Orchard Ambassadors

Become an Orchard Ambassador for Los Altos History Museum in 2026!

Thinking forward to the 2026 apricot harvest in June, we are seeking active adults to volunteer as ambassadors for the Los Altos Heritage Orchard. Your presence will help spread the message of caring and sharing during the harvest period, reduce unsupervised picking of the crop, and enhance public outreach. For updates on timing and accomplishments, read the news flash below.

Role of an Orchard Ambassador:

• Explain the policy of "supervised picking only" to promote safety and equitability.

• Engage with the community and share the importance of caring for our Apricot Orchard landmark.

• Sign up for one-hour slots to walk the orchard's fitness path during the apricot harvest (bring  a companion if you want).

Training:

• Sign up for one of these June training dates (9:30-10:30) Sunday 6/7, Wednesday 6/10, Saturday 6/13, Wednesday 6/17.

• Items included: lanyard, orange vest, Guidelines with a map of the fitness path, Heritage Orchard Fun Facts.

• Meet at the green umbrella by the City Hall Entrance (1 N San Antonio Rd).

Interested? Sign up by June 1, 2026. Send an email to Orchard@LosAltosHistory.org.

NEWS FLASH:  Stay tuned for updates on when the apricot harvest will begin and end, as it all depends on the weather this year!

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Accomplishments:

2025. The harvest season was earlier (6/10-6/30) and the crop was over twice as large (922 lbs) than the previous year (381 lbs). Approximately half the crop was in prime condition and was distributed to the broader community through DeMartini Orchard. Slightly blemished jam cots (34%) were distributed free to 36 people who asked to be put on a distribution list. The remaining salvaged fruit (16%) was donated to feed backyard chickens. We are grateful to 16 Orchard Ambassadors who completed the training and walked orchard paths to spread the message of caring and sharing during the harvest season. There were no reports of unsupervised picking. Thanks to the Orchardscapes crew for picking and to interns from GreenTown Los Altos, the harvest season was successful and inclusive. Preservation of the Los Altos Civic Center Apricot Orchard, an Historical Landmark, is made possible by the City of Los Altos. 

2024. During the 2024 harvest period (6/23-7/7) we collected 56 lbs prime apricots for sale to the broader community through DeMartini Orchard. Income from sales was donated to the Orchard Fund at the Los Altos History Museum, complementing the budget for orchard maintenance provided by the City of Los Altos. From the windfall under the trees, we salvaged 162 lbs of slightly damaged "jam cots", distributed free to fill online orders. The remaining windfall (163 lbs) was composted or shared with backyard chickens. As a heartwarming gesture, members of our community graciously shared the sweet taste of heritage with homebound seniors, GreenTown interns, Orchard Ambassadors, Civic Center pedestrians and staff. We are grateful to the Orchardscapes crew, as well as all our volunteers and Orchard Ambassadors for a successful and inclusive harvest season. Preservation of the Los Altos Apricot Orchard Historical Landmark is made possible by the City of Los Altos. 

Help us protect and celebrate our community’s heritage!

Los Altos History Museum, 51 S. San Antonio Rd., Los Altos, CA  650-948-9427  losaltoshistory.org