beginning. I care about long‑term land health and want to grow a diverse mix of fruit for the local community. I’m looking for a place where the trees can establish well, produce reliably, and become something I can care for and build up over the years.
Preferred location: Lenawee, Washtenaw
Desired Transitional Agreement: Sale, Mentorship
May 5, 2026
Desired Acreage
- 1-5 Acres
- 5-10 Acres
Desired Infrastructure
Desired Land Usage
Goals, Values, Vision
I’d like to set up an orchard now while I’m still working full‑time, with the plan to give it my full attention as I move into retirement. What motivates me is creating something lasting and genuinely useful for the community. Many orchards in Michigan focus primarily on apples and are often not organic, so I’d like to offer a more eclectic mix, including pears, plums, cherries, peaches, and some unique varieties (like kiwi, currants, fig, persimmons, quince, sea buckthorn, honeyberries...) that aren’t often available for local harvest. I'd like to also offer seconds at a lower cost since those are still great for baking, sauces, jams, wine, etc. I’m newer to orchard management, but I’m steady, curious, and committed to learning how to care for trees, soil, and pollinators. I'm actively attending MSU extension events to learn more about pruning and crop maintenance. I’m looking for a place where I can invest time and care into building something that becomes more abundant and more beautiful each year. A storage shed, water, and electricity are welcome but not required.
My goal is to establish a small, diverse orchard and set the long‑term framework in the first few years. I want to plant and shape young trees, build healthy soil, and create strong pollinator habitat so the orchard can mature into a resilient system. I imagine starting small and expanding as my comfort grows, letting the orchard develop at a pace that feels natural and manageable.
I value organic, low‑impact practices and want the orchard to provide high quality, local food. The vision is not high‑volume production but steady, sustainable abundance, with fruit grown with care and offered at a fair, reasonable price.
As the orchard becomes established, I’d like the space to grow into a quiet place for community connection. I imagine hosting small events, workshops, and hands‑on learning about fruit growing, pollinators, and soil health. It would be a place where people can gather, share knowledge, and reconnect with the land.
I plan to partner with a beekeeper or potentially manage hives myself to strengthen pollination and biodiversity. Over time, I’d like the property to show how small‑scale, thoughtful land management can support both people and ecosystems.
Farming Status
Current Farming Status
Not currently farming
Farm Experience/Education
No experience farming
Farming Plans and Practices
Farming Method
Certified Organic, Organic Practices
I plan to use organic, low‑impact practices and build the kind of orchard that relies on healthy soil, good airflow, and strong pollinator support rather than heavy chemical inputs. I’m still learning what different fruits need in Michigan’s climate, but my intention is to avoid synthetic sprays and focus on practices that keep the trees resilient over time. I’m approaching this with curiosity and respect for the land — paying attention, learning from experienced growers, and choosing methods that support both good harvests and a healthy ecosystem.
