CRANBERRIES

            Cranberries (Vaccinium macrocarpon) are one of three native North American fruits (the other two are blueberries and concord grapes).  In the wild, they are found in acidic soils near streambeds and surrounding wetlands.  They grow on vines that put out “runners” that spread across the ground; the runners then grow “uprights” that bear fruit.  The cranberry flower blooms during June & into July.  The flowers are shaped like the head of a crane, thus the name crane-berry or cranberry.

            Cranberry water harvesting is quite spectacular!  A sea of crimson fruit floating amidst the picturesquePine Barrens is surely a sight to behold.  Public access to harvest is limited, mostly due to the inherit conflict between large equipment, narrow dams, and floodwaters.  However, we do provide public bus tours that get you closer than you could get on a walking tour, guided by Brenda herself.