September 19: Lost Apples of the San Juan Islands with KWIAHT

Saturday, September 19 | 12 noon to 1:30 pm | San Juan Island Library

Botanist Madrona Murphy shares the latest findings of Kwiaht’s effort to relocate the island’s oldest orchards, identify apples genetically, and preserve rare heirloom and seedling varieties. Traditional indigenous stewardship of native crabapples grew seamlessly into the commercial apple orchards of the 1850s-1870s, many of which were established by Hudson Bay employees married into Coast Salish families. Orchards remained a pillar of the islands’ economy and society until the 1920s; and many of the ancient trees that remain in backyards and roadsides continue to produce delightful 18th and 19th century varieties that have sadly been neglected or forgotten.

Share your own San Juan Island apples: bring your own apples, preserves, and treats to share! (Please label ingredients and apple varieties where known) KWIAHT will be bringing fresh apples and homemade pies to sample.