The goal of this workshop is to build the local knowledge needed to care for our heritage orchards. We're creating The Heritage Apple Corps—a team of arborists, Forest Service staff, community members, and proud apple nerds dedicated to restoring these heirloom orchards.
Future commitment: Volunteer for upcoming restoration days—pruning big old trees, shaping the future of these orchards, and joining a spirited crew that's keeping history alive one branch at a time.
Five-day course at the McCoin and Cyrus historic orchards, north of Smith Rocks on the Crooked River National Grassland.
Dates: March 2–6, 2026
In the event of weather or adverse road conditions, the class will be rescheduled to March 9–13, 2026.
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ISA Credits: This course has been approved for Continuing Education Credit by the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA).
Participants leave this course with a well-rounded understanding of how to manage historic fruit orchards in ways that balance preservation, sustainability, and productivity.
The course uses the fundamentals of tree biology to guide participants through the real challenges of historic orchard management. Topics include pruning, watering, pest management, and tree health with focus on older orchards and informed decision-making.
Expect a blend of focused instruction and hands-on work. Participants take part in tree health assessments, equipment safety, pruning theory, and guided demonstrations. Content explores heritage orchard philosophy, propagation, pest pressures, and water needs.
Amanda holds B.S. and M.S. degrees in Horticulture from Iowa State University. She managed historic orchards at Capitol Reef National Park, handling maintenance, renovation, and educational programs for staff and the public. A retired U.S. Forest Service botanist, she continues to restore historic and neglected orchards in the Northwest through her professional practice and assists multiple state agencies preserving heritage fruit trees.
Karen has been an ISA Certified Arborist since 2016 and co-owns Prunus, a residential tree care company. Since 2003, she has been pruning residential fruit trees of all shapes and sizes in the Pacific Northwest. She has taught fruit tree pruning at Clackamas Community College and through the Home Orchard Society, helping restore pioneer apple orchards in eastern Oregon.
Heritage Apple Corps is partnering with the U.S. Forest Service to restore and maintain these historic orchards, preserving their unique legacy for the community and future generations.
A 501(c)(3) nonprofit and environmental social enterprise dedicated to connecting people with the public lands of the Pacific Northwest. Founded in 1974, they partner with agencies and communities to enrich visitor experiences, promote stewardship, and support education and outreach.
Heritage Apple Corps