From Pruning to Purpose: A Harvest That Gives Back

Amrita Farms, Ann Arbor – Beneath a soft winter-gray sky, warmth spread through the orchards—not from the sun, but from the hands and hearts of volunteers who had come together to care for the land. Over two Saturdays, families, students, and community members gathered at Amrita Farms, a sanctuary of 950 dwarf and semi-dwarf apple trees, to take part in an age-old practice: pruning. Amrita Farms, rooted in permaculture principles, embraces sustainability at every turn. Under the patient guidance of resident experts Chad Kymal and Matt Fillion, volunteers of all ages learned how a simple cut could shape the future of a tree—encouraging strength, airflow, and the promise of an abundant harvest.

More photos at: https://na.amma.org/slideshows/apple-tree-pruning-days-amrita-farms

Day One: Learning and Pruning Together

The crisp morning air carried the scent of earth and bark as volunteers from MACM and Sewa Detroit arrived. Bundled in warm jackets and eager to learn, they listened as Kymal demonstrated the careful art of pruning. Every snip was intentional—removing crowded branches, opening the canopy to sunlight, and ensuring that each tree had the best chance to thrive. Working row by row, they trimmed branches, improving airflow and ensuring better fruit production in the coming seasons. By the end of the day, about half of the orchard had been pruned, leaving the trees looking lighter and well-prepared for their next phase of growth.

Day Two: Returning for More

One week later, the orchard saw familiar faces return, along with new ones—members of the Rotary Club, Sai community, University of Michigan students, and neighbors drawn by the promise of service and connection. Though intermittent rain drizzled over the farm, dampening coats but not spirits, the work carried on with unwavering dedication.Those who had pruned the week before now taught newcomers, passing on their knowledge in a beautiful cycle of learning and giving. This time, the work felt smoother, the movements more instinctual. The shears moved with quiet confidence, and the trees, though silent, seemed to welcome the care.

Lunch & Learn: Nourishing the Mind and Body

Between the hard work of pruning, volunteers gathered for moments of rest and reflection during Lunch & Learn sessions on both Saturdays. The midday break provided warmth—not just from the nourishing meal, but from the knowledge shared. As they ate, they absorbed lessons in sustainable apple farming, the rhythm of seasonal maintenance, and the invisible yet vital relationship between human hands and the land they tend. They left with a newfound appreciation for the unseen labor behind every thriving orchard.

Dedication Tree: A Symbol of Love and Growth

In addition to hands-on service, participants had a special way to contribute to future tree care—dedicating apples in honor of loved ones. Each dedication became part of a vibrant display, with apples of different colors symbolizing heartfelt connections between people, trees, and the earth.

As the final trees were pruned and the last apple was dedicated, the orchard stood transformed—not just in appearance, but in spirit. It had been shaped by the hands of a community, strengthened by their care, and left with the promise of a fruitful season ahead.

The efforts poured into the pruning days are just the beginning of a meaningful journey. Last year, Amrita Farms yielded 250 bushels—approximately 25,000 apples. With each season, the team continues to learn more about sustainable cultivation, leading to steadily increasing harvests.

All proceeds from apple sales are donated to charitable causes. In addition to this, the orchard warmly welcomes local families during picking season. The year before last, the apples sold out in just two weekends—a reflection of how cherished the experience has become in the community.

For many children, a visit to Amrita Farms is their first introduction to apple picking and to the natural world. With rows of dwarf and semi-dwarf trees, even young hands can reach the fruit, making the experience both fun and accessible. It’s more than a harvest—it’s a chance to foster connection, learning, and kindness, one apple at a time.