[Pierce_County_Gleaning_Project] [cid:image004.jpg@01CF07AB.2DE35930] PRESS RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: January 2, 2014 Fruit Tree Steward Program Enhances Health of Urban Orchards Pierce County Residents can become competent in fruit tree care, meet like-minded community members, and help enhance the health of the urban orchard by signing up for the Fruit Tree Steward Program. This comprehensive program runs from February through June and covers a wide variety of topics taught by knowledgeable arborists and local specialists. Course topics include grafting, pruning, and turning an orchard into a food forest. Most classes are hands on and feature follow up work parties to help put participant's new skills into practice. All hands on activities will take place at the Hilltop House Orchard in Tacoma on S. 19th and S. Yakima Street and participants will be able to see their impact on the orchard over the course of five months. "I loved taking the class. I learned so much valuable information, made some great connections, and even grafted my very own apple tree," said Emily Strong, 2013 Fruit Tree Steward. "For me, the community service aspect of the class was a fun way to explore a new part of my community, as well as a great way to get hands-on experience even though I don't currently have a yard to plant trees in." The cost for the seven session program is $75.00-$125.00. Scholarships are available to cover part or all of the cost. The application deadline is Wednesday, January 15. To apply email EmilyG@piercecountycd.org<mailto:EmilyG@piercecountycd.org> for or visit www.piercecountygleaningproject.org<http://www.piercecountygleaningproject.org/news_and_events>. Class Schedule * Wed. Feb 5, 6-8:30pm - Class Orientation & Basic Tree Biology * Sat. Feb 8, 10am-12:30pm - Winter Pruning & Plant Health Care * Wed. March 5, 6-8:30pm - Fruit Tree Varieties & Grafting * Sat. March 8, 10am-12:30pm - Pollinators & Espalier * Sat. April 12, 10am-12:30pm - Permaculture for Fruit Trees * Sat. May 17, 10am-12:30pm - Pest & Disease Control * Sat. June 7, 10am-2pm - Summer Pruning & End of Class Potluck The Pierce County Gleaning Project is a program of the Pierce Conservation District that works to build community, reduce waste, and fight hunger through harvesting local produce from farms, urban fruit trees, and farmers markets that would otherwise be wasted. Produce is shared with local food banks and meal sites. For more information Pierce County Gleaning Project- www.piercecountygleaningproject.org<http://www.piercecountygleaningproject.org> MEDIA CONTACT: Emily Garofalo, Food Access Specialist Pierce Conservation District (253) 278-6215 EmilyG@piercecountycd.org<mailto:EmilyG@piercecountycd.org> [Description: Description: https://www.google.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTN1l4JKRM82XGFPQLf-fMMFC-fxP4MQTP6v5YWU7JvEhRmzZpLer6eV_Q]<http://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://www.vacd.org/whiteriver/con_logo.JPG&imgrefurl=http://www.vacd.org/whiteriver/&h=205&w=200&sz=2&tbnid=BehNeYc-AU7P4M:&tbnh=90&tbnw=88&zoom=1&usg=___vPMfbgV2gtYLVn6nhs1sEFtI4g=&docid=fQiNls5u3fDiAM&hl=en&sa=X&ei=8HclUPZesfiKAo6IgfgI&ved=0CHcQ9QEwBg> Emily Garofalo, Food Access Specialist Pierce Conservation District Mailing Addres: PO Box 1057 | Puyallup, WA 98371 Office: 253.278.6215 Cell: 253.468.3749 Website: www.PierceCD.org<http://www.piercecd.org/> Promoting the conservation of renewable natural resources in Pierce County since 1949. Follow us on Facebook<http://www.facebook.com/PierceConservationDistrict?ref=stream>