The 20-acre Hill Orchard in Westford, Massachusetts was purchased in the late 1990s as an effort to preserve the town’s agricultural heritage. The orchard is located amidst a large swath of conservation land that includes the “Long Trail” between Mystery Spring and Cider Mill Pond. Starting in 2015, the town of Westford began contracting with farm manager Dave Dumaresq of “Farmer Dave’s” to keep the conservation orchard in production.

Dumaresq brings a breadth of experience in New England farming, organic agriculture, and multi-cultural methods. He runs Hill Orchard and another farm in nearby Dracut, Massachusetts with the help of his spouse, Jane, and a diverse team of employees. The farms frequently host international agricultural interns hailing from all over the world.

Farmer Dave’s sells apples, peaches, plums, nectarines, apricots, pears, blueberries, and other produce, as well as fresh-baked breads and pies, local syrup, cheese, eggs, jams, and cider. They also offer pick your own apples and free hayrides on weekends. Goods can be purchased at the farm stand, the Westford Farmers Market, or through the Farmer Dave’s CSA program.

Photo: facebook.com/WestfordHillOrchard
Sources: Westfordma.gov, facebook.com/WestfordHillOrchard, farmerdaves.net