A wide variety of pests can affect apple trees. Those interested can learn about the common ones and ways to control them at Apples All Year Long: Pest Management, on Saturday, July 14, at the Audubon Community Nature Center. Submitted photo

Whether weeds, insects, or fungi, there are bound to be pests affecting apple trees.

On Saturday, July 14, from 1-3 p.m., the Audubon Community Nature Center is presenting a workshop on Apples All Year Long: Pest Management. Orchardist Al Yelvington will discuss common pests that frequently bother apple trees and ways to control them.

Beginning with a general approach, those attending will learn how to identify pests, effective ways to survey trees and about integrated pest management for apples. While many pests already have a foothold by this time of the year, the knowledge one can gain from the workshop will serve students through the fall and into the spring.

Yelvington is a transplant to the area after retiring from 33 years in the Coast Guard. He started his cider orchard, Happy Dog Farm outside Russell, Pa., to provide juice specifically for hard cider makers. The orchardist is in his second year in the Virginia Tech Online Masters in Agriculture and Life Sciences (OMALS), focusing on pest and weed management. Happy Dog Farm includes a community cider mill that is registered with the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture.

Enrollment is limited. The fee for the program is $16 or $12 for Nature Center members. Paid reservations are required by Thursday, July 12, and can be made by calling 569-2345 during business hours or online through the Programs page at auduboncnc.org.

Audubon Community Nature Center is located at 1600 Riverside Road, one-quarter mile east of Route 62 between Jamestown and Warren. For more information, call 569-2345 or visit the Programs page at auduboncnc.org.