#MyParkStory Volunteer Laura N

Laura holds an apple in front of an apple tree at one of the many historic homesteads in Port Oneida.

Thank you to Apple Preservation Project volunteer, Laura N! This work would not be possible without the help of such great volunteers. She says, “I feel really connected to the apple project because it unites so many of my interests: plants, history, local food, and the park itself…I also love harvesting apples throughout the park. It's the best applesauce you'll ever have!”

The Apple Preservation Project saves antique apple varieties growing in Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. Most of these trees were brought here by settlers in the 1800s and are reaching the end of their lifespan, so the park is replanting some of the orchards in Port Oneida. This ensures they can be tasted by future generations.