Reflections of a Decade of Service
A Conversation with outgoing board member, Gordon Braun
As we continue to plant more orchards and deepen our roots in communities across the country, we want to take a moment to reflect on the journey that has brought us here. Recently, we had the opportunity to speak with outgoing board member Gordon Braun, who has been with The Giving Grove for over a decade. His experiences, insights, and reflections offer a unique perspective on how far we’ve come and what lies ahead.
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Looking back on your time with The Giving Grove, what has been the most impactful or memorable experience for you, and why?
“My most memorable experience with The Giving Grove occurred through my introduction to the organization while planting our very first orchard at the Hale Cook school in Kansas City. I had never planned an orchard planting! Organizing volunteers, navigating a very rainy spring season, and working with the neighborhood and a very newly formed Giving Grove team all contributed to a very special project and many learnings for all.
I remember meeting Kevin and Greg (Giving Grove founders) in the parking lot as we all prepared to dig holes and figure out how to work together. Looking back 10+ years later and imagining all the fruit that has been produced and shared with so many from our work at Hale Cook and other sites is satisfying.”
The first orchard planting at Hale Cook Elementary is a perfect example of how The Giving Grove has always been about more than just planting trees—it’s about planting connections. That inaugural experience set the stage for what has become a movement, and now, over a decade later, the fruits of that labor are nourishing communities far and wide. What started as a small project has blossomed into a national network of urban orchards, providing healthy food to those who need it most.
In what ways do you feel The Giving Grove’s mission has evolved or strengthened during your tenure, and how do you see the organization continuing to make a difference in the future?
“While our primary focus has always been about growing healthy food to be shared with those in need, in the early days of the organization, I think everyone underestimated the community and environmental impact that The Giving Grove’s orchards can provide. We were initially just hoping all the trees would produce fruit – and thank goodness they did!
As the stories started to come in around the benefits of the orchards to the neighbors and neighborhoods, those were elements of the initial mission I think that surprised everyone involved. The environmental benefits of planting trees were well-known but making sure we could successfully grow fruit trees in a sustainable manner in the city was something that also needed to be proven out.
Expansion came later – taking these benefits beyond Kansas City is also something that I don’t think entered the board’s mind for years to come. Looking back, one may have thought that where we are today was all part of the plan, but evolution is certainly the right word to describe The Giving Grove’s progress.””
This reflection is a reminder that while we set out to grow healthy food, together our volunteers and program managers have also cultivated something deeper—stronger communities, healthier ecosystems, and a national network of urban orchards. The environmental and social benefits of our work continue to unfold in ways we couldn’t have predicted, but each step forward has reinforced our commitment to creating sustainable change.
As you step away from your role on the board, what advice or insights would you offer to new board members or supporters to help them continue advancing The Giving Grove’s work?
“I think it’s always a good thing to get out in the dirt and plant something. For someone that doesn’t do it every day, the feeling of getting your hands in the soil and smelling all the smells that come along with planting anything—it really is a terrific and underrated experience. It’s a miracle that what we put in the ground and care for can pay us back for years to come.
I wish more people would take the time to do it and really appreciate where our food comes from and how it arrives on our plates. Remembering that not all of us have access to food, let alone healthy options, is a good motivator to continuing to support The Giving Grove and its mission.”
These words of advice are simple yet profound. At its heart, The Giving Grove is about connecting people with the land and with each other. The act of planting something—whether it’s an orchard or a community—has long-lasting impacts, both on those who take part and those who benefit from the fruits of their labor. As we continue to expand, this reminder to stay connected to the earth and to each other is more important than ever.
As we say “Thank you”…
As we say thank you to Gordon, we also celebrate the legacy of growth, learning, and connection that he and others have helped foster. The Giving Grove’s mission continues to evolve, and with the support of passionate board members, volunteers, and partners, we are confident that our orchards will keep nourishing communities for years to come.