SANDPOINT — The University of Idaho College of Agricultural and Life Sciences will host an open house at its new Sandpoint Organic Agriculture Center from 3-6 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 23.

The 48-acre Sandpoint Orchard was acquired by U of I in August through a donation from Dennis Pence of Sandpoint and his family. Pence established the orchard to demonstrate sustainable agriculture opportunities in North Idaho.

Renamed the Sandpoint Organic Agriculture Center, the property is the college’s first facility to focus on organic farming and organic-certified production systems. Parrella and Pence will serve as hosts for the open house, which is free and open to the public. The center is located at 10881 N. Boyer.

The event will feature tours of the orchard, plans for research and Extension activities, apple tastings and discussions about opportunities for students and the public at the center.

The orchard includes 68 varieties of apples and pears, cherries, plums and other fruits, all grown using organic methods.