The public can learn how to graft apple trees and the best way to plant new ones at Audubon Community Nature Center’s “Apples All Year Long: Planting and Grafting” workshop on Friday.

Those who have a favorite apple can learn how to graft it onto an existing tree.

Orchardist Al Yelvington will lead Audubon Community Nature Center’s workshop “Apples All Year Long: Planting and Grafting” on Friday, April 6, from 2 to 4 p.m.

Those attending can gain a hands-on introduction to grafting techniques for apple trees to replicate favorites or known varieties as well as learn the best way to plant a new apple tree. Those who collected scion wood in the spring while pruning can graft it onto their rootstock. For those starting their home orchard, April is the best time regionally to plant fruit trees. Planting techniques will be discussed.

Grafting is an art. There are different grafting techniques and methods, so those attending can choose the ones that work the best for their situation. Those attending should bring a sharp utility-type knife or grafting knife if one is available.

Yelvington is a fairly recent transplant to the area after retiring from 33 years in the Coast Guard. He started his cider orchard, Happy Dog Farm outside Russell, to provide juice specifically for hard cider makers. Yelvington is in his second year in the Virginia Tech Online Masters in Agriculture and Life Sciences, focusing on pest and weed management. Happy Dog Farm includes a community cider mill that is registered with the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture.

Enrollment is limited. The fee for the program is $16 or $12 for Nature Center members. Paid reservations are required by Wednesday, April 4, and can be made by calling 569-2345 during business hours or online through the Programs page at auduboncnc.org.

The Audubon Community Nature Center is located at 1600 Riverside Road, one-quarter mile east of Route 62 between Jamestown and Warren.