Ahern Orchard Supports Las Vegas Community With Fresh Fruit

News Summary

Ahern Orchard in Las Vegas produces around 24,000 pounds of fruit annually, providing significant contributions to local charities and food pantries. Established by the Ahern Family of Companies, the orchard features 2,130 diverse fruit trees thriving in challenging desert conditions. Its innovative irrigation and community-focused distribution strategy illustrate the potential for agriculture in extreme climates, bolstering food security and enhancing community engagement.

Las Vegas – Ahern Orchard, located on Clarkway Drive, is making a significant impact on the local community by producing approximately 24,000 pounds of fruit annually, despite the challenges posed by Las Vegas’s harsh desert climate. The orchard not only thrives in conditions that many horticulture experts deemed unsuitable for fruit cultivation, but it also provides a substantial portion of its harvest to help alleviate food insecurity in the area.

The orchard was established after the Ahern Family of Companies acquired the property in 2016, initially intending to build a manufacturing facility. Inspired by the agricultural roots of founder Don Ahern’s father, who was involved in early dairy farming in Las Vegas, the company pivoted to explore the land’s agricultural potential. The orchard now features a diverse array of 2,130 fruit trees, including:

• 750 peach trees
• 344 plum trees
• 320 apple trees
• 200 apricot trees
• 150 pear trees
• 125 pomegranate trees
• 81 date trees
• 80 nectarine trees
• 28 jujube trees
• 25 cherry trees

Aside from these, there are also 12 almond trees, 10 quince trees, and 5 pistachio trees. One of the more surprising successes has been the blossoming of cherry trees, which took eight years to produce fruit after planting, despite warnings that they would not thrive in the region.

Ahern Orchard’s commitment to the community is evident in its distribution strategy, where 15% of its fruit is given to neighbors, 20% to Ahern employees, 30% to local churches, and 35% to various charities such as the City Impact Center, Just One Project, Three Square, Rescue Mission, and Blind Center of Nevada. These donations play a vital role in supporting families dealing with food insecurity.

Managing the orchard is horticulturist Lloyd Benson, who dedicates approximately three hours each evening inspecting the trees. He is supported by five full-time employees, including Elpidio Perez, who has advanced from initially pulling weeds in 2017 to oversee daily operations of the orchard.

The main challenge faced in cultivating fruit in this desert environment is ensuring that trees receive sufficient moisture while managing the extreme heat. Most fruit-bearing plants require cooler nights, higher humidity, and consistent rainfall – conditions that Las Vegas lacks. The orchard utilizes an innovative emitter irrigation system that provides water every other day, delivering about three gallons per hour to each block of trees while ensuring mulch stays dry to prevent weeds. Harvesting is done early to prevent spoilage, and a walk-in cooler on-site helps store fresh fruit ready for distribution.

In addition to supporting food pantries and community shelters, local churches volunteer at Ahern Orchard, assisting with tasks in exchange for fresh fruit. This collaborative approach has fostered a sense of community involvement, with many benefiting from the orchard’s efforts.

Even after United Rentals acquired Ahern Rentals in late 2022, the orchard remains under Benson’s management and continues to prioritize its mission of community support through fruit donations. The orchard has also hosted various events, including weddings and employee celebrations, further cementing its role as a community hub while pursuing its agricultural goals.

The success of Ahern Orchard underscores the potential for agriculture even in challenging climates, showcasing how innovative farming practices can produce fruitful results while benefiting the local community.

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Additional Resources

• Las Vegas Sun: Ahern Orchard Gallery
• Wikipedia: Fruit Tree
• Las Vegas Sun: Growing Fruit Trees in Southern Nevada
• Google Search: Fruit Trees in Desert Climates
• Review Journal: Planting Roses in Hot Desert Climate
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Horticulture
• Review Journal: Gilcrease Animals and Community
• Google News: Community Orchards