Conversations and Reflections: Orchard Restoration

The Los Altos Heritage Orchard is one of three remaining orchards in the area—and the oldest—planted in 1901 by J. Gilbert Smith. Following a series of droughts, the health of the apricot grove has declined. Los Altos History Museum invites the public to engage in a meaningful dialogue about restoring the City’s Historical Landmark at the second in a series of Third Thursday discussions. Dr. Jane Packard will lead the discussion and share ideas for a biodynamic restoration approach guided by soil-building and pollinator-friendly practices, and plans for the installation of a water-wise irrigation drip system spurred by a mini-grant from Valley Water. She will also share lessons learned abroad. As former Director of the Biodiversity Stewardship Lab at Texas A&M University, Dr. Packard retired in 2015 and returned to care for her father in their Los Altos Hills home. She currently serves as Associate Professor Emeritus in the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Sciences. A wine and hors d’oeuvres reception will be held at the discussion. Cost to attend the program is $10; free to Museum members. Registration is required at losaltoshistory.org/3rdThursProg2.