Lehigh Valley, Pa – Learn about the efforts to save valuable food plants as we stroll through Louise W. Moore Park. The Rescuing the Future by Saving the Past: Preserving Plant Genetics event is Saturday, May 21, 2022, 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM at Louise W. Moore Park – Northampton County Park Office, 151 Country Club Road, Easton, PA 18045.

Agroforestry is the intentional integration of trees and shrubs with crop and animal production to create environmental, economic, and social improvements. The USDA has developed a five-year Strategic Framework “…To advance agroforestry knowledge, tools, and assistance to the benefit of landowners’ communities and the Nation”. Nut and fruit tree crops are an important component of an agroforestry planting.

In 1921, John Hershey started a tree crop nursery in Downingtown, Pennsylvania. For nearly 40 years until his death in the 1960’s, he actively selected and propagated the best varieties and cultivars of nut and fruit tree crop species at what was considered “America’s No. 1 Tree Crop Farm”. Unfortunately, over 50% of his trees have been lost to development.

October 2021, the 100th Anniversary of the Hershey Nursery, 54 trees, all grafted Hershey stock, were planted in Northampton County. Louise W. Moore Park is now an active conservation site where the genetics of Hershey’s trees are protected and preserved.

This event is being offered at no charge to participants. Preregistration is required!

To register by May 18: https://extension.psu.edu/rescuing-the-future-by-saving-the-past-preserving-plant-genetics or call 1-877-345-0691

Join us to see Hershey’s trees!

Master Gardener volunteers support Penn State Extension’s educational programs in consumer horticulture. They develop their horticultural expertise through participation in educational training classes conducted by Penn State University faculty and Extension staff.

The Penn State Master Gardener volunteer program supports the outreach mission of Penn State Extension by utilizing unbiased research-based information to educate the public and our communities on best practices in sustainable horticulture and environmental stewardship.

 

Information provided to TVL by:
Bradley J Kunsman, Jr.
Extension Educator, Master Gardener / Master Watershed Steward
https://extension.psu.edu/
 

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