Volunteers launch Adopt-a-Fruit Tree program

A partnership between Capital Region Medical Center and Jane Beetem, coordinator of the Adopt-a-Fruit-Tree program, has launched a new initiative to plant new and maintain existing fruit trees across Jefferson City. The kick-off to the Adopt-a-Fruit-Tree program began May 19 when six apple trees were planted on the property of The LINC wellness center, right next to the Boys & Girls Club's new facility at 1105 Lafayette St.
A partnership between Capital Region Medical Center and Jane Beetem, coordinator of the Adopt-a-Fruit-Tree program, has launched a new initiative to plant new and maintain existing fruit trees across Jefferson City. The kick-off to the Adopt-a-Fruit-Tree program began May 19 when six apple trees were planted on the property of The LINC wellness center, right next to the Boys & Girls Club's new facility at 1105 Lafayette St.

An apple a day keeps the doctor away, but access to fresh fruit will keep the community vibrant.

A partnership between Capital Region Medical Center and Jane Beetem, coordinator of the Adopt-a-Fruit-Tree program, has launched a new initiative to plant new and maintain existing fruit trees across Jefferson City.

The kick-off to the Adopt-a-Fruit-Tree program began last Friday when six apple trees were planted on the property of The LINC wellness center, right next to the Boys & Girls Club's new facility at 1105 Lafayette St.

The Adopt-a-Fruit-Tree program is a new effort to connect people who may have unkempt fruit trees in their yard to trained volunteer "tree managers." Tree managers will care for new and existing trees over the winter season, shaping them up to produce fruit year round.

"We are looking for volunteers to help us with this project," Beetem said. "Once you get the trees to a good size, they will produce fruit for years."

Beetem said she started the program because she noticed unkempt fruit trees had the potential to be revived, keeping in mind there was the possibility to create a permanent all-year food source for the community.

With the first set of fruit trees planted near The LINC and the new Boys & Girls Club facility, Beetem said the trees not only promote wellness but healthy eating for youth.

In the future, Beetem plans to continue working with CRMC to plant more fruit trees and to take pictures of the Boys & Girls Club youth as they grow with the trees.

"By bringing together tree owners and volunteer managers, we can make use of fruit currently not being used and expand this resource for the future," said Ashley Varner, Healthy Schools, Healthy Communities program coordinator at CRMC.

Varner said they already have their eyes set on two other locations in town, one near Immaculate Conception Church on East McCarty Street and the other across from the transit station by East Miller Park.

Those interested in volunteering can contact Varner at 573-632-5605. Volunteers can sign up to manage trees and offer locations for tree planting. In addition, they will be trained to manage fruit trees and distribute fruit to certain locations in Jefferson City.