February 4, 2019
Edison and Ford Winter Estates Hosts New Citrus Grove Kick-off Event
FORT MYERS, Fla. (February 4, 2018) — On February 27, from 4-6 p.m., Edison and Ford Winter Estates (EFWE) will host the Ford Citrus Grove Kick-off event in partnership with Old Florida Citrus, LLC; the University of Florida, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (IFAS); Florida Department of Citrus; Southern Gardens Citrus; CFS Roofing Services, LLC; Gulf Citrus Growers Association; Sun Harvest Citrus; Lee County Visitor & Convention Bureau; Millennial Brewing Company; and Sam Galloway Ford. The event is a launch celebration for the re-establishment of the historic Ford fruit grove that once occupied the space between the Ford Caretaker’s Cottage and McGregor Boulevard. Local dignitaries and representatives from the partnering organizations will speak about the grove and the citrus industry.
Citrus trees planted in the new Ford Citrus Grove at Edison and Ford Winter Estates.
The new grove will be a “sweet addition” at EFWE, giving visitors something new to see, while also opening the door to partnerships in agricultural tourism and education. When complete, the grove will consist of approximately 50 trees, demonstrating different varieties of citrus, including Valencia and Midsweet. Grove signage and interactive displays will help visitors learn about Florida citrus, Edison and Ford’s interest in agriculture, and the economic importance of the citrus industry today.
The Ford Caretaker’s Cottage will be restored and house the future Citrus Café, offering a variety of refreshments, including orange juice and other citrus-ingredient delights. A new interior and exterior dining area, overlooking the Caloosahatchee River will provide a scenic location for visitors to relax and will also be used as an outdoor classroom.
Southern Gardens Citrus nursery supplied the trees; IFAS outfitted the trees with Tree Defenders, a new, state-of-the-art protection system that includes a netted bag and plastic base shield for the young trees; Old Florida Citrus and the CFS Roofing Services team planted the trees, donated and installed the irrigation system, is providing grove maintenance and staff training, and assisting with project coordination. Sponsors for the unveiling include Sam Galloway Ford, Lee County Visitor & Convention Bureau, Gulf Citrus Growers Association, Sun Harvest Citrus (supplying fresh orange juice for the event), Millennial Brewing Company (providing a special citrus beer for sampling), and Norman Love Confections.
Admission to this initial event is by invitation only and open to members of the media. For more information, visit EdisonFord.org call 239-334-7419.
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