LEEDS — John Bunker will present a program on apples at 7 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 10, in the Community Room of the Leeds Town Office, 8 Community Drive. The program is hosted by the Leeds Historical Society.

Bunker will touch on the history of apples in Maine, his fruit explorations, the hard cider industry which is experiencing a widespread and popular renaissance in Maine, and the Maine Heritage Orchard in Unity.

John Bunker shares an apple with his horse on his farm in Unity. Bunker, Maine's apple expert, will present a program Thursday, Nov. 10, at the Leeds Town Offfice.
John Bunker shares an apple with his horse on his farm in Unity. Bunker, Maine's apple expert, will present a program Thursday, Nov. 10, at the Leeds Town Offfice. Contributed photo

Referred to variously as an apple “guru” and “whisperer,” Bunker describes himself as a “fruit explorer,” searching for rare and unusual fruit varieties to save and reintroduce in Maine.

Bunker has been farming in Maine for more than 40 years. In 1984 he started Fedco Trees and has served on and was past president of the Board at the Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association. He is the founder of MOFGA’s Maine Heritage Orchard. A graduate of Colby College, Bunker is the author of “Not Far From the Tree,” a book outlining the history of apples in Palermo.

Attendees who have their own apple trees are encouraged to bring fruit for identification. Apples picked now can be kept in a refrigerator in a paper, not plastic, bag until the program. Refreshments will be served. Suggested donation is $5.

For more information, call Pam Bell at 933-4121.

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