Sholan Farms stands as a testament to community ownership and agricultural preservation, spanning 169 acres of land rich in history in Leominster, Massachusetts. Owned by the City of Leominster since 2001 and operated by the dedicated Friends of Sholan Farms, this community apple orchard represents a unique partnership between municipal ownership and grassroots agricultural stewardship. When the city first acquired the property, it contained 60 acres of agricultural land devoted entirely to apple production, a scale that proved ambitious for the community organization's initial capabilities.

Recognizing the need for sustainable growth, the Friends of Sholan Farms adopted a thoughtful approach to farm management, initially maintaining a 20-acre apple orchard operation while planning the development of the remaining 40 acres for diverse crop production. Their efforts have yielded impressive results over the years, with the organization successfully reclaiming an additional 6 acres of apple orchard, establishing 1.5 acres of blueberry cultivation, and planting half an acre of raspberries. The orchard itself has flourished under their care, with 15 new apple varieties added to diversify their offerings.

As a community-supported, non-profit organization, the Friends of Sholan Farms operates independently from city funding, instead relying on product sales, festivals, tours, sponsorships, and private donations to sustain their mission. Their vision extends far beyond simple agriculture, embracing a comprehensive approach that emphasizes family recreation, education, and environmental stewardship. The organization strives to create an integrated ecosystem that serves the broader Central Massachusetts community, bringing together people, education, business, and culture while preserving and protecting the diverse natural resources of this remarkable property.

Fruit

• Apples
• Raspberries
• Blueberries