SKOWHEGAN – Late winter is the time for pruning apple trees, and Somerset County Soil & Water Conservation District (SWCD) is pleased to announce a skill-building workshop at the Somerset County Cooperative Extension Office, 7 County Dr. in Skowhegan.

The introductory workshop runs from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Sunday, March 1, with a repeat of that session on Saturday, March 14. Apple tree enthusiast Joe Dembeck will discuss methods and tools used to prune apple trees in order to increase their viability and production. After a brief overview indoors, participants will head outdoors to learn and test their skills pruning apple trees next door at the Yankee Woodlot Demonstration Forest.

Participants should dress warmly for the outdoors and are welcome to bring their own pruning equipment if they like. There will be pruning poles/saws, hand saws, loppers, etc. to try.

The workshops are free but advanced registration is required. Space is limited to 20 participants per session. To register for either session or FMI, e-mail SomersetSWCD.outreach@gmail.com or 207-679-7306.

The workshops are co-sponsored by Somerset County SWCD, Maine Woodland Owners - Upper Kennebec Valley Chapter, Somerset County Cooperative Extension and Maine Forest Service.