Heritage Apple Corps launches Heritage Fruit Tree Registry providing detailed historical records, orchard maps, and more

OREGON (KTVZ) -- The Heritage Apple Corps has launched the Heritage Fruit Tree Registry to document historic fruit trees across Central Oregon. Created by Peter Loverso, the registry serves as a publicly accessible resource to help the local community learn about the region's agricultural history.

The project incorporates years of research and fieldwork, much of which was collected by Chris Jensen, a retired U.S. Forest Service employee. Jensen collaborated with the federal agency to document the historic trees, drawing on a career spent working with long-lived species like ponderosa, whitebark and bristlecone pines.

The registry provides fruit variety identification, detailed historical records, orchard maps and geotagged locations. It also includes tree health assessments and DNA analysis. The information is hosted as a publicly accessible resource on the Heritage Apple Corps website.

To ensure the survival of these varieties, the Heritage Apple Corps is establishing a living preservation orchard. Oregon Spirit Distillers donated the land and will manage the site where cuttings from documented trees will be planted. The initiative is designed to maintain Central Oregon's heritage fruit varieties for future generations.

The project depends on community volunteers who assist with restoring historic homestead orchards throughout the region. CJ Johnson, the founder of the Heritage Apple Corps, emphasized the importance of these relationships in maintaining the trees.

"We are also deeply grateful for our partnerships with the School of Ranch, Discover Your Northwest and the United States Forest Service," Johnson said. "Their collaboration and support are essential to advancing long-term orchard preservation and stewardship."

Funding for the project comes from donations, which support DNA identification, preservation work and education initiatives. Contributions made through the organization are tax-deductible. community members can also participate by sharing knowledge or volunteering for orchard protection efforts.

The Heritage Apple Corps is currently seeking volunteers to help propagate cuttings from documented trees for the preservation orchard. Ongoing volunteer opportunities for orchard restoration and tree protection are available through the organization's website.