The Geneva Historical Society is hosting a guided tour of the USDA/ARS (Agricultural Research Service) Plant Genetic Resources Unit (PGRU) orchard on the campus of the New York State Agricultural Experiment Station. Phil Forsline, curator of the orchard and USDA horticulturist, will be giving participants a tour of the orchard, which holds the world's largest collection of apple trees. The PGRU is tasked with preserving and safeguarding about 20,000 samples of apples, vegetable crops, cold-hardy grapes, and tart cherries, to ensure they will be around for generations to come. Among other crops, the Geneva orchard features many examples of the apples Mr. Forsline and others collected on expeditions to central Asia, where the apple evolved. Participants will view the extensive plantings, while learning about how the germplasm from these apples is being preserved and used in the development of new apple varieties. As space is limited, reservations are required for this program. The program will run, rain or shine, so participants should dress for the weather. Please call the Geneva Historical Society at 315-789-5151 for further details and to make reservations.