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Contact: Kimberly Mann, 231-326-5134
Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore will be hosting a pruning workshop on Friday, May 1 at the Schmidt Farmstead in the Port Oneida Rural Historic District. To get to the workshop, travel five miles north of Glen Arbor on M-22 and turn left on Basch Road. From there, just follow the signs down Basch Road to the Schmidt Farm. The workshop will focus on maintenance of neglected apple and pear trees and how to bring them back into production. The course will include: 1) how to identify and properly remove dead materials from abandoned trees; 2) proper pruning of the canopy for optimum maintenance and apple production; 3) maintaining tree health; 4) how to maintain ground cover under the tree; 5) watering and care of the tree; 6) equipment safety. The park is pairing up with the Leelanau Conservation District, MSU Northwest Michigan Horticultural Station, and the County Extension Master Gardener Program to offer this hands-on training workshop. Experts from the three county offices will provide the technical information and the park will serve as the host for this annual event. The course is set up so participants receive hands-on training in all techniques. The workshop hours are 1:00–4:00 p.m. An orientation and introduction will begin at 1:00 p.m. There is no cost to participants. Tools and materials will be provided. Participants should wear sturdy shoes and gloves. In case of rain, the event will be rescheduled for Monday, May 4 at the same time and location. No experience or skills are necessary to participate. The purpose of the workshop is to teach the techniques and train homeowners and the interested public how to restore to health and maintain antique apple and pear trees. Interested parties should contact the Park Historical Architect, Kimberly Mann (231) 326-5134/ext. 501, to sign up for the workshop or they may sign up by email at kimberly_mann@nps.gov. |
Last updated: April 10, 2015