Orchards as a Public Health Intervention: How Trees Feed More Than Our Bodies
Trees do far more than provide food or shade—they nurture our health, strengthen our communities, and shape the way we connect with one another. In this post, Ashley Vernon Williamson, the Co-Executive Director of Giving Grove, reflects on the magic of trees from childhood to her work with Giving Grove, and shares compelling research from Dr. Geof Donovan that reveals just how deeply trees impact public health and community resilience.
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Contributed by Ashley Vernon, Co-Executive Director
There was a tree in my childhood neighborhood that was pure magic—perfectly climbable and beautiful. One low branch allowed little bodies to gain entry, and thick limbs felt comforting and safe. That tree was a gathering place for kids in my neighborhood, sometimes holding eight of us at once. It was a space to explore, to imagine, to laugh, and to test physical limits. I still remember the smooth feel of the branches, the pleasingly crooked limbs to sit on and daydream. What I didn’t know then was the multiple benefits, beyond childhood joy, I was gaining just by being near this, and other trees.
Today, I am hyper aware of these benefits. I have a deeper understanding of the privilege of access to green space in our communities and the research that backs it up. I never expected to work so close to trees in my career, but today, I am grateful I get to help communities across the country plant little orchards directly in their neighborhoods. These are places where children will inevitably climb, neighbors will gather, and futures and trees will grow. What I’ve learned on this journey, and what the research confirms, is that these trees do much more than provide fruit: they help us live healthier, longer, more connected lives.
Magnolia × soulangeana
Over time, I have become familiar with Dr. Geof Donovan, a forester and researcher whose primary research focus is quantifying the benefits of urban trees. His name continued to pop up in academic research and as a presenter at conferences I attended. The more I heard about his connections the more curious I became about how this all relates to our work at The Giving Grove.
Here are some of the findings from his research that I found fascinating:
A study in Portland, Oregon found that each tree planted was associated with a measurable reduction in non-accidental and cardiovascular deaths, with benefits growing as the trees matured.
Another study showed that neighborhoods where more trees were planted saw increased voter turnout—a sign of stronger community bonds and civic engagement.
Most recently, researchers linked tree planting to healthier birth outcomes, with babies born heavier and with lower risks of preterm birth when trees were planted near maternal addresses.
These findings confirm what our Giving Grove team and orchard stewards already know: planting fruit trees is about more than calories – they are part of a grander picture, and a bigger impact. As we continue to grow our network and grow our understanding of how these community orchards are benefiting communities, I encourage you to soak up the benefits as much as possible by finding a park or orchard near you.
Every orchard we plant has the potential of better community health, increased resilience, and a stronger sense of belonging. We’d love to hear your stories or connect with researchers, like Dr. Donovan, who are uncovering the science behind what communities already know: plant more trees! And -that trees, of all kinds, change everything.
Questions for you:
Sources:
Donovan et al, 2022. The association between tree planting and mortality: A natural experiment and cost-benefit analysis. Environment International 170(8):107609
Donovan et al, 2022. The natural environment and social cohesion: Tree planting is associated with increased voter turnout in Portland, Oregon. Trees Forests and People 7:100215
Donovan et al, 2025. The association between tree planting and birth outcomes. The Science of The Total Environment 975 (150):179229.
About the author:
Ashley Vernon serves as Co-Executive Director of The Giving Grove, guiding orchard program implementation across the country. By strengthening the national network through technical support, research, and data management, she strives to ensure each program, steward, and orchard site can achieve its greatest potential. Her work centers on collaboration, equity, and sustainability, so that all communities can share in the harvest.