Our Purpose

WWFRF ( Western Washington Fruit Research Foundation) was formed to fund tree fruit research at the WSU Northwest Research & Extension Center in Mount Vernon, WA. The Foundation shall serve as a focal point in uniting groups and individuals who have an interest in continuing fruit research in Western Washington. WWFRF provides volunteer assistance and advice to the general public on fruit culture and sustainable fruit varieties in our marine climate.

WWFRF Vision Statement

Media emphasis on the nutritional value of consuming 'fresh' fruit is contributing to the rise in urban fruit-growing, along with the need to preserve our fruit growing legacy. Through ongoing research - nurseries, small farmers and backyard growers will be provided with the most sustainable fruit varieties and growing techniques for continued success. Western Washington Fruit Research Foundation is positioned to provide the needed support and guidance for this quality-of-life issue.

WWFRF Goals

• Support the WSU Mt. Vernon Research & Extension Center's fruit research programs via grants, public and commercial membership dues, and volunteer participation.
  
  
• Create hands-on opportunities for the general public through:
  
  
  • Education: seminars on fruit culture, disease, pest control.
  • Demonstration: pruning, grafting and espalier techniques.
  • Fruit Garden: view and sample successful fruit varieties.
  
  
• Creation of a seven-acre Fruit Garden to demonstrate the value of fruit growing as a design element in the urban landscape... displaying various aspects of fruit culture to landscape architects, planners and home gardeners.
  
  
• Enhance public appreciation of the cultural diversity of our region by displaying fruit varieties from around the world.
  
  
• Build and maintain alliances with colleague organizations to ensure the economic viability of Western Washington horticulture.
  
  

WWFRF Board Member Directory

President Display Garden Designer (Officer)	Kristan Johnson 112 Merredith Street Port Ludlow, WA 98365 (2-2010)	(360) 437-0999 Home
Vice President Fundraising (Officer)	Sam Benowitz 391 Butts Rd. Morton, WA 98356 (2-2010)	360-496-6505 Home
Treasurer (Officer)	Walt Kropp 29838 Marine View Dr SW Federal Way, WA 98023-3422 (2-2010)	(253) 941-3641 Home
Coordinating Secretary (Officer)	Shirley Kropp 29838 Marine View Dr SW Federal Way, WA 98023-3422 (2-2010)	(253) 941-3641 Home
Fruit Garden Manager	Tom Wake 3725 Chuckanut Dr. Bow, WA 98232-8597 (2-2011)	(360) 766-4321 Home
	Richard Fairfield 919 204th Dr. SE Snohomish, WA 98290 2-2011	(425) 377-8538 Home
Recording Secretary Newsletter Editor (Officer)	Kim Siebert 22415 120th Ave NE Arlington, WA 98223 (2-2010)	(360) 925-6454 Home
Fruit Garden Committee Fruit Sales	Bill Davis 21102 Summit Ln. Edmonds, WA 98026-6953 (2-2010)	(425) 771-8978 Home
Membership Committee Chair	Walter Kropp 29838 Marine View Drive SW Federal Way, WA 98023	(253) 941-3641 Home
Volunteer Coordinator	Bradley Smith 2773 Cruse Road Sedro Woolley, WA 98284 (2-2011)	(360) 856-0686 Home
Seattle Flower & Garden Show Coordinator	Rachel Petrich 14326 Wallingford Ave. N. Seattle, WA 98133 (2-2011)	(206) 200-8121 - Home