Rescuing the Future by Saving the Past: Preserving Plant Genetics

Learn about the efforts to save valuable food plants as you walk through Louise W. Moore Park. The Rescuing the Future by Saving the Past: Preserving Plant Genetics event will be held 10 a.m. to noon May 21 at Louise W. Moore Park, Northampton County Park Office, 151 Country Club Road, Lower Nazareth Township.

Agroforestry is the intentional integration of trees and shrubs with crop and animal production to create environmental, economic, and social improvements. The Department of Agriculture has developed a five-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. For nearly 40 years until his death in the 1960s, 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.

October 2021, the 100th Anniversary of the Hershey Nursery, 54 trees, all grafted Hershey stock, were planted in Northampton County. Louise W. Moore Park is now an active conservation site where the genetics of Hershey’s trees are protected and preserved.

This Penn State Master Gardener event is being offered at no charge to participants. Preregistration is required. Registration deadline is May 18. To register, go to extension.psu.edu/rescuing-the-future-by-saving-the-past-preserving-plant-genetics or call 1-877-345-0691.