Join the Boothbay Region Land Trust (BRLT) on Sunday, Sept. 30 from 2-3:30 p.m. for the second annual Apple Talk, Tasting and Tour under the tent at Oak Point Farm. This event features amateur orchardist Ron Ross and his engaging presentation, “From Apple Juice to Apple Jack.” This year’s talk focuses on the juice of this iconic fruit. Ron will explore the history and production of apple beverages, consider their nutritional and medicinal pros and cons, and share classic and nouvelle drink recipes such as mulled cider, the Appletini, and Jersey Lightning.

Ron is a current member of the BRLT Board of Directors and a tour guide at Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens. He is retired from Drew University where he taught biology and statistics before moving to administration and serving as Dean of Continuing Education and Vice President for Development. Ron and his partner, Fred Kraeuter, began Burnham Cove Heirloom Orchard in 2014 following advice from Maine’s premier apple expert John Bunker. This year Ron also helped establish Apple Corps, a BRLT volunteer-led program aimed at revitalizing apple trees across land trust preserves, including the orchard at Oak Point Farm.

“Never in a million years did I expect to be growing apples and hosting apple tasting events in my retirement,” say Ross. “I seem to have found my niche. Apples are amazing!”

BRLT invites you to come learn about this amazing fruit! Our family-friendly event will not only have you tasting a variety of Maine apples, but participants will also enjoy an apple cider press demonstration and tour the beautiful waterside trails of BRLT’s new headquarters at Oak Point Farm. Proof of age will be required for some beverages. Attendance and participation in the tasting are free, but preregistration is required. You may preregister by emailing brlt@bbrlt.org or calling our office at 633-4818.