Heirloom Orchard Groundbreaking This Saturday At Lost Corner Preserve, Sandy Springs

Press release from City of Sandy Springs:

01/14/2021

Groundbreaking for a new heirloom fruit orchard gets underway at Lost Corner Preserve on Saturday, Jan. 16, 2021. The orchard is a collaborative effort between the City of Sandy Springs, Sandy Springs Conservancy, and two Sandy Springs Eagle Scouts from Troop 379. Lost Corner Nature Preserve is a century-old family farm donated to the City by Margaret “Peggy” Miles.

Miles lived on the property her entire life. She desired that the land be preserved for future generations to enjoy. The Trust for Public Land, Sandy Springs Conservancy, and the City of Sandy Springs worked with Ms. Miles towards that goal, and upon her death in 2008, the 24-acre property was deeded to the City as a new park.

Ms. Miles expressed a wish to one day have a fruit orchard planted at Lost Corner. Eagle Scouts Will Riley Gibson and Tyler Morgan, both who grew up in Sandy Springs and were frequent hikers on the property trails, took on the task of making that dream come to fruition. As part of their Eagle Scout project, the two men scouts will clear and prepare the land, install a border fence, and plant 14 heirloom fruit trees. Funding for the project was made possible through the Sandy Springs Conservancy as part of a program to support micro-projects to enhance city parks.

“We are pleased to support this project. It provides a fine leadership opportunity for the scouts. With Peggy’s vision in mind, the orchard will be a source of enjoyment and beauty for all of us for years to come,” said Sandy Springs Conservancy Chairman Jack Misiura. Sandy Springs Conservancy is sponsoring a series of “micro-projects” as a way to continue its mission during the pandemic.

“Spirit, service, and leadership are hallmarks of the Eagle Scout program, and their efforts will provide a lasting positive imprint bearing fruit literally and through future education opportunities at Lost Corner made possible through this new orchard. I commend these young men on their efforts,” said Sandy Springs Mayor Rusty Paul.

The original family cottage from 1915 remains a part of Lost Corner Nature Preserve. The park includes woodland walking trails, a community garden, and nature courses and master-gardening classes held on-site.

This press release was produced by the City of Sandy Springs. The views expressed are the author's own.