National Park hosts antique apple and pear tree pruning workshop
From staff reports
Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore will host its annual pruning workshop on May 2 in the Port Oneida Rural Historic District. The workshop will be held at the Thoreson Farmstead, which is located on Thoreson Road, four miles north of Glen Arbor on M-22. Just follow the signs.
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 pairing up for this workshop with the Leelanau Conservation District, Michigan State University Northwest Michigan Horticultural Station, and the County Extension Master Gardener Program to offer the hands-on training. 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 1-4 p.m. Participants should meet at the Thoreson Farm. An orientation and introduction will begin at 1 p.m. There is no cost to participants. Tools and materials will be provided. Participants should wear sturdy shoes, gloves, and appropriate clothing for the weather. Handouts will be provided.
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, at (231) 326-4771, or by email at kimberly_mann@nps.gov, to sign up for the workshop.
