Apple Pruning & Grafting Workshops at Branch Hill Farm
Do you have an old, overgrown apple tree on your property that you’d like to prune and encourage healthy growth, but aren’t sure how? Have you always wanted a certain type of apple tree, but haven’t been able to find it? Join Branch Hill Farm and Moose Mountains Regional Greenways for two specialized apple tree workshops! Both workshops will be at Branch Hill Farm in Milton Mills, and will be led by Jared Kane, Executive Director of Branch Hill Farm and an experienced apple orchardist.
Jared Kane will lead the workshop, shown here demonstrating grafting techniques to past participants.
On Friday, March 26th an apple tree pruning class will be held at Branch Hill Farm from 10am to 12pm. Jared will demonstrate the basics of pruning older apple trees, with hands-on opportunities for all participants to practice their new skills. This is a free workshop, but donations to MMRG are encouraged. Come prepared for spending a couple hours outside and walking around the farm. Register for the Apple Pruning Workshop here!
On Saturday, April 10th, an apple tree grafting class will be held from 10am to 12pm at the barn at Branch Hill Farm. This interactive workshop will include an introductory slide presentation as well as hands-on training. By the end of the class, each person will have completed grafting their own small apple tree to take home, with scions collected from a variety of heirloom trees. Participants will be able to choose between trees that produce baking, eating or cider apples. This workshop costs $20.00 for materials. Register for the Apple Grafting Workshop here!
Before becoming the Executive Director at Branch Hill Farm in 2019, Jared Kane started his own cider-specific apple orchard, Jug Hill Orchard in Milton Mills, and has won national awards for his hard cider. In 2019, Jared began the Preservation Orchard at Branch Hill Farm dedicated to protecting the rich heritage and biodiversity of New England heirloom apple varieties.
Pre-registration is required for both workshops and earlier registration is advised since class size is limited. To offer safe outdoor activities during COVID-19, all participants are required to wear masks and to practice proper social distancing. These workshops will take place rain or shine.
Please call Branch Hill Farm’s Education Coordinator Kari Lygren at (603) 978- 7125 or email kari_lygren@branchhillfarm.org with any questions.