Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore holds Antique Apple and Pear Tree Pruning Workshop
From staff reports
Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore will host its annual pruning workshop on Friday, May 6, in the Port Oneida Rural Historic District. The workshop will be held at the Schmidt farmstead, five miles north of Glen Arbor on M-22. Turn onto Basch Road and 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/pear 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 to offer the hands-on training. Experts from the county office 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 to 4 p.m. Participants should meet at the Schmidt farmstead. 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 wear appropriate clothes 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.
