Bismarck (CSi) North Dakota Agriculture Commissioner Doug Goehring has awarded grants totaling $51,125 for 12 projects to develop orchards and plant trees in local communities.

The largest of these was $9,000 awarded to Hi-Line Prairie Gardens and Orchard in Valley City.

Goehring says, “The goals of the North Dakota Community Orchard Project are to increase the production of fruit and nut trees that grow in North Dakota, provide educational opportunities and foster community spirit by bringing people together to plant and tend these orchards.”

The Hi-Line Prairie Gardens and Orchard will convert approximately 4 acres of unused city property in northwest Valley City into an easily accessible outdoor recreation and educational area that is friendly to pollinator species.