INTRODUCTION:


MISSION OLIVE GROVE PRESERVATIONS:

 Mission Santa Inez: In May 2000, existing trees (not originally planted by Padres, but believed to be planted in the 20th century) were restored.

 Mission Nuestra Senora de la Soledad, In May 2000, existing trees (not originally planted by Padres, but believed to be planted in the 20th century), were restored.

 Grove for Mission La Purisima, Beginning May, 6 2000, 38 trees planted by the Padres in the late 1700’s or early 1800’s, were pruned and protected from grazing cattle. The grove has provided authentic cuttings and truncheons for new plantings.

 Dominican Sisters in Fremont: In 1999, a major restoration of trees. The trees are now harvested each year to make olive oil, which is sold to raise funds for the retired sisters.

Projects and Activities Performed (view with PDF file above)

Preservation

• Identification: Determination of olive tree variety and age through expert review, DNA testing, core dating and growth ring counting.
• Pruning: Assessment of tree health for desired use (olive production and/or aesthetics) and coordination of pruning and clean up as appropriate.     
• Suckering: Regular removal of suckers and weeds/grass around base of trees using volunteer assistance, Mission garden staff or contracted professionals.
• General Care: Assessment of tree care requirements, determination of who will perform work, guidance and education. 

Restoration

• Research:  Determination of who planted the trees and when or where last trees existed, what restoration efforts may be needed, coordination with historical societies, curators, researchers and other resources.
• Structural Pruning:  Assessment of needs and desires, project coordination and fund raising and contracting of work performed to conduct heavy pruning to rehabilitate trees.
• Planting:  Determination of needs and extent of new tree planting, project coordination and fund raising, managing planting including participation of community and school children, as appropriate.
• Harvesting:  Coordination and planning to locate harvest contractor, financial arrangements, conducting of commercial or community olive tree harvest.
• Truncheons:  Coordinating the trimming, planting and growing of truncheons from structural pruning. Trees grown from truncheons are used for Mission planting.

Education

• School Children: Coordination of efforts to include school children (4^th grade primarily) in planting of trees with informal orientation to uses of olives and olive oil.
• Docent Training:  Presentation of MOPREP Docent Manual and education on the uses of olives in Mission life, orientation to existing olive trees at Missions, periodic research at Missions and update of manual.
• General Public: Preparation of story boards for projects, presentation at open house, MOPREP meetings and informal orientations for projects and festivals.
• Brochures: Periodic update and design of brochures to educate the public, document MOPREP projects and solicit volunteers.
• Publicity:  Preparation and participation in the writing of articles for publication; soliciting publication for articles, videos, news releases and documentaries; public announcements supporting projects and festivals.