LIBERTY, NY—The New York Nut Growers Association (NYNGA) will hold its spring meeting on Saturday, April 18, from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. The Cornell Cooperative Extension Sullivan County (CCESC) Master Gardener Volunteer Program will host this group at its Gerald J. Skoda Extension Education Center on 64 Ferndale-Loomis Rd.

Guest speakers will include Lee Reich, lecturer and author of numerous books on environmentally sound landscapes, gardens, farms and what he refers to as “farmdens;” Keith Stewart, certified organic farmer, writer and lecturer; Randy Kelly of Catskill Mountain Forestry Services; Ryan Trapani of Catskill Forest Association; and Peter Haarmann, owner of Peter’s Paw Paws nut tree farm.

Topics to be covered include growing nut and fruit trees in hardiness zones of the region; forest and farm management for high-value nut trees and timber; and direct marketing of vegetables, herbs and nuts. Participants will learn about the forest owners’ plans to create an ecologically healthy, family-livelihood forest portfolio. Nut trees will be distributed with a demonstration on how to plant bare root stock. An afternoon session will take place in Forestburgh, about a half-hour drive from Liberty.

Cost is $18 per person, made by check or money order payable to NYNGA and sent to NYNGA treasurer Jim Darling, 1300 Spring St., Groton, NY 13073. Payment includes a light breakfast, lunch, nut trees and meeting materials.

For more information about local accommodations, driving directions, or registration, visit www.nynga.org or contact Jerry Henkin, NYNGA vice president at 914/282-1371.