Pruning and biochar production
Join us to usher in Spring on the Rio Grande Refuge in Velarde, a farm in recovery from 40 years of abandonment. Field day hosts Jeff Hood and Ananda Forest are fighting back the elm forest to bring light to heirloom apple trees that were planted in 1948. The survivors are craggy old beauties, each one a living art project.
At this Field Day we will demo a simple pit method to make biochar, to be used in regenerating the orchard floor. After a delicious lunch we will explore pruning the old trees to reduce height and let the light in. You will get hands-on instruction and practice in fruit tree pruning that can be applied to orchards of any age.
We can also touch briefly on making humanure compost, grafting fruit trees, and recovering old adobe buildings. You’ll be able to take home some biochar and aromatic applewood! This will be a hands on, active, outdoor day, and an opportunity to get to know your farming neighbors.
Participation is limited –please register to reserve your spot and let us know should your plans change, so that someone else can take your place.
Learn about regenerative orchard care:
The Connection Between Soil Fungi and Orchard Health
Orchard crops are perennial plants with strong symbiotic relationships with fungal life
Branching Out
Lessons learned at the Integrated Orchard Field Day at JAL Farms in Fort Sumner