On Monday, September 14, two pre-kindergarten classes from The Heartworks School in Shelburne spent the morning at Shelburne Orchards.  The sun was shining, the air was crisp, and so were the apples.

Nick Cowles, the proprietor of Shelburne Orchards, and former Heartworks parent, greeted each class as they got off the school bus with a warm smile and an offer of “world famous cider doughnuts.”  The children were excited to begin their adventure.  

The children sat down with their teachers and chaperones on a blanket in the Orchard for a quick lesson about apples, orchards and trees from Nick and Heartworks founder Louise Piché.  They learned that apples and their trees need good earth, water, sun and especially love to grow big and strong.  “You’ve got to love those trees,” said Nick. 

After saying goodbye to Nick, the four and five year olds walked through the orchard, admiring the trees and apples and the spectacular view of Lake Champlain and the Adirondacks beyond.  They followed Louise through the orchard to a quiet spot among the willow trees, where they settled in to play games together and to eat a brief snack. 

With their stomachs full, the children split up into small groups with their teachers, chaperones and Louise, and set off to pick apples together.  Each child was given a small bag to collect their apples, and to look for the “reddest apples you can find.”  The groups quickly dispersed into the orchard in search of red apples.  Some of their favorites were McIntosh and Gala.  

Eventually, it was time to go.  The bus returned and collected each class for the return trip to Heartworks.  As they left, the children waved goodbye to Nick and the rest of the orchard staff, in thanks for a wonderful and exciting morning out in the orchard.