Tree grafting, water are topics at Riveredge

Grafting apple trees and exploring the world of water are among the programs being offered at Riveredge Nature Center in the Town of Saukville in the coming weeks.

“Exploring our Watery Worlds” is a drop in program for children ages 3 and older and their families on Wednesday, March 22.

Families may stop in between 3 and 6:30 p.m. to participate in interactive learning stations all about the waters of Riveredge. They will travel from the banks of the Milwaukee River to the edge of the vernal pond, where educators will help them explore the world beneath the surface of the water.

Children can take part in a leaf race, learn to identify water critters, practice calming creekside mindfulness and more.

An apple tree grafting workshop with apple historian Dan Bussey will be held from noon to 4 p.m. Saturday, March 25.

Participants will learn how to graft three different species of apples growing at the center’s permaculture farm onto M-2 semi-dwarf root stock.

Bussey will discuss the history of apple varieties and why apple diversity is part of our national heritage.

Participants will take home three apple trees they grafted.

Bussey is the author of  “The Illustrated History of Apples In the US and Canada” and worked as the orchard manager for Seed Savers Exchange.

The cost is $100 for center members and $115 for nonmembers.

For more information, visit riveredgenaturecenter.org or call (262) 375-2715.

Riveredge is at 4458 Hwy. Y.