Wolf Gap Gardens
Berea, KY
Location:
Berea, KY
Total Acres:
1 acre
Agroforestry Acres:
0.5 acres
Year Established:
2024
Introduction
Our agroforestry project added a 1/2 acre of mixed fruit and nut trees to our organic market garden. This land was previously not in cultivation. We planted nine to eleven different trees and shrubs in bands with open space in between which may be used for other crops in the future. The purpose of this project is to enhance our farm's climate resilience as well as to increase our economic resilience by expanding the variety of our farm products.
Main Agroforestry Species
Chinese Chestnut (7), Asian Pears (7), Persimmons (8), Peaches (4), Jujubes (7), American Hazelnut (11), Elderberries (8), Nanking Cherries (4), Blueberries (4), Honey berries (4), Hardy Kiwi (6).
Contact Information
Main Contact:
Melinda Wilder, Partner
Phone
8595823105
Email:
Website:
Social Link
Social Link
Site Visitors
Yes
Nursery or Planting Stock Provider Information
Agroforestry System Design
We planted the trees and shrubs in bands based canopy level to maximize use of space. Unfortunately, the only available plot of land available is south facing so that provides some challenges.
Personal or Collective Experiences
The primary challenges was the amount of time and labor required as well as funding sources. We were did not buy and plant all the additional shrubs that were intended (like currants) because funding through a state nonprofit was rescinded due to federal changes. The cicada hatch provided an unexpected challenge in summer 2025.
Benefits included learning about different fruit and nut varieties as well as appropriate protection methods for those trees and shrubs. In addition, we connected with our local community, friends and family to help us plant the small fruits orchard. Also, due to this project we served as a host site for a small orchard workshop provided by Grow Appalachia (Berea College). Twelve people participated in this workshop.animal pressure and diseases. A financial benefit will be realized through this new revenue stream for the farm.
March 18, 2026 at 1:38:09 PM