volunteer experiences

FTPF volunteers have reported life-changing, empowering, and inspiring results from being involved in our projects. The following are a few select accounts from recent plantings written by volunteers themselves. If you have an experience to submit, please let us know!

Paiute Indian Tribe of Utah (submitted by Emily Roberts)

In June of 2009, as part of the Fruit Tree Planting Foundation’s Reservation Preservation program, I planted two orchards for the Paiute Indian Tribe of Utah . Over the course of three days several members of the Shiviwitz and Cedar City Bands, along with FTPF volunteers, planted the orchards, set up irrigation systems and learned to properly prune and care for the fruit trees.

On the final day of planting, a Paiute family of four invited our FTPF volunteer team to join them for dinner at a park. With heartfelt gratitude, Penny and her family shared with us the most amazing feast which included homemade fry bread. Although the food was remarkable, the most important gift was the time she and her family shared with us just as we shared our time with the Paiute Indian Tribe of Utah . The fruits of our labor will persevere and the beauty of that shared afternoon will live on, as well.

My volunteer experience with the Fruit Tree Planting Foundation has enriched my life in countless ways.  I gained knowledge that, although surprisingly simple, proved to be priceless and helped turn this brown thumb to green! I am tremendously inspired by the friendships I made and the experience I gained.  I am so grateful to have had the opportunity to be enveloped in such joy and satisfaction that comes from simply planting a fruit tree.