Western Washington Fruit Research Foundation
What is the Foundation?
WWFRF web site, with membership information, newsletter, and many other features |
The Western Washington Fruit Research Foundation was formed in 1991 in order to help fund tree fruit research in our region. For over 30 years, a team at WSU's Mount Vernon Research & Extension Center has been testing and reporting on the best fruit varieties for our unique western Washington climate. People from many interested groups who had benefited from past research got together to support this important program. Members come from diverse backgrounds : backyard hobby groups, home gardeners, organic growers, westside commercial apple and grape growers, nursery people, garden stores, landscapers, master gardeners, and other individuals interested in supporting tree fruit research.
The Cascade West FruitSource™ is a directory set up by the WWFRF in 2001 to help find sources of recommended fruit varieties, orchard supplies and equipment; fresh fruit from on-farm markets and U-pick farms, locally produced wines, ciders, and other fruit specialties. Member businesses help to support the Foundation in its research funding.
Recipes from WWFRF Newsletter
Fruit Demonstration Garden – Volunteers Work & Learn
Thursday mornings from 10 to 12 AM during the season, a volunteers’ work session is held in the Fruit Demonstration Garden at WSU – Mount Vernon. Learn orchard culture techniques while helping to maintain the Fruit Garden.
Contact De Arbogast, Display Garden Manager, for more information or to come and help.
Field and Harvest Days – co-sponsored by WSU and WWFRF
Spring Field Day (General Admission) covers grafting, pruning, and timely control of orchard diseases and pests. Talks are followed by hands-on demonstrations of pruning and grafting in the field, with opportunity to practice and ask questions. Scionwood and rootstock, grafting supplies, and horticultural items are available for purchase.
Fall Field Day (General Admission) Talks and displays cover a wide range of topics including best varieties of tree fruit, cider and winemaking, fruit recipes and fruit preserving. Orchard fruit is available to sample, and the afternoon program consists of a tour of the orchard with opportunity to harvest the fruit not needed for testing.
Harvest Days (Foundation Members only) members tour the orchard plots, sample fruit, ask questions, and take home extra fruit not needed for evaluations.