Sponsor a Tree in Brodhead, WI
Plant legacy. Grow food. Strengthen our agroforestry farm in Southern Wisconsin.
Sponsor a Pear, Persimmon, Pawpaw, or Chestnut tree and help establish over 2,500 perennial trees that will feed families and wildlife for generations.
2,531 trees being established
Pawpaw (1,556) β’ Chestnut (812) β’ Persimmon (95) β’ Pear (68)
Sponsor a Tree to Support Biodiversity
Pawpaw (Asimina triloba) is a native fruit tree that supports biodiversity in several ways:
Pollinator support: flowering resources and habitat diversity for beneficial insects
Wildlife value: fruit and shelter benefits for birds and small wildlife
Host plant connection: supports butterfly habitat in broader native plant ecosystems
Chestnut (Castanea spp.) strengthens biodiversity and long-term food resilience:
Forest structure: creates canopy habitat over time
Wildlife forage: nuts become a seasonal food source
Soil improvement: deep-rooted perennials support long-term soil structure
Sponsor a Tree to Grow Food for Families
Your Sponsor a Tree gift supports trees that will eventually produce fruit or nuts for our farm store, recipes, and future U-pick seasons. Even before harvest begins, these trees are part of a system designed for long-term food production and education.
Sponsor a Tree to Power Education and Farm Events
This farm is being built for more than harvest β itβs meant to be a place where people learn how perennial agriculture works. Your sponsorship supports the behind-the-scenes work that makes future education possible.
Sponsor a Tree and Leave a Living Legacy
Some sponsors give because they love food forests. Others sponsor to honor a person, mark a new baby, or celebrate a family name. Either way, it becomes something real you can point to β a living legacy growing in Southern Wisconsin.
πΏ Ecological Benefits of Sponsoring a Tree
When you Sponsor a Tree, youβre supporting more than planting and maintenance. Youβre strengthening habitat, pollinator networks, soil health, and long-term ecological resilience in Southern Wisconsin.
π¦ 1. Pollinator Support
When you Sponsor a Tree, you help create continuous bloom windows that support diverse pollinators in Southern Wisconsin.
Pear trees bloom early in spring, providing nectar for honeybees and native solitary bees emerging from winter dormancy.
Persimmon flowers support late-spring pollinators and increase orchard pollination diversity.
Pawpaw flowers attract flies and beetles, expanding pollinator diversity beyond bee-dependent systems.
Chestnut catkins produce abundant pollen in late spring to early summer, supporting bees and beneficial insects.
π¦ 2. Wildlife Habitat & Food Web Support
These trees function as habitat β not just crops.
- Pawpaw fruit feeds mammals and birds, while its dense growth provides understory shelter.
- Chestnut produces high-calorie nuts that support squirrels, deer, turkey, and other wildlife.
- Persimmon offers late-season fruit, extending food availability into fall.
- Pear fruit drop and branching structure contribute to food and nesting space.
Together, these species create a staggered seasonal food supply from summer through late autumn.
π¦ 3. Host Plants for Native Butterflies
Pawpaw (Asimina triloba) is the exclusive larval host plant for the Zebra Swallowtail butterfly.
Without pawpaw foliage, Zebra Swallowtail caterpillars cannot complete their life cycle.
Expanding pawpaw plantings expands potential habitat for this native butterfly species.
Sponsoring a Pawpaw tree directly supports this ecological relationship.
π± 4. Soil Structure & Carbon Storage
Soil Structure & Perennial Root Systems
Perennial trees improve soil health differently than annual crops.
- Chestnut and Persimmon develop deep root systems that stabilize soil and support long-term carbon storage in woody biomass.
- Pawpaw contributes organic matter through leaf litter in the understory layer.
- All species reduce annual soil disturbance compared to conventional cropping systems.
Over time, perennial root systems help build soil aggregation, fungal networks, and long-term resilience.
π³ 5. Layered Agroforestry Design
Our orchard is intentionally structured as a layered perennial system:
- Chestnut as upper canopy
- Persimmon as secondary canopy
- Pawpaw as mid- to understory layer
This vertical layering:
- Captures sunlight across multiple strata
- Reduces exposed soil
- Increases biodiversity per acre
- Mimics natural forest structure
Sponsoring a tree supports this long-term agroforestry design β not a monoculture planting.
π± Rooted Supporter
$50 One-Time Contributution
Rooted Supporters help fund the foundational work of establishing our orchard in Brodhead, WI β from planting and protection to early tree care.
Your sponsorship supports:
Initial tree planting
Tree shelters
Irrigation and watering
Soil nutrients and biological inputs
Monitoring and weed management
Includes:
Digital certificate (downloadable)
Name listed on our Farm Website Sponsor Page
Included in general farm newsletter updates
πΏ Orchard Supporter
$125 (One-Time)
Orchard Supporters help strengthen entire planting blocks within our agroforestry system. Your contribution supports:
- Tree planting and orchard expansion
- Protective tree shelters
- Irrigation and establishment watering
- Soil fertility and biological care
- Ongoing monitoring and vegetation management
You receive:
- Digital certificate
- Name listed on our Farm Website Sponsor Page
- Inclusion in general farm newsletter updates
- Personal thank-you email acknowledging your support
- Small, tasteful recognition tag within an orchard block
- One-time thank-you credit (choose one):
β’ $20 farm store credit
β’ $25 off one future U-Pick visit
β’ $20 off value-added products
This tier connects you more directly to the orchard you are helping grow.
π° Legacy Steward
$300 (Limited Quantity)
Legacy Stewards support orchard development at scale, helping establish planting zones and long-term perennial systems. Your sponsorship contributes to:
- Expanded tree planting across designated orchard zones
- Shelter systems and infrastructure
- Irrigation and soil-building inputs
- Monitoring, maintenance, and long-term orchard care
You receive:
- Digital certificate
- Website recognition (individual or business name)
- Inclusion in general farm newsletter updates
- Personal thank-you email
- Optional inclusion on shared sponsor recognition signage
- One-time enhanced thank-you credit ($50β$75 value)
- Invitation to a seasonal open farm walk or harvest gathering (when available)
This level supports not just individual trees, but the enduring structure of the orchard itself.
π³ Tree Sponsor
$500 (Very Limited Quantity)
Tree Sponsors directly support the planting and establishment of an individual tree within our orchard in Brodhead, WI. This tier provides a meaningful, tangible connection to the farm while also contributing to the long-term strength of our agroforestry system.
Your sponsorship supports:
- Initial planting of a designated tree
- Tree shelter installation and protection
- Irrigation and establishment watering
- Soil-building inputs and biological support
- Monitoring, weed management, and seasonal care
You receive:
- Digital certificate acknowledging your sponsorship
- Website recognition (individual name or business name)
- Inclusion in general farm newsletter updates
- Personal thank-you email
- A named tree within a designated orchard block
- Small, tasteful physical tag recognizing your sponsorship
- One-time individual tree photo after establishment
- Approximate location map within the orchard
- One-time enhanced thank-you credit (choose one):
β’ $75 farm store credit
β’ $100 off one U-Pick visit
Tree Sponsorship supports both a specific tree and the broader orchard system that sustains it.
πΏ Why Sponsor a Tree?
Sponsoring a tree at Nuts About Deeβs Berries supports more than planting. It strengthens a long-term perennial food system designed to serve both people and the land.
Our orchard in Brodhead, Wisconsin is built around agroforestry principles β layering Pear, Persimmon, Pawpaw, and Chestnut trees into a resilient, multi-story system that restores soil, supports wildlife, and produces nutrient-dense food for our community.
When you sponsor a tree, you are helping:
- Build long-term perennial agriculture in Southern Wisconsin
- Create pollinator habitat across multiple bloom windows
- Provide wildlife food sources from spring through late fall
- Increase soil health through permanent root systems
- Capture carbon through deep-rooted canopy trees
- Establish climate-resilient food crops for future generations
Some species offer unique ecological value. Pawpaw trees serve as the host plant for the zebra swallowtail butterfly. Chestnut trees contribute canopy-level carbon storage and long-term staple food production. Persimmons provide late-season fruit for both people and wildlife. Pears support early pollinators and diversify orchard resilience.
This program is not about βowningβ a tree. It is about participating in the growth of a living, working orchard designed for longevity.
Sponsorship supports the system β and the future it creates.
π³ How Sponsorship Works
Sponsoring a tree is simple and transparent. Your support is applied directly to orchard establishment and long-term care.
1. Choose Your Sponsorship Level
Select the tier that aligns with how youβd like to support the orchard.
2. We Establish and Care for the Trees
Your contribution helps fund planting, protection, irrigation, soil inputs, and monitoring across designated orchard blocks.
3. You Receive Recognition and Updates
Depending on your tier, youβll receive recognition, a digital certificate, and any included thank-you benefits.
4. The Orchard Grows
Trees mature over time, contributing to pollinator habitat, wildlife food sources, soil health, and long-term food production for our community.
Sponsorship supports the system as a whole β not ownership of land or guaranteed harvest rights.
πΏ Sponsor-Eligible Trees
Our orchard in Brodhead, Wisconsin includes over 2,500 perennial trees currently eligible for sponsorship. Each species plays a distinct role in our agroforestry system.
Pawpaw β 1,556 trees
Native understory fruit tree and host plant for the zebra swallowtail butterfly.
Chestnut β 812 trees
Long-lived canopy tree producing nutrient-dense nuts and supporting long-term carbon storage.
Persimmon β 95 trees
Late-season fruit tree providing wildlife food and climate-resilient production.
Pear β 68 trees
Early-blooming fruit tree supporting spring pollinators and orchard diversity.
Tree availability may shift as plantings expand or sponsorships are fulfilled.
Sponsorship supports orchard blocks and planting zones β not ownership of a specific parcel of land.
π³ Frequently Asked Questions
No. Sponsorship supports orchard establishment and long-term care within a designated planting block. It does not constitute ownership of land or harvest rights.
Yes. Our farm will host seasonal U-Pick events and open farm opportunities. Specific access depends on event schedules and safety considerations.Β
Tree establishment is part of long-term orchard development. If individual trees fail, they are replaced as part of normal orchard management.
At this time, Nuts About Deeβs Berries is a for-profit farm. Sponsorships are not tax-deductible charitable donations.
Yes. Sponsorships can be made in honor of a person, family, or milestone. Recognition will reflect the name provided at the time of sponsorship.
All sponsors are included in general farm updates through our newsletter. These updates share seasonal progress, planting milestones, and orchard development.
Species availability depends on planting schedules and sponsorship capacity. Sponsors may indicate a preference, but final placement is based on orchard design and availability.
Sponsors may choose how their name appears on our website (first name and last initial, family name, or business name). Anonymous recognition is also available.
Yes. Businesses are welcome to sponsor at eligible tiers and may receive recognition using their business name.
π³ Help Us Grow the Orchard
Nuts About Deeβs Berries is building a long-term perennial orchard in Brodhead, Wisconsin β one tree, one planting block, one season at a time.
Tree Sponsorship supports the work behind the scenes: planting, protection, irrigation, soil health, and long-term care. It strengthens a system designed to serve our community, wildlife, and future generations.
If you value regenerative agriculture, pollinator habitat, and resilient local food systems, we invite you to participate in the growth of this orchard.
Every tree planted today becomes part of something lasting.
Limited Tree Sponsor spots available. Questions? Contact us.
πΏ Our Orchard Vision
Nuts About Deeβs Berries is developing a perennial, polyculture orchard designed for long-term resilience in Southern Wisconsin. Rather than short-term annual crops, we are establishing layered plantings of Pear, Persimmon, Pawpaw, and Chestnut trees within a regenerative agroforestry system.
Our goal is simple:
- Restore soil health through permanent root systems
- Increase biodiversity across canopy and understory layers
- Support pollinators and beneficial insects
- Provide climate-resilient fruit and nut crops
- Build a community-centered orchard that lasts for generations
This orchard is not built for a single season. It is built for decades.
Tree Sponsorship allows you to participate in that long-term vision.
π± Orchard Establishment Timeline
π³ Orchard Establishment Timeline
Building a perennial orchard is a long-term commitment. Trees establish in stages, and each year strengthens the system.
Year 1β2: Establishment
Tree planting, shelter installation, irrigation setup, soil preparation, and early root development.
Year 3β5: Structural Growth
Canopy expansion, strengthening root systems, increased pollinator activity, and early fruit development in select species.
Year 6β10+: Maturity & Production
Full canopy layering, consistent harvest windows, long-term carbon storage, and a stable perennial food system.
Perennial agriculture requires patience β but once established, it provides decades of resilience, habitat, and food production.
Tree Sponsorship supports the orchard through these foundational stages.
