The Altapass Foundation

I am Kristen Trubey, Vice Chair of the Board of Directors for the Orchard at Altapass near Spruce Pine on the Blue Ridge Parkway.

The Orchard at Altapass was in the path of Hurricane Helene and suffered damage to some of our structures, our trees, and the land, in addition to the complete loss of our crop for the 2024 season. We are relieved to report that all our staff are safe. We feel so lucky compared to many in our community, yet the damage to our facilities and surrounding roads is extensive. Our losses include damaged equipment and infrastructure, damage to the music pavilion and the barn roof, several areas of significant erosion, and the loss of over 200 of our precious apple trees - including many of the original trees planted more than 100 years ago.

With the indefinite closure of the Blue Ridge Parkway cutting off access to the Orchard, our nonprofit will lose all of the critical traffic and sales that keep us afloat. The financial impact of this will exceed $500,000.

Please help us to close the gap, and allow us to continue to "save the good stuff" - preserving and protecting the heritage and culture of the Southern Appalachian mountains. Donations will help us to rebuild and repair damage to the Music Pavilion and the barn, replace lost trees, repair erosion, and offset the loss of revenue.