Josephw/Intro
Who is this Joseph? An expert Dendrologist with a focus on historic and ancestral variant preservation (aka Heirloom Trees and Heirloom Fruit Trees); one of the leading experts on the Torrey Pine. He has moved to Prospect both as a Professor of Biology at UC Prospect as well as to take over the Pequena Colina Ranch on behalf of the Torreyana Trust. He's rounded up a secondary entity as a for-profit cohort to the endeavor, the Pine Arbor Corp. How do you know him? Some RP hooks
Pequena Colina South east of Prospect is the old Pequena Colina Ranch. Currently resting on 80+ acres of land, having suffered from earlier droughts, the land has been converted to grow mostly indigenous trees with a focus on the Torrey Pine, in part to help with the preservation of the dwindling tree and to help, if possible, its rebound to healthy despite the urban growth and developments near and around its natural habitat. While much of the 80+ acres serve to grow rare or endangered species of trees in the region, space has been reserved for citrus orchards aimed at growing and preserving lost varietals of oranges in the age of a limited offering in larger groceries and super markets. The compound has been built up to serve as a tourist attraction and awareness raising center. The old Villa style Ranch serves as an information center and museum document the rich agricultural history of Southern California. Complete with small gift shop selling memorabilia of the visit to Pequena Colina, including ecological and environmentally minded toys for children. If one can imagine it as a gift shop item, its probably in there, from wine bottle openers to magnets, even Christmas ornaments. The quality is at least considered before the Pequena Colina stamp has been placed on it, assuring its longevity as an memory that can be handed down through the generations. Separated by a spacious courtyard, complete with Southern California style desert garden and fountain, there is an old barn converted into an orchard style affair. Offering rustic goods for the kitchen from old-style pans and utensils to citrus preserves for any cooking need as well as fresh bundles of oranges that tend to be local and historical varietals rather than common varieties found in larger super markets and grocery stores. Fresh pies can be bought, right along with hamburgers and hot dogs for guests wishing to eat on the premises perhaps after taking the tractor trailer ride and tour of the preserve and orchards. The charm of the courtyard serves as a location to eat fresh food from the offerings at the barn and, notable, serves double as a charming, Southern California rustic wedding venue, complete with suspended lights, room for dancing on tiled floors and welcome outside caterers and planners. A recent attraction includes horse camping, through glamping style permanent tents out among the preserved trees and natural habitat away from the compound and entrance road. For the well to do visitor, space for horse trailers near the villa is offered with a few trails to traverse through the old country before arriving at the slightly modern affair of the tents. Each with a queen sized bed, dresser space, comfortable wicker chairs, a small wooden porch each and outlets. Small campfire pits for each tent are offered along with a night meal plan that can be prepared and brought to campers to cook over their own fires. The Face Behind the Man Some character inspiration, maybe some music or links or something. Links: About the Torrey Pine - Easy to grow, more sturdy off the coast, but loses its 'bonsai tree' like visage which is caused by coastal weather and winds off the Pacific Ocean. Some Orange Variety - Not always at your grocery, here are other varieties, both new and old. |
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