Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore holds antique apples program

From staff reports

It is apple season and Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore will host an Antique Apples Special Program on October 18 from noon to 3 p.m. in the Port Oneida Rural Historic District. Park Rangers and volunteer experts will be on hand for this apple bonanza. Apples played a big role in Port Oneida during its peak and the apple pickers of today still realize their value. Some of the topics that will be presented at this program include: 1) identifying varieties of apples in the park, 2) understanding why early Port Oneida settlers planted them and how they were used, and 3) discussing and demonstrating grafting techniques being used in the park to ensure rare and antique apple varieties remain in the park for years to come.

The program will be held at the Miller Orchard in the Port Oneida Rural Historic District, four miles north of Glen Arbor. Take M-22 and turn left on Port Oneida Road, then left on Miller Road. Directional signs will be placed in the area to help participants locate the venue. The program will be offered rain or shine. Alternate rain location is the Burfiend barn at the corner of Port Oneida Road and Miller Road.

There is no cost to participate. Participants need only purchase the Park Entrance Pass or have an Annual Pass displayed in their vehicle to join in the fun.

For more in-depth information about the National Lakeshore, please visit www.nps.gov/slbe.