Buff’s Backyard Orchard at 30th Street

Artist depiction of the Buff’s Backyard Orchard as a mature site with fruit bearing trees.

 

Growing towards a biodiverse and Sustainable landscape

Apple orchards once grew on this land donated to CU in the 1870s. Long before this, the area was part of the Front Range prairie stewarded by Indigenous peoples, shaped by native grasses and wildflowers adapted to local conditions. This project brings that layered history back to campus through sustainable practices that honor the land's ecological heritage. Replacing turf with drought-tolerant grasses and wildflowers improves soil health, boosts carbon storage, and supports pollinators while reducing fertilizer, water, and mowing. Apples harvested here will support the BUFF Pantry, serving students experiencing food insecurity. The orchard is an accessible site for the University of Colorado and broader community where people can learn firsthand about ecosystems, permaculture, food systems, and land stewardship. Please click through the links below to learn more about the cultivars growing at our orchard and the different understory plants that can be seen during the growing season.