It included information workshops about planting and caring for fruit and nut trees.
Transition Valley 473, a branch of Transition Towns, was established in the valley about 18 months ago to help the area become more sustainable and resilient in the face of climate change.
Co-ordinator Philippa Jamieson said one of its projects was to create a community orchard on public land.
"The idea is to plant fruit and nut trees on public land and encourage people to plant them in their own gardens," she said.
The workshops, which ran in four different areas in the valley and Pine Hill area, were led by Jason Ross, from Sutherland Nursery.
He talked to small groups of interested people about carrying out site assessments, looking at shelter, sun and soil type, before they planted any trees, either with the open orchard project or on their own property.
He also discussed which species of fruit and nut trees would best suit the area.
Ms Jamieson said community consultation was under way in regards to six proposed sites for public plantings.
It was hoped 29 trees, funded by the Otago District Health Board's Healthy Eating Healthy Action strategy, would be planted in June.
Once the trees had matured and produced fruit, any member of the public would be able to pick them, with local people taking care of them, she said.
Dunedin City Council parks and reserves team leader Martin Thompson said the council supported the initiative and was working with the group to find an appropriate site. ellie.constantine@odt.co.nz
