Cultivating Legacy: 100 Orchards and Counting with Richard Hodges
Today we’re celebrating a remarkable milestone: 100 school orchards planted by ReTreeUS, an organization founded by Richard Hodges. These orchards have positively impacted over 30,000 students and produced over 150,000 pounds of fresh fruit for local schools and food pantries. This is just the beginning, and we're honored to support an organization that is making true impact!
A Vision Rooted in Passion
Richard’s journey began in 2012, after years of working with students outdoors and fostering their connection to nature. His love for gardening and fruit trees grew while running an educational garden in California, sparking the idea to bring orchards directly into schools. Richard’s passion for nature and teaching is at the heart of ReTreeUS.
"I thought it was awesome that the kids were coming to visit my garden," Richard shares, "but it’d be even better if the orchards were in their schools."
This idea evolved into a long-term, forward-thinking project. Orchards, with their apples, peaches, and beach plums, are a living legacy that take years to flourish. Some trees may take 10 years to bear fruit, but once they do, they can keep producing for decades, offering students the chance to watch the fruits of their labor grow over time.
A Lasting Impact for Generations
As Richard explains, the orchards represent more than just fruit-bearing trees. They symbolize legacy, hope, and hands-on learning for students. “These apple trees can last for 50 to 100 years, continuing to produce fruit," he says. “We talk to the kids about creating a legacy and giving back to future generations.”
This vision is key to the program's success. Students are learning about science, math, horticulture, and sustainability, all while participating in the orchard’s care and growth.
Supporting Orchards with the Community
Maintaining over 100 orchards across schools is no small feat. That’s why ReTreeUS launched an orchard adoption program, allowing local businesses and individuals to sponsor these orchards. Richard highlights the importance of compensating caretakers for their work: "It's a lot of work—mulching, pruning, and protecting the trees from pests or harsh weather—so we make sure to support our caretakers with stipends."
This program not only ensures the sustainability of each orchard but also strengthens ties with the community. Local businesses get involved, raising awareness and supporting the future of these living classrooms.
A Classroom in the Orchard
One of the greatest benefits of school orchards is how they can serve as outdoor classrooms. With lesson plans aligned to school learning standards, teachers can bring their students outside and apply their knowledge in a hands-on environment.
For Richard, this experiential learning is particularly powerful: "I was a kid who didn’t like learning from a book. Having that hands-on experience is so valuable, especially for students who learn best by doing.”
Growing Through Generosity
From the very beginning, ReTreeUS has thrived thanks to the generosity of various community foundations. Richard expresses gratitude for the support from the Quimby Family Foundation, the Onion Foundation, and the Stephen and Tabitha King Foundation, among others.
As the program has grown, it has also benefited from federal grants, including USDA Farm to School and EPA grants. This funding has allowed ReTreeUS to expand its impact and continue planting new orchards across the region.
Soil That Supports Success
A key partnership in ReTreeUS’s success has been with Coast of Maine Organic Products. Since 2014, we have provided high-quality compost and soil, integral to the health of the orchards. Richard notes, "It’s more than just free soil. The quality of the compost is something we can rely on, and it’s been amazing for the trees."
The consistency and reliability of the Penobscot Blend has contributed to the robust growth of the orchards. The partnership between ReTreeUS and Coast of Maine is about more than just products—it’s about building a community that supports sustainable growth.
Looking Ahead
As Richard and his team celebrate the milestone of 100 orchards, they remain focused on the future. With the continued support of their community, these orchards will provide fruit and learning opportunities for generations to come. We hope this conversation with Richard Hodges of ReTreeUS has inspired you to think about the lasting impact of what we plant today. Whether it’s in your garden or your community, we all have the power to grow something good!
