City Fruit is excited to introduce the newest member of our team, Julian Garcia, who joins us as our resident Fruit Tree Specialist. Starting this January, Julian will be connecting with fruit tree owners and area orchardists who have requested help with fruit tree assessments and year-round tree care, from transplanting to pruning to integrated pest management.
Julian’s background studying International Agriculture at Cornell before working with farmers on agro-forestry in Panama makes him a perfect addition for our organization. He believes that a love of learning from others and an emphasis on teaching by doing are essential for community engagement and is excited to share his knowledge and love of fruit trees with community members. And like every PNWer, he loves hikes and puppies!
Julian Garcia, Fruit Tree Specialist
Julian is originally from San Antonio, Texas, where he spent many of his early days out at his grandparents’ house among fig, citrus, peach, and loquat trees. He moved to upstate New York to study International Agriculture & Rural Development at Cornell University, and worked on an apple orchard during his time there. Upon graduation, he joined the Peace Corps in Panamá working with smallholder farmers to improve the sustainability of their agro-forestry systems and home gardens. In his third year as a regional coordinator, Julian trained and supported volunteers in their own community projects, as well as collaborated closely with Panamanian ministries and Peace Corps office staff.
He recently joined City Fruit and is excited to help to improve our urban food system for all of Seattle through connecting communities of diverse backgrounds. He believes that a love of learning from others and an emphasis on teaching by doing are essential for community engagement. In his free time, Julian enjoys hiking, foraging, learning new recipes, and spending time with his puppy.