GARDNERS, PA - A game-changing program is being put into action as Rice Fruit Company furthers its commitment to environmental responsibility and sustainability. The apple supplier joined forces with the Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay’s Pennsylvania Lawn Conversion Project.

“We are collectively working with the Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay to transition the lawn area into a thriving native habitat,” noted Valerie Ramsburg, Marketing at Rice Fruit Company. “We plan to plant over 440 trees to create a riparian forest buffer, which serves as a vital sanctuary for wildlife and promotes biodiversity.”

Supporting the Lawn-to-Forest Program, the planting will be completed on April 30 as part of a volunteer event. As the company explained in a press release, this hands-on involvement exhibits Rice Fruit’s dedication to tangible change and the power of collective action in saving and preserving natural habitats.

The planting will make a vital impact, as the Chesapeake Bay is lined with conventional mowed lawns that inadvertently disrupt crucial ecological processes by restricting filtered runoff, diminishing natural habitats for pollinators and wildlife, and limiting carbon sequestration, the release stated.

“By embracing this effective restoration approach, communities can reduce the burden of traditional lawn maintenance while practicing sustainable land management that prioritizes environmental stewardship,” shared Rebecca Lauver, Forests Projects Manager at the Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay. “These lawn conversion projects mitigate runoff and offer multiple benefits, from shading streams and urban areas to enhancing local ecosystems.”

Complementing the Land-to-Forest planting, the grower will also collaborate with the Alliance on the implementation of a native meadow planting in the fall of 2024 as part of its pollination efforts. Rice Fruit Company takes all actions possible to support ecosystems and the pollinators who play a vital role in its apple orchards. By advancing healthy pollinator populations, the supplier is able to ensure optimal fruit production through a sustainable system for future generations.

This strategic collab not only advances the Alliance’s mission to advance regional land management practices but also demonstrates Rice Fruit’s dedication to land sustainability and environmental responsibility.

We applaud both organizations for their efforts to restore critical ecosystems and uphold a high sustainability standard. As more outfits across produce put similar strategies into play, ANUK will be here to report.