New signs will unveil the history of pioneer fruit trees at Cyrus Historic Orchard

Bend, Ore. (KTVZ) --- Heritage Apple Corps and the U.S. Forest Service will host a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Oct. 2 at 12:00 noon to unveil new interpretive signs at Cyrus Historic Orchard on the Crooked River National Grassland. The signs detail the history of Central Oregon's pioneer fruit trees and ongoing efforts to protect the historic sites.

More than a century ago, homesteading families planted fruit trees across the land that now makes up the grassland. The new interpretive displays at both McCoin and Cyrus Historic Orchards share the stories of the McCoin and Cyrus families who cultivated the land, as well as the heritage apple varieties that remain standing today.

Content for the interpretive signs was developed through a collaboration between Heritage Apple Corps, the U.S. Forest Service and historian Steve Lent of the Bowman Museum. The signage project was supported by funding and contributions from the Pacific Northwest Forest Service Association and Nora Scott.

Peter Loverso of Heritage Apple Corps emphasized the importance of preserving the historic fruit trees for the community. “These pioneer fruit trees are living pieces of Central Oregon history,” Loverso said. “The signs help visitors understand why these orchards matter and how we are protecting them for future generations.”

Each year, Heritage Apple Corps and the U.S. Forest Service host fruit tree restoration workshops and field days at the historic orchards. The events bring together volunteers, arborists, orchardists and community members to practice hands-on techniques for caring for veteran trees. The joint partnership also supports genetic preservation, DNA identification and wildfire risk-reduction efforts.

Cyrus Historic Orchard is located approximately one-half mile west of Cyrus Horse Camp. Visitors reaching the site must travel on unpaved roads, which can become rutted and muddy after rainfall. Access to the orchard may require a high-clearance vehicle.

Following the ribbon-cutting ceremony on Oct. 2, participants will conduct several hours of volunteer deadwood removal at nearby heritage trees.