Food Grows in Bishop?!? Blue Heron Project and Farm to Crag

As you drive into Owens Valley, the vast sagebrush landscape stretches as far as the eye can see, framed by towering granite peaks on either side. The only hint that life thrives here is the vibrant burst of wildflowers in the spring. What many visitors don’t realize is that this land has been farmed for thousands of years by the Paiute-Shoshone. Today, this rich tradition lives on through Rachel Kulchin and the Blue Heron Project you pick farm, just outside Bishop. You may come for the outdoor activities, but we guarantee having your children pick their own carrot from the ground or a juicy peach from a tree will be the memory they cherish most from their trip to the Eastern Sierra.

The Land of Eden

This isn’t just any ordinary “You Pick” farm. It’s a thriving orchard surrounded by the high desert, painstakingly cared for over the past 35 years, creating what we like to call the Eden of Bishop. A creek runs through the land, providing the vital water needed to sustain the farm. Situated 100-200 feet higher than Bishop, the property enjoys a perfect microclimate, making it less susceptible to frost and extreme heat. Over the years, the original owner Rick Devore’s hard work has paid off with more than 1,300 fruit trees and an acre of rich, healthy soil, ready to grow produce.

Create Lifelong Memories that will Last

Out of all my experiences with my grandmother, can you guess which memory has stayed with me decades later? While I do remember family road trips fondly, the memories that stick with me most about her are the times we went to a you pick farm for fruit and veggies. As a kid, I was amazed by the idea you could pick a zucchini from the ground and make zucchini bread. Or pluck what I thought was the perfect apple to make her famous apple blintzes for Saturday mornings. These are the memories I cherish most.

A Rare Place – You Pick

The Blue Heron Project is one of those rare places where you can still do that too! Whatever is in season, walk right into the orchard and ‘You Pick’ directly from the trees. If time is a bit tight, don’t worry—you can grab their fresh produce straight from their farm stand. The best way to stay in the loop on what’s ripe is by signing up for their newsletter. You’ll receive updates on when the farm stand opens and notifications like Peaches are in season! You can also find their produce at Mammoth’s Farmers Market and Manor Market in Bishop.

What do they Grow?

The better question might be, what don’t they grow? They’re in the process of cataloging everything, but for now, it’s first come, first served. The produce list includes everything from almonds, cherries, peaches, plums, and pomegranates to grapes, tomatoes, zucchini, carrots, and a variety of eggs—duck, quail, and chicken.

When to Visit

Nature calls the shots when it comes to blooming. But for now, the farm stand and orchard are tentatively set to open mid-May through the end of October. The long-term goal? Work toward year-round production, bringing fresh goodness to the community all year long.

Other Edens in Bishop

Climbers and outdoor enthusiasts who love to climb, mountain bike, and trail run in the Eastern Sierra need to support the community to keep it thriving. One of the simplest ways to help is by eating food that’s grown locally and is organic. Use the Farm to Crag interactive map to find other local farms, farm stands, and restaurants that source their ingredients locally in Bishop.

Finally, Farm to Crag’s website is a great resource, not just here, but wherever your wilderness adventure takes you.