Points North: How ‘Bout Them Apples?
On a remote island in Lake Michigan, old apple trees may hold rare, never-before-discovered genes, potentially joining the U.S. stockpile to fight future threats.
By Austin Rowlader, Interlochen Public Radio, Points North is a biweekly podcast about the Great Lakes' land, water, and inhabitants.
The Search for Rare Apple Trees
Luke Marion is searching for apple trees on Beaver Island in Lake Michigan. On a sunny, yet cold March day with snow on the ground, Marion finds a tree and uses pruners to cut last year's growth from the branches.
- Takes cuttings and puts them in a carefully marked bag
- Stores the cuttings in a cooler to keep them dormant
There's a chance these particular apple trees could be very rare.
Beaver Island is located 32 miles off mainland Michigan.
Author's summary: Rare apple trees found on Lake Michigan island.