Fruit Pickers

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.

What’s Included in Membership?

Your membership fee gives you access to unlimited picks from June – October. You’ll only be able to see available picks on the Portal if you register as a member. You can register for as many picks as you like during the season. At each pick, the fruit pickers split 1/3 of the fruit amongst themselves, so you’ll leave with a share. During apple, pear, and grape season, this can be A LOT of fruit. Your membership fee helps us maintain our equipment sets, and bring more programming to our 35 social service agency partners. Thank you for your support!

Membership Benefits

As a 2022 member, you’ll have access to discounts at local sustainable businesses, including:

Curbside Cycle – 10% off all parts and accessories (with some restrictions). Located at 412 Bloor Street West.

Toronto Tool Library – 20% off their two higher tier memberships and access to workshops. For more information and to get started with your membership, email Tim at tim@torontotoollibrary.com or check out their website to see what you can borrow!

Bacan – 10% off food in the restaurant(not including alcohol). Located at 369 Roncesvalles Avenue.

Revel Cider – 10% off on all products on the Revel Cider online store.

Ecotique – 10% off regular priced items. Store is located at 191 Roncesvalles Avenue.

Forbes Wildfood – 10% off any purchases. Not compatible with other discounts. Store is located at 1385 Danforth Avenue.

Waste Less Co. -15% off discount your first order online.

Ecoexistence – 15% off items purchased in store with some exceptions. Their store is located at 766 St. Clair Avenue West.

Evergreen Brickworks Garden Market – 15% off items purchased at Evergreen Brickworks Garden Market. Some exceptions apply. Located at 550 Bayview Avenue.

Coach House Books – 15% off all books on the CHB website, including preorders. Does not include
merchandise like t-shirts, tote bags, posters, or gift certificates. Does not include 2023 titles.

Vibe Cannabis – 15% off purchases made in store. Store is located at 66 Sudbury Street.

Where do picks happen?

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.

What do I need to bring?

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.

Who are the Pick Leaders?

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!

How do I renew my membership?

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.