Antique Apple and Pear Tree Pruning Workshop

NPS

News Release Date: April 29, 2008

Contact: Kimberly Mann, 231-326-5134

PLEASE NOTE - DUE TO SEVERE WEATHER, THIS EVENT
HAS BEEN RESCHEDULED FOR MAY 5.

Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore will be hosting a pruning workshop on May 2 in the Port Oneida Rural Historic District. The workshop will be held at the Lawr Farmstead in the Port Oneida Rural Historic District 5 miles north of Glen Arbor on M-22. Just follow the signs. Parking will be off Basch Road.

The workshop will focus on maintenance of neglected apple and pear trees and how to bring them back into production, and maintain their health. 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, and 6) equipment safety.

The park is partnering for this workshop 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 of all techniques. The workshop hours are 1:00 – 4:00 p.m. Participants should meet at the Lawr Farm 5 miles north of Glen Arbor on M-22. 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. Informational handouts will be provided. In case of rain, the event will be rescheduled to May 5, at the same time and location.

Workers are not required to be skilled. 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 [phone] ext. 501, to sign up for the workshop, or you may sign up by email: [e-mail]