Northern Michigan Events: It's time for Sleeping Bear Dunes' annual pruning workshop! Head out to the Port Oneida Rural Historic District in Northern Michigan's beautiful Sleeping Bear Dunes on May 4 and get tips on antique apple and pear tree pruning.
The Leelanau Conservation District, Michigan State University Northwest Michigan Horticultural Station, and the County Extension Master Gardener Program will partner with Sleeping Bear Dunes, who will serve as host for this annual event, to offer this hands-on training workshop.
The course is designed to teach homeowners and interested parties of all skill levels the techniques required to restore and maintain the health of antique apple and pear trees. Participants will receive hands-on training on the maintenance of neglected apple and pear trees, and will learn how to bring them back into fruitful production.
The workshop will focus on:
1) How to identify and properly remove dead materials from abandoned trees
2) Proper pruning of the canopy for optimum maintenance and fruit production
3) Maintaining tree health
4) How to maintain ground cover under the tree
5) Watering and care of the tree
6) Equipment safety
There is no cost to participate, and all tools and materials will be provided (please do wear sturdy shoes and gloves!).
Participants should meet at the Dechow Farmstead, four miles north of Glen Arbor on M-22 across from Point Oneida Road (just follow the signs). An orientation and introduction will begin at 1:00 p.m., and the workshop will last until 4:00 p.m.
Interested? To sign up for the workshop, contact the park Historical Architect, Kimberly Mann, at (231) 326-5135, ext. 50, or by email at kimberly_mann@nps.gov.
Discover Northern Michigan's Sleeping Bear Dunes! Click here.