MARION, IOWA (June 18, 2020) — Trees Forever is hosting a two-part fruit- and nut-tree training class for people who are interested in learning the basics of fruit- and nut-tree care. The Fruit TreeKeepers class is intended for people who want to grow their own backyard fruit and nuts or who want to learn how to take care of the many local fruit orchards that are sprouting up in towns across the Midwest. The Trees Forever's Fruit TreeKeeper class series will be held on July 1 and 15, 7-8:30PM.
This course will be held virtually via video conference so that participants can use their computer, phone, or tablet. In light of COVID-19 precautions, the hands-on component of the training will be optional. More information will be shared directly to class participants.
The course consists of online training to learn:
- Tree biology;
- Proper planting and maintenance;
- Fruit and nut tree varieties;
- Organic tree management and care, such as pruning, disease and pest control; and
- Harvesting techniques.
"Working with food-bearing trees is empowering! We need locally-grown, nutritional food in order to grow a healthy, sustainable community, and Fruit TreeKeepers is a great way to engage in the sustainability in our communities." Trees Forever Field Coordinator Patty Reisinger said. "Trees Forever plants fruit trees in community gardens throughout several of Iowa and Illinois' urban areas, and now we offer training to give people a better understanding of the special care these trees require."
Registration for the course is required and can be completed online at http://www.treesforever.org/FruitTKIC. There is a $15 registration-fee, which includes educational resources and the opportunity to have specific tree questions answered by a Trees Forever fruit and nut tree expert.
The Fruit TreeKeepers course is possible thanks to support from Diamond V Corporate Fund and Trees Forever Members.
Trees Forever, a non-profit organization nationally headquartered in Marion, Iowa, is dedicated to planting trees, encouraging volunteer and youth involvement, and environmental stewardship. For 30 years, we've been planting a better tomorrow, and in Illinois, we are planting our one millionth tree during 2020. For more information, visit www.treesforever.org or call 800-369-1269.
