A growing nonprofit orchard in Northern New York — apples, cherries, pears, and cider — cultivated to support rescue, rehabilitation, and the land that sustains it all.
The Heron Bay Cliffs Orchard is not a commercial operation — it's an extension of our nonprofit mission. The orchard grows on our Northern New York sanctuary property alongside the shepherds, the wildlife, and the land we steward.
As the orchard matures, it will generate income through a U-pick operation, a seasonal farm stand, and small-batch apple cider. Every dollar earned offsets the costs of running the rescue and rehabilitation center.
Each spring we also germinate and sell fruit tree saplings and Black Hills Spruce — helping other properties grow while funding ours.
The orchard is not yet open to the public. We are in active planting and establishment phase and need volunteers to help us get there.
Actively growing — apple, cherry, and pear trees in the ground and establishing
Sapling propagation — fruit trees and Black Hills Spruce germinated each season for spring sales
Volunteers needed — planting, fencing, and maintenance help is our most urgent need right now
U-pick & farm stand — planned once orchard is established and fenced
Apple cider production — planned as a seasonal revenue stream for the rescue
Poultry integration — chickens and guineas will be introduced inside the orchard once fenced, for natural pest control
Fresh eating and dessert apples grown on our Northern NY property.
GrowingTart baking varieties ideal for pies, crisps, sauces, and preserves.
GrowingTart cherries prized for baking, juice, and preserves. A Northern NY staple.
GrowingFresh pears grown alongside the apple and cherry trees.
GrowingSmall-batch fresh apple cider — a planned seasonal product once the orchard matures.
Coming SoonFruit tree saplings and Black Hills Spruce available every spring. Grown on site from seed.
Spring SalesThe orchard is young and growing — and we need hands to help it thrive. Whether you have a free Saturday or want to become a regular volunteer, your time directly advances the mission.
What we need help with:
No experience necessary — just willingness to work outdoors. Located in Northern New York. We'll provide tools, direction, and good company.
Trees are in the ground and establishing. Volunteers are needed to help plant, fence, and care for the young orchard.
Fruit tree and Black Hills Spruce saplings germinated on site and sold each spring to support rescue operations.
Once the orchard is fenced, chickens, guineas, and turkeys will be introduced to manage pests and dropped fruit naturally — a closed-loop system.
Apples, baking apples, Montmorency cherries, pears, and apple cider available seasonally for the public.
Heron Bay Cliffs Shepherds Rescue, Inc. is a federally recognized 501(c)(3) nonprofit. Orchard proceeds support rescue and rehabilitation operations. Northern New York.