Volunteers work on Franklin’s Cherokee heritage trail
Juanita Wilson (right) and Bob McCollum, co-chairs of the Nikwasi Initiative, plant a tree along the new Barbara McRae Cherokee Heritage Apple Trail March 7. Holly Kays photo
Local hands are nurturing the Barbara McRae Cherokee Heritage Apple Trail in Franklin.
Macon Early College students have made two trips to the orchard to help tend to the young trees. They have cut limbs and brush, planted strawberries, pulled weeds, spread mulch and planted a new “Junaluska” tree.
The orchard consists of heritage varieties of apples that were originally developed by Cherokee people who lived along the river prior to their removal on The Trail of Tears. It is located a half-mile downstream of the big bear pavilion.
The Orchard is named for late and beloved, Barbara McRae, who imagined an apple orchard that would honor the original residents of this area and highlight their contribution to modern food and lifestyle. Her dream came to life and now provides all kinds of benefits. Young people help nurture the trees, and the trees nurture everyone who visits.
To make a contribution to the project, visit nikwasi-initiative.org.
