Course:LFS350/Projects/2015T2/gambierapples
Project Summary
The Gambier Island Sea Ranch (GISR) has a small amount of fruit trees dating back to the time when the property had an orchard. We would like to rejuvenate our orchards by both planting new trees and saving our historical trees, many of which have been neglected or are at the end of their life. Students working on this project will 1) identify the varieties of apples, pears, and perhaps other fruit; 2) interview Sea Ranch residents to create a written narrative of the history of the fruit trees; 3) propagate the trees through grafting or other means; 4) prune the existing trees; and 5) prepare written materials instructing GISR how to maintain the orchard. This project is especially relevant for students majoring in applied plant and soil sciences, food and the environment, and food nutrition and health, and/or who want learn more about orchard production and agricultural history. This project is a continuation from a Fall 2015 project
Organization Information
Name
Gambier Island Sea Ranch
Organizational Vision
The Gambier Island Sea Ranch is a multi-generational, inclusive island community that values a cooperative, engaged culture, respects its physical and human environment, and is dedicated to preserving its peaceful and natural setting for future generations.
Organization Values
- Thoughtful Stewardship
We are thoughtful of all components that make up the sea ranch, including the farm, physical environment, and natural setting. We are professional in our operations and management practices. - Respect
We respect and celebrate the diversity of the individuals and groups who comprise our community. - Cooperative Collaboration
As a community, we acknowledge the benefits we receive from the wealth of skills, expertise and collective knowledge within our community. This active participation on the part of community members supports our shared success. - Accountability
We are responsible for our individual actions and decisions and understand that we are accountable for our behaviours.
Guiding Principles
- Maintain professional integrity in operational management practices.
- Proactively set, implement and measure goals that engage and reflect sound decision-making.
- Assure that decisions are clear, transparent and communicated to members of the community.
- Uphold and adhere to sound financial practices.
- Adhere to prudent record keeping practices that encourage ongoing knowledge transfer. http://searanch.ca/
Primary Contact
- Name: Rosalie Boulter, member of the Farm Committee
- Email: rosalieboulter@gmail.com
- Address: Vancouver
- Phone: 604-687-2024
- Website: Searanch.ca
- Skype: Rosalie.boulter
Project Description
The Gambier Island Sea Ranch (GISR) has a small amount of fruit trees dating back to the time when the property had an orchard. Our oral history includes fruit being harvested and either rowed over to the mainland or barged over. The skeleton of the barge is washed up on shore. We would like to rejuvenate our orchards by both planting new trees and saving our historical trees, many of which have been neglected or are at the end of their life. Some trees still produce a good amount of fruit and have been cared for. We are interested in 1) finding out the varieties of apples, pears, and perhaps other fruit that we have; 2) propagating our trees through grafting or other means; 3) honouring our history by creating a written narrative of the past related to the fruiting trees; and 4) caring for and pruning the existing trees.
This project will build off the efforts of [LFS students] that were identifying and documenting the history of fruit tress on Gambier Island. This project involves students researching, recommending and documenting in detail the best way to keep our trees healthy and to propagate them. They will speak with members of the community and create some education materials for our community to learn about this.
Skills Preferred
- Interest in history of agriculture
- Agricultural and biological knowledge
- Able to interview people with different styles and narratives.
Skills to Be Developed
- A sense of the varied history of the islands, contributing to the food system of Vancouver
- Ability to restore orchards
- Knowledge of how to include many stakeholders.
Project Location
At least one visit to Gambier Island to view the trees and the property will be needed. If community service is included, this may entail a second visit. The earlier in the project the visit takes place, the better as weather can be a factor. Visits need to be arranged when other people are on site, which is not every day. Visits will likely need to be on a weekend day. Bus service to Horseshoe Bay and then a water taxi to the Island – booking in advance required.
Preferred Days of Week and Hours
Visits weekends. No other on site work required (aside from Community service).
Experiential Learning Opportunities
- Early spring orchard and farm work.
Expected Outcomes
Learning Outcomes
Student will be able to...
- Graft/propagate fruit trees
- Create resource materials with respect to grafting and propagating fruit trees and general orchard maintenance
Organizational Outcomes
Sea Ranch will gain:
- Knowledge of our history
- Restoration of our valued fruit trees
- Energy of the students adding to our community.