Tom Brown, a retired engineer from Clemmons, North Carolina, has spent over 20 years working on a passion project to preserve rare and heirloom apple varieties, many of which were once abundant in the Appalachian region. Since 1999, Brown has dedicated his time and expertise to locating and conserving more than 1,200 forgotten apple varieties, many of which were at risk of disappearing.
Using a combination of local knowledge and thorough research, Brown locates these old, rare apple trees by talking to community members and exploring abandoned orchards. He grows these unique apples on his farm, Heritage Apples, where he not only cultivates and cares for them but also sells the trees to encourage others to plant their own preservation orchards.
When he finds a lost variety, Brown grafts clippings onto trees in his own orchard, where he cultivates and sells them for just $15 to encourage others to create “mini preservation orchards.” Despite the challenge of aging trees and a dwindling population of local knowledge keepers, Brown remains determined, calling the work both fun and fulfilling.
“It’s a thrill to rediscover them,” he says. “I’m happy as a lark.” Brown’s mission not only preserves these apples but also honors the heritage of the region, where generations of families once prided themselves on cultivating unique varieties in their backyards.
His primary mission is to protect and celebrate the region’s agricultural heritage and cultural history, helping to ensure that these rare apple varieties are preserved for future generations. Through his efforts, Brown is making a significant contribution to sustainable agriculture and the conservation of genetic diversity in fruit trees, offering an invaluable resource for future orchardists and apple enthusiasts.
By spreading awareness and encouraging others to become involved, Brown is also boosting interest in agriculture sustainability, heritage farming, and biodiversity conservation. His work plays a crucial role in ensuring that these forgotten apple types are not just saved but thrive for years to come.
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