52 years with the land
Our beautiful orchard is located on unceded Gayogo̱hó꞉nǫʼ(Cayuga) land. We are so grateful to be the caretakers of the incredible land. Anna came to this land in the early 1970’s along with her former partner. Together they started Littletree, planted the trees and lived on the land. Dennis started working at Littletree in the late 1970’s after having moved to NY from Florida and starting a organic vegetable farm.
Over the years many folks came and went working on the land, friends, family, customers and employees. Dennis and Anna started a family and had two daughters Athena and Amara. In the early 2000’s the Anna and Dennis took over sole ownership and stewardship of the land with the support of their daughters.
Over the next decades we continued to grow on the land and with the land. Transitioning to growing all of our fruit organically, adding new farm fresh products, and weaving new collaborations with the land.
Meet the Littletree Family
Anna Steinkraus is one of the founders of Littletree Orchards and she is at the core of everything Littletree! Anna also works full time at Cornell Cooperative Extension in family and community development.
Dennis Hartley is the jack of all trades at Littletree doing a little of this and that and the other making the farm run!
Athena Steinkraus is the driving force managing our u-pick operation. Athena also works full time at Cornell Cooperative Extension as the Rural Youth Services Assistant Coordinator.
Amara Steinkraus is the operations manager for all the day to day activities on the farm, from pressing cider to making vinegar. Amara also works as a massage therapist, sound therapist, working 1:1 as well as with groups, her business Pure Essence Vibrations is located in The Purple Lotus Space located on the farm.