Do you have an old apple tree in your back yard? Ever wonder what variety it is? On October 29, John Bunker, Apple Historian, Orchardist and Fruit Explorer will identify local apples and talk about the uses, the varieties and the culture of apples, including grafting and pruning, and will talk about the care of trees. Co-sponsored by the Westford Historical Society, the Littleton Historical Society and the Groton Historical Society, the talk is titled “The History of the Apple: Central Asia to the Nashoba Valley” and will be held at the First Parish Church United of Westford, 48 Main Street in Westford at 7 pm. At 6 pm he will host a program called “Name Your Apple” and you are invited to bring an apple for Mr. Bunker to identify.

John Bunker is a twenty-first century answer to Johnny Appleseed as he is today’s foremost authority on heritage apples. He raises more than 200 varieties of apples at Super Chilly Farm in Palermo, Maine, and he has tracked down rare breeds of apples through the United States and Canada. In pomological circles, John is considered the “Apple Guru.” He conducts apple pie tasting contests and various apple events, leads talks, and travels extensively looking for rare apples. In 2007, John Bunker published Not Far From the Tree: A Brief History of the Apples and the Orchards of Palermo Maine, 1804-2004. His talk will also include the reasons why old apples might be especially important today and in the future.

Cider and apple snacks will be served; the program is open to the public thanks in part to a grant from the Town of Groton’s Trust Funds’ lecture fund, although donations will be accepted. Call the Groton Historical Society at 478- 448-0092, the Littleton Historical Society at 978-486-8202 or the Westford Historical Society at 978-692-5550 or for further information or check their websites: GrotonHistoricalSociety.org, LittletonHistoricalSociety.org or WestfordHistoricalSociety.org.