You might have seen on the latest episode of Urban Green<http://cityoftacoma.granicus.com/MediaPlayer.php?view_id=18&clip_id=1709&meta_id=43374> that Harvest Pierce County, a program of the Pierce Conservation District, is announcing the fourth year of our Fruit Tree Education Series focused on organic fruit tree care and designed for beginners. The Fruit Tree Education Series covers a wide range of topics such as pollination, planting, pruning, and even introductions to more advanced techniques such as espalier and permaculture. You can take the entire 7 class series for just $60, or take only the classes that interest you at $10 per class. All classes are taught by knowledgeable arborists and local specialists and feature follow-up Work & Learn Parties to put participant's new skills into practice. Participants can enroll in the full series for a comprehensive introduction to fruit tree care or choose to register for individual classes. WSU Master Gardeners are invited to take the full series to become Rain Garden Specialists. Cost: $60 for the entire 7 class series, or $10 per class ($20 for 4/23 Permaculture Class) No one will be turned away due to lack of funds. Contact ReneeMe@piercecountycd.org<mailto:ReneeMe@piercecountycd.org> to request Scholarships & Sliding Scale rates. Class Schedule: *Due to space limitations, you must register<http://piercecd.org/352/Fruit-Tree-Education> in order to attend* * Monday February 8, 6-8:30pm - Basic Tree Biology and Planting o This class offers an overview of the series, and an introduction to fruit tree biology and care. * Sat. Feb 13, 10am-12:30pm - Winter Pruning o How to properly prune trees during the winter for the best summer and autumn harvests. * Monday March 7, 6-8:30pm - Fruit Tree Varieties & Grafting o Learn about different kinds of fruit trees, their needs, and which varieties can be grafted to others for single trees that produce multiple kinds of fruit. * Sat. March 26, 10am-12:30pm - Pollinators & Espalier o Pollination is crucial for getting a good fruit harvest. Learn about pollinator allies, and espalier, a term for a fruit tree whose branches are trained to grow flat against a wall, supported on a lattice or a framework of stakes. * Sat. April 23, 10am-4:00pm - Permaculture for Fruit Trees o Permaculture is a unique form of agriculture that mimics the systems and designs found in nature. Learn how fruit trees can complement a self-sustaining permaculture design as a part of a food forest or garden. * Sat. May 21, 10am-12:30pm - Pest & Disease Control o Pests and diseases are an inevitable part of gardening and tree care. Learn how to set up your fruit trees for success so they are healthy and protected, and how to revive diseased and pest-ridden trees. * Sat. June 4, 10am-12:30pm, Summer Pruning o Pruning in the summer requires a different approach than pruning other times during the year. It is especially important because the summer is when next year's buds are formed. Class Location All classes will begin with a classroom portion at Harvest Pierce County's office in Wright Park: 501 S. I Street, Tacoma (next to the basketball court and behind the Bocce Ball court) and then move to the Hilltop House Orchard on S. 19th and Yakima, Tacoma. The Permaculture class will be taught at the Swan Creek Park Food Forest, a 1-acre forest garden located in Swan Creek Park at E 42nd St and E Roosevelt St. in Tacoma, WA 98404. Work and Learn Parties: Practice your skills through volunteering at a 250-tree apple orchard in Roy, Washington. Instructors will be on site to answer questions and guide the work. FREE TO ATTEND There will be four Work & Learn Parties throughout the year. The first will be on Saturday February 27, 10am-2pm, and will focus on Winter Pruning. The rest of the dates will be announced in 2016. Transportation and carpooling from Wright Park in Tacoma to the orchard in Roy will be provided. Registration: http://piercecd.org/352/Fruit-Tree-Education Questions: ReneeMe@piercecountycd.org<mailto:ReneeMe@piercecountycd.org>, (253) 278-4820 [cid:image002.png@01D14D25.292E1670]<http://piercecd.org/352/Fruit-Tree-Education> [cid:image001.jpg@01CF289C.FCAB55D0] Renee Meschi, Program Specialist Harvest Pierce County Pierce Conservation District PO Box 1057 | 5430 66th Ave. East | Puyallup, WA 98371 Phone: 253-278-6215| Mobile: 253-278-4820 Website: www.harvestpiercecounty.org<http://www.harvestpiercecounty.org> Follow us on Facebook<http://www.facebook.com/PierceConservationDistrict?ref=stream>