This unique field day does double duty as participants will enjoy both a farm tour and an energy assessment at Solebury Orchards in new Hope. Owner Brian Smith will guide us through his impressive operation as we tour the fields, storage and pressing facilities, and famr market. We will be joined on our tour by Vertis Bream, an alternative energy epert who will share his insights on how Solebury Orchards might incorporate alternative energy sources into current farm operations. We will explore what types of alternative energy might and might not be appropriate for the farm, the costs of different types of alternative energy installations, and the time it takes for the source to pay for itself in savings. Solebury Orchards does not currently use any alternative energy sources, but offers us a perfect site for exploring the possibilities.

Solebury Orchards, a 70-acre orchard located in the center of scenic Bucks County, grows peaches, apples, blueberries, raspberries and other fruits. The farm is well known for its high quality fruits which are available from summer through winter at the Solebury Orchards Market. In addition to growing great fruit, Solebury Orchards also presses apple cider and makes applesauce.

Vertis Bream has been homesteading self-sufficiently for over 17 years, growing 90% of his food and supplying all of the homestead's energy needs. He has 32 years of alternative energy experience with solar, wind, hydro, methane, wood gas, butanol, and slow speed diesel generation using owner made fuel.

From Doylestown and Rt. 202
Take 202 N, go 1/2 mile past Rt. 313 on 202 and turn left onto Mechanicsville Rd. Go 6 miles and turn right onto Creamery Rd. Solebury Orchards is the first driveway on right.

From Philadelphia and I-95
Take I-95 N to New Hope exit #51, turn left off exit ramp and follow signs to New Hope Rt. 32 N. Go through New Hope on 32 N and turn left onto Phillips Mill Road. Go about 2 miles to the stop sign at route 263. Go left onto 263 S. Go half mile and make your first right onto Creamery Road. Solebury Orchards is one mile on the left.

From the South via Route 263
Take Route 263 North, at Lahaska (Peddler's Village) bear left to stay on Route 263 N. Go 2 miles beyond Peddler's Village and turn left on Creamery Rd., Solebury Orchards is 1 mile on the left.

From the South via Route 611
Take Route 611 North to 202 N, go 1/2 mile past Rt. 313 on 202 and turn left onto Mechanicsville Rd. Go 6 miles and turn right onto Creamery Rd. Solebury Orchards is the first driveway on right.

From New Jersey and Rt. 202
Take Rt. 202 south, go through Delaware River Toll Booth and take the first exit to the right. Turn left onto Rt. 32 N. Go half mile and turn left onto Phillips Mill Road. Go about 2 miles to the stop sign at route 263. Go left onto 263 S. Go half mile and make your first right onto Creamery Road. Solebury Orchards is one mile on the left.