Capitol Reef National Park 2016 FRUIT HARVEST

Date: June 2, 2016
Contact: Cindy Micheli, 435-425-3791

Fruit season is upon us. Cherries, apricots, peaches, plums, apples, and pears are typically available for harvest each summer at Capitol Reef National Park. The prediction for the 2016 fruit season shows that apricots, apples, pears and peaches should be in good supply. "We are looking forward to a fun and safe fruit season," says Superintendent Leah McGinnis. 

Up-to-date fruit harvest information and pricing is recorded on the Capitol Reef Fruit Hotline as fruit ripens and specific harvest start dates are determined. To reach the fruit hotline, call [phone]. Once the park number connects, press one for general information and, at the voice prompt for the orchard hotline, press five. Fruit harvest information is also posted on the park Facebook page and Twitter feed. Information on the Fruita Orchards is available on the parks website at www.nps.gov/care under "plan your visit." 

Climbing fruit trees is not permitted in the park. The National Park Service provides special fruit picking ladders. Use care when picking fruit and carefully read and follow posted instructions on fruit picking and ladder use. Commercial picking requires a permit. 

www.nps.gov

Capitol Reef National Park uses the receipts from fruit sales to defray the cost of maintaining the orchards. The historic Fruita orchards are among the largest in the National Park System and were established beginning in the 1880s by Mormon pioneer residents of Fruita. The orchards are a main focus of the park's celebrations during this Centennial anniversary of the National Park Service. About the National Park Service: More than 20,000 National Park Service employees care for America's 409 national parks and work with communities across the nation to help preserve local history and create close-to-home recreational opportunities. Learn more at www.nps.gov.