An apple sits ready to be picked at the community orchard on Pierceton Road in Winona Lake. InkFreeNews photo by Dan Spalding.

Press Release

WINONA LAKE — The Community Apple Orchard in Winona Lake is open on Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. through Oct. 9.

The orchard operates as a non-profit organization dedicated to restoring the orchard. Through that, Community Apple Orchard provides fresh fruit to food banks and the community. The orchard is located at 1800 E. Pierceton Road, at the intersection of Packerton and Pierceton Roads.

Gleaning day is Saturday, Oct. 9, where patrons can pick apples for free. Please have apples weighed before you leave. The price is 50 cents a pound until Oct. 9. You can pick for free if you pick an equivalent amount of apples to donate to the needy. Parking is on the west side of the orchard.

Call (574) 551-0117 to pick at other times through Oct. 8. Cider presses are available on Saturdays and for larger groups as the organization is able to accommodate.

The restoration of the orchard was started in 2010 when Community Apple Orchard Corporation arranged a loan with Grace College.

Community Apple Orchard also has two large, hand-operated cider presses that are free to use. However, apples must be picked at the orchard.

Vouchers for the orchard are available at Combined Community Services. Through the vouchers, you can purchase up to two bushels (84 pounds) for free. As of Sept. 24, there have been 14 vouchers received with a total of 1,038 pounds donated through CCS vouchers.

The orchard on Pierceton Road is clearly marked. InkFreeNews photo by Dan Spalding.