May 21st, 2022, Rescuing the Future by Saving the Past – Preserving Plant Genetics
Learn about agroforestry and the preservation of legacy fruit and nut varieties.
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 5 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. In October of 2021, the 100th Anniversary of the Hershey Nursery, 54 trees, all of grafted Hershey stock, were planted in Northampton County. Louise Moore Park is now an active conservation site where the genetics of Hershey’s trees are protected and preserved. Join us for a short history of the efforts to save valuable food plants and a walk-about to see the Hershey trees.
Learn from Louise Bugbee about agroforestry and the preservation of legacy fruit and nut varieties
Louise Bugbee
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 5 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. In October of 2021, the 100th Anniversary of the Hershey Nursery, 54 trees, all of grafted Hershey stock, were planted in Northampton County. Louise Moore Park is now an active conservation site where the genetics of Hershey’s trees are protected and preserved. Join us for a short history of the efforts to save valuable food plants and a walk-about to see the Hershey trees.
2 thoughts on “May 21st, 2022, Rescuing the Future by Saving the Past – Preserving Plant Genetics”
Hi,
I am interested to register for the May 21st, 2022, Rescuing the Future by Saving the Past – Preserving Plant Genetics.
How can I register? Thanks for your help.
Hi,
I am interested to register for the May 21st, 2022, Rescuing the Future by Saving the Past – Preserving Plant Genetics.
How can I register? Thanks for your help.
I posted the link on the site – it is https://extension.psu.edu/rescuing-the-future-by-saving-the-past-preserving-plant-genetics