On October 2 at noon, Bend residents and visitors will gather for a ribbon‑cutting ceremony at Cyrus Historic Orchard, a treasured site on the Crooked River National Grassland. The event, co‑hosted by Heritage Apple Corps and the U.S. Forest Service, will unveil a series of new interpretive signs that share the legacy of Central Oregon’s pioneer fruit trees.
Honoring the pioneering families
The signs, placed at both the McCoin and Cyrus orchards, recount how homesteading families planted apple, pear and other fruit trees more than a century ago. These early settlers, the McCoin and Cyrus families, turned the high desert into a living orchard that still bears heritage varieties today. Historian Steve Lent of the Bowman Museum helped craft the narratives, ensuring the stories are accurate and engaging for modern audiences.
Community partnership and support
Heritage Apple Corps’ Peter Loverso emphasized the importance of protecting these living pieces of history. “These pioneer fruit trees are living pieces of Central Oregon history,” he said. “The signs help visitors understand why these orchards matter and how we are protecting them for future generations.” The project was funded in part by the Pacific Northwest Forest Service Association and a contribution from local supporter Nora Scott.
Ongoing stewardship and education
Each year, Heritage Apple Corps and the Forest Service host fruit‑tree restoration workshops and field days at the historic orchards. Volunteers, arborists, orchardists and community members gather to learn hands‑on techniques for caring for veteran trees, including pruning, disease management and fire‑risk reduction. The partnership also supports genetic preservation and DNA identification of heritage varieties, safeguarding the orchard’s biodiversity.
Visiting the orchard
Cyrus Historic Orchard lies about half a mile west of Cyrus Horse Camp. Access requires travel on unpaved roads that can become rutted and muddy after rain, so a high‑clearance vehicle is recommended. After the ribbon‑cutting, participants will spend several hours removing deadwood from nearby heritage trees, a volunteer effort that helps maintain the orchard’s health and safety.
Why the orchard matters to Bend
For Bend and the surrounding high desert, the orchard is more than a scenic spot; it is a reminder of the region’s agricultural roots and the perseverance of early settlers who cultivated the land against the odds. The new signs provide an educational resource for families, school groups and tourists, reinforcing the community’s connection to its past while promoting stewardship of natural resources.
Local families and volunteers are encouraged to attend the ceremony, explore the interpretive displays and consider joining future restoration events. By celebrating these historic fruit trees, Bend continues to honor its heritage, support community involvement and protect the environment for generations to come.
Original reporting: KTVZ (Central Oregon) — read the source article.
