A Forklift Speeds Up Harvest Season in Cortez | LOR Foundation
In-Progress Environment

A Forklift Speeds Up Harvest Season in Cortez

Cortez
  • Local Champion: Montezuma Orchard Restoration Project
  • Date Funded: November 14, 2025
  • Grant Amount: $26,000

More than 100 Cortez-area farmers and backyard growers bring their apples to the Montezuma Orchard Restoration Project for juicing, but many struggle to unload their heavy fruit bins safely. After seeing the hazardous and lengthy process—which can take up to three hours per delivery—one of the project’s leader came up with a solution. LOR’s funding helped the Montezuma Orchard Restoration Project purchase a forklift to unload fruit deliveries. The new equipment will allow growers to return to their harvests more quickly and safely, increasing participation in the program and creating a more sustainable economy for local apple producers.

This project is fiscally sponsored by Onward! A Legacy Foundation.

Contact our community officer in Cortez. Meet Nicci Crowley
More Environment Solutions
Environment / Weiser A Rabbit Rescue Hops to the Aid of Weiser’s Abandoned Bunnies
Local Champion:
Nine Bun Bun Rabbit Rescue
Date funded:
November 14, 2025
Grant Amount:
$9,937
Environment / Lander New High School Softball Team Creates Competitive Opportunities for Lander Girls
Local Champion:
Fremont County School District #1
Date funded:
October 30, 2025
Grant Amount:
$8,683
Environment / Libby Legal Services Help Launch a Libby Community Garden
Local Champion:
A Libby local
Date funded:
October 22, 2025
Grant Amount:
$3,899
Environment / Lander Figure Skates Expand Access to Popular Ice Skating Lessons in Lander
Local Champion:
City of Lander, Wyoming
Date funded:
October 16, 2025
Grant Amount:
$6,132
Environment / Cortez A Conservation Garden Helps Environmental Education Take Root in Downtown Cortez
Local Champion:
Montezuma Land Conservancy
Date funded:
October 3, 2025
Grant Amount:
$9,950
Environment / Lander New Equipment Opens Underground Exploration to All Lander Residents
Local Champion:
Sinks Canyon Conservancy
Date funded:
September 30, 2025
Grant Amount:
$6,574
See All solutions

Share an Idea

If you have an idea for improving quality of life in Cortez or Monte Vista, Colorado; Lander, Wyoming; Libby, Montana; Questa or Taos, New Mexico; or Weiser, Idaho, use this form to start a conversation with us.

"*" indicates required fields