Therapeutic Benefits of Our Community Orchards

Contributed by Ashley Williamson, MSW, Co-Executive Director of The Giving Grove National Network

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Trees, in all their varieties, have held a special place in my life. As a child, and at times to my parent’s dismay, I found deep joy climbing every tree physically possible. One special tree on my block was a gathering place for kids. That tree held stories – from the low, thick branches that were smooth with years of little-foot traffic to the high broken branch, remnants of the infamous day a kid fell (with the branch in their arms) and walked away unharmed. Little did I know as a child, interacting with nature in that way was extremely beneficial to my health.

Today, I am lucky to have a job that keeps trees close. Although I may not be climbing as profusely as I once was, I have a renewed appreciation for the multiple benefits of spaces like community orchards. Beyond being a delicious source of perennial food, improving the environment from the soil to the air, and providing a space for gathering, these micro-orchards also benefit to our mental health.

One community member, Sarah Glavin, a Clinical Social Worker, uses community orchards as a space of connection and release with her clients. She said, “People have been finding healing through and within nature for as long as we have existed on this planet, and we would be remiss not to tap into this or be intentional about our access and engagement. It’s not just soothing for anxiety or helpful with mood elevation and depression. It’s a deep source of healing.”

“People have been finding healing through and within nature for as long as we have existed on this planet, and we would be remiss not to tap into this or be intentional about our access and engagement. It’s not just soothing for anxiety or helpful with mood elevation and depression. It’s a deep source of healing.”
— Sarah Glavin, Clinical Social Worker

Multiple studies over the years have shown the connection between closeness to natural environments and enhanced health. In 1984, researcher Roger Ulrich proved that hospital rooms with window views of natural settings have restorative influences. Professor C. A. Lewis produced research in 1995 indicating that vegetation and natural settings reduce stress and promote peace, tranquility, and enhanced self-esteem. In 2018, Professor Sarah Church promoted nature in urban landscape by showing the detrimental effects of the human-nature disconnect. In 2021, researchers showed the positive link between subjective well-being and urban green infrastructure.

If you have experienced the benefits of nature yourself, you do not need a researcher to tell you it is a good thing! At The Giving Grove, we understand how much of a difference a community orchard can make, and our tagline – Little Orchards, Big Impact – carries a lot of meaning for our team. We understand that greenspace is not equitable, and that development can threaten existing spaces. Our team and our affiliates across our nationwide network will continue to advocate for these spaces, and help our communities create, maintain, and benefit from them.

As flowers begin to burst and leaves begin to emerge this season, I encourage you to take a walk among trees. Practice an anxiety-reducing grounding exercise by engaging all your senses: Stand or sit in front of a tree, observe the height and stretch of the branches, touch and feel the roughness or smoothness of the bark, smell the scents of the new blooms or soil below, and listen to the wind and the sounds of nature and life around you. Remember to breathe deeply and send your appreciation to Mother Nature as she shares her springtime joy.

Sources:

Knowledge, Kindness, HealthAshley WilliamsonHorticulture Therapy, Orchard Therapy, Staff Contribution