Apple pruning workshop to be held at the park
A free workshop on pruning apple trees will be held on May 5 at the Sleeping Bear National Lakeshore. The release says:
Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore is hosting a free pruning workshop May 5, 2006 from 1:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. in the Port Oneida Rural Historic District. This year’s workshop will be held at the Miller Farmstead four miles north of Glen Arbor on M-22. The Miller orchard is located off Port Oneida Road on Miller Road. Attendees are not required to have any existing skill at pruning. The purpose of the workshop is to teach pruning techniques and train homeowners and the interested public how to restore and then maintain the health of antique apple trees.
The workshop will focus on the care and maintenance of old apple orchards. Participants will learn and practice 1) how to identify and properly remove dead materials from abandoned trees; 2) proper pruning of the canopy for optimum apple production; 3) maintenance and care of trees; 4) importance of ground cover in the orchard; and 5) equipment safety.
“Thanks to the dynamic partnership between the Leelanau Conservation District, Michigan State University Northwest Michigan Horticultural Station, and the County Extension Master Gardener Program, the National Park Service is able to offer this hands-on training” says National Lakeshore Superintendent, Dusty Shultz. These partners provide the technical expertise, while an historic orchard in the park benefits from some overdue care and attention. The park is proud to and grateful for the opportunity to host this 2nd Annual event.
Interested parties should contact Kimberly Mann at (231) 326-5135, ext. 501 to sign up for the workshop or by email at kimberly_mann@nps.gov. Participants will meet at 1:00 p.m. for orientation at the Port Oneida Schoolhouse on Port Oneida Road, 4 miles north of Glen Arbor on M-22. There is no cost, and tools, handouts and materials will be provided. Participants must wear sturdy shoes and gloves. In case of rain, the event will be rescheduled for May 8 at the same time and location.