Fruit Pickers
Register as a Fruit Picker Member
Register to be a Fruit Picking Member
For $10 per season, you will have access to unlimited fruit picks from June to October. By joining as a Fruit Picker member with Not Far From The Tree, you gain access to a whole other part of Toronto – the city’s huge (often hidden) urban orchard! You’ll have access to various types of fruit – cherries, mulberries, apricots, plums, pears, and more! It’s a great way to spend time outside in lush backyards, meet new people, and gain access to fresh, locally grown fruit in your own neighbourhood.
Frequently asked questions
Picks happen all across Not Far From The Tree’s current operating area in front and backyards. Once you secure a spot on a fruit pick via our online Fruit Picking Portal, you’ll be able to see the address of the fruit pick. The Pick Leader will meet you on site at the indicated start time, and walk you through how to pick. We ask that if you register for a pick, you please commit to attending, or cancel your spot AT LEAST 24 hours in advance.
A great attitude, the willingness to work as a team, and if you have them – your excellent tree climbing skills! Our trained Pick Leaders bring all the equipment you’ll need to the site. We ask that you bring your own re-usable bag or container for your share of the fruit, gardening gloves (if you wish to wear them), and wear close-toed shoes. Please keep in mind fruit picking can get messy (think mulberry stains) – so dress in clothing you might not mind getting dirty. For more information about the pick itself, please review our Fruit Picker Handbook.
Our Pick Leaders are trained volunteers who pick up the fruit picking equipment, bring it to your pick, lead you through the pick, and then deliver 1/3 of the fruit to a local social service agency afterwards. While on site, we ask that you please follow the instructions of the Pick Leader – they always have your safety in mind!
Interested? Learn more about being a Pick Leader
Please note memberships expire on January 1st. If you are looking to renew your membership for the following season, please do so after January 1st. Please avoid registering between November – January, as there are no picks during this time, and your membership will expire before the next season.
Not Far From The Tree is committed to keeping our Picking Program accessible to everyone. We will waive the membership fee for anyone for whom the membership fee will be a barrier to participation – no questions asked. Contact picks@notfarfromthetree.org to make this request.
