LOS ALTOS, CA (Mar 10, 2026) – An early spring has arrived at the Los Altos Heritage Orchard on San Antonio Road, and a new orchardist is overseeing the care of its historic trees.
Los Altos History Museum hired Gachina Landscape Management of Menlo Park to maintain the orchard, with Cristina Prevarin, an orchardist, agronomist, and a horticulturalist, managing day-to-day care.
Raised in the Italian countryside among orchards and vineyards, she brings 30 years of expertise in organic practices—from compost teas to beneficial insects. Prevarin and her team will carefully prune the trees in summer, when the sun helps seal wounds that could invite disease, and plant native clover to feed pollinators and enrich the soil.
“Apricot trees put a lot of energy into growing fruit and are prone to disease,” Prevarin explains. As an agricultural scientist she will study the trees, soil, and other factors that affect production and growth. “We’ll care for the older trees and train the younger ones—like a family—so the orchard can thrive for generations.”
She also noted, “It says a lot about the community that the Heritage Orchard is so close to downtown. It’s part of the land and the city’s history.”
Her first year will be dedicated to observing the trees and learning from both the orchard and the people who have cared for it, while adjusting practices to the seasons and weather.
Gachina Landscape Management, in business for 38 years, specializes in landscape maintenance, water management, and regenerative landscapes.
Learn more about the Museum’s programs and exhibits at losaltoshistory.org.
Los Altos History Museum began in 1977 with the opening of the historic J. Gilbert Smith House, built in 1905 on 14+ acres of apricot orchards planted by Mr. Smith. In 2001, Los Altos History Museum opened the modern building next door, which houses the Museum’s collections, permanent and changing exhibits, store and administrative offices. The Museum and its grounds are available for rent during evenings and weekends. Its collections are owned by the City of Los Altos and are managed by an independent nonprofit organization, whose staff and volunteers are responsible for all programs and operations.
The Museum is open Thursday through Sunday, from noon-4pm. Admission is free. Tours of the J. Gilbert Smith House are available during open hours. The outdoor agricultural exhibit, gardens and picnic area are accessible beyond Museum hours. For more information, visit: losaltoshistory.org, email hello@losaltoshistory.org, or phone 650.948.9427 x14.
Media Contact: Diane Holcomb, Marketing@losaltoshistory.org
