Introduction to Pick Leading
Hello, future Pick Leader. Welcome to our new self-paced Pick Leader Orientation!
To get a good sense and introduction to the world of NFFTT and fruit picking, this orientation has been structured to build your knowledge and give you a taste of the sweet role Pick Leaders take in our community.
We suggest working through the materials provided in order, ending with the short review quiz at the end to check your understanding.
If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us at picks@notfarfromthetree.org.
About Not Far From The Tree
Review the following pages on the NFFTT website to learn more about our vision, mission, structure, and membership model, as well as the role of the Pick Leader.
How to Set up and Lead a Pick
Review the process of a fruit pick from a Pick Leader’s perspective.
Further details will be found in the Pick Leader Handbook, which you will receive following submission of your review quiz.
Common Fruit Tree Health Issues
When it comes to fruit tree disease and pests, Pick Leader are not expected be fruit tree experts!
However, as Torontonians, we all play a part in keeping the urban orchard thriving. And as we spend lots of time under trees – it’s good to be aware of what we’re looking at!
Pick Leader Health and Safety
We try to do everything in our capacity to ensure a safe and healthy environment for all.
If unexpected things happen, it’s important that everyone feels as prepared and resourced as possible!
Register in the Fruit Picking Portal
Sign up as a Fruit Picker through the Fruit Picking Portal.
Do not pay – your membership will be manually waived by staff later!
Check Your Understanding
Once you have submitted the quiz, a staff will email to to follow up with you with next steps.
After this point, you are a Pick Leader in Training (PLIT), able to attend picks to observe and learn, soon to plan and lead your own!
Additional Resources
NFFTT Social Media: Instagram, Newsletter, Fresh News Blog
Participant Guides: Fruit Picker Guide, Tree Registrant Guide
Fruit Ripening and Picking Guide We pick berries (elderberries, grape, mulberries, serviceberries), stone fruits (apricots, cherries, plums), and pome fruits (apples, crabapples, pears, quince). We also sometimes get to pick unique fruits, such as jostaberries, currants, pawpaws, cranberries, and more!
Tree Care Guides The sustained health and longevity of the fruit trees of Toronto’s Urban Orchard is our top priority at Not Far From The Tree. These resources have been put together by the NFFTT community, over many years, to help us all learn together how to care for the land and each other through fruit trees for many more years to come.