Portland Fruit Tree Project (PFTP) is excited to unveil its latest initiative, "PDXFruitTreeTips," a free text alert system designed for fruit lovers looking to explore the bounty of Portland's urban orchards. This service provides subscribers with tips on ripe fruit and foraging, when to pick produce, and how to make the most of it, all tailored to Portland's unique climate, and will be launched and live on July 15th. 

"Give a fig about picking fresh fruit in PDX? Opt into our fun text and get tips about what's ripening, how to know when to pick it and how to use it," encourages Heather Keisler Fornes, Executive Director of Portland Fruit Tree Project. "Our fruity information will guide you through the season in our unique PacNW climate." 

Subscribers to PDXFruitTreeTips will receive weekly alerts during harvest season and bi-weekly alerts in the winter, ensuring they're always in the loop about the latest fruit and edible plants to discover and forage in their area. The alerts will include valuable insights on ripe fruit varieties, optimal picking times, and link to more info and creative recipes to turn nature's bounty into delicious treats. 

Example Texts:

• Not sure what that round spotted fruit is? Apple? Pear? Good chances it's an Asian pear - learn about how to pick, prepare, and partake!
• Currants are current - time to poke around some bushes. Find out more about what's edible here.
• Get one over on the squirrels and collect some green walnuts. Learn more here about how to harvest and eat 'em!

Think it's too early for ripe apples? Think again! Find out how to tell if that apple tree you've been eyeing is ripe for picking & what they're good for!

"Our goal with PDXFruitTreeTips is to empower individuals to connect with nature, reduce food waste, and embrace the joy of exploring the seasons with fresh, locally-grown fruit," Keisler Fornes added. "Whether you're a seasoned forager or just starting out, our text alerts will provide the guidance and inspiration you need to make the most of Portland's abundant fruiting plants." 

To subscribe to PDXFruitTreeTips and embark on your fruit-picking journey, sign up at www.portlandfruit.org, and ensure a fruitful experience throughout the season.

This Programming is Presented by Welcome to PDX Portland, OR and WA Real Estate Agent and Portland Nursery.

About Portland Fruit Tree Project: Portland Fruit Tree Project is a non-profit organization dedicated to increasing equitable access to healthful food and strengthening communities through urban agriculture. By empowering neighbors to share in the harvest and care of city-grown produce, PFTP helps to reduce food waste and promote food security in the Portland area. The 15 year strong nonprofit is embarking on a bountiful season of urban orchard workshops and harvests, and diving into fruit preservation in a big way in 2024.