Wilson Creek Orchard all started with the idea of planting a few apple trees as a hobby, planting just enough to sell at farmers markets or a small roadside stand. We thought we would try to learn as much as possible about growing apples before we planted any trees, so we attended the Midwest School for Beginning Apple Growers offered through the UW-Madison. Our eyes were opened to a whole new, exciting world of planting and growing an orchard.
We knew that we wanted to use the most modern methods to produce quality fruit while remaining friendly on the local environment. Plans were drawn and redrawn, varieties were chosen, books were read, help was gathered, and in the spring of 2013, we planted our first apple trees. Since then, we have planted over 4,500 trees of over 30 varieties.
We are excited to share all our hard work with the local community by providing fresh, quality, local fruit that wasn't readily available in our area in the past. We are especially thrilled to supply the local school districts with our apples throughout the fall. Students now have the opportunity to try new, tasty apple varieties that they have probably never had before.
Two members of Wilson Creek Orchard, LLC, Alex and Terry (Alex's father-in-law), have been instrumental since the beginning. Attending trainings, working countless hours caring for the orchard and deciding the next steps for the future of WCO. Terry has 35 years experience owning and operating his dairy farm. He has a wealth of knowledge in growing crops, soil health and how to run a successful business. Alex has 13 years of experience as a professional in the natural resource field. He has a bachelors of science, majoring in biology, and offers his knowledge and passion for a healthy, sustainable and diverse ecosystem. Along with their spouses, Terry and Alex create a great team to carry out the mission of Wilson Creek Orchard.
In 2013, we planted our first 1,000 trees. We had a lot of help from family and friends, and made a lot of good memories along the way.
In 2014, we planted 3,500 more trees. This took a lot of planning and preparation. We dug all the holes before the trees were even delivered. We hired local students to help us plant the trees and had a great showing of family and friends once again. Along with planting the trees, a group of us formed a team to build the trellis system, following right behind the tree planters.
Anticipating that our trees would start producing in 2016, we knew that we would need a place to sort, store and sell the fruit. So, we designed a building to fit our needs and hired local contractors to pour the foundation and build the shell of the building. Once the exterior of the building was complete, we worked countless hours insulating and finishing the interior of the cooler and sorting room. With the help of family, we also built the front porch of the store, utilizing 6" by 6" beams to create the retaining wall and steps.
We had a custom metal sign built that was finished and installed on the front of the building in 2017.
Copyright 2017 Wilson Creek Orchard, LLC. All rights reserved.