Cultivating Nut & Fruit Wisdom for Michigan Growers
Michigan Nut & Fruit Growers Association
We at MNFGA are on a mission to promote interest in nut-bearing plants and minor fruits. To support scientific research in their breeding and culture. And to spread information about fruit and nut -bearing plants. We encourage greater use of these plants in Michigan agriculture and landscaping purposes.
For questions and inquiries, please contact us
MichiganNutGrower@gmail.com
The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago; the second-best time is now.
-Chinese Proverb
Upcoming Events
There are typically three MNFGA meetings held each year.
The Spring Meeting will be held at the Eagle Township Hall in Eagle, Michigan. The Summer and Fall Meetings are typically at member or business farms/orchards/homes.
September 26, 2026: Fall meeting & Farm Tour at Rogers Reserve, Jackson, MI
We will get to see the chestnut processing equipment, most of which is highly unique in the USA. The reserve also has a large stand of Paw Paws
The Rogers Reserve Laboratory was donated by Ernie and Mabel Rogers in1980. The couple was interested in agriculture and natural resources, especially chestnut production. The reserve has branched into various other crops as well, including a large stand of Paw Paws. Wisely and graciously, the Rogers also included an endowment with the property donation so that the Reserve is self-funded for development and operation of the lab and support of personnel
More information will be in the upcoming MNFGA News
We are looking forward to seeing all of you and your guests who can attend.
2027 Events Schedule
April 10, 2027 Spring Meeting, Eagle, MI
The Spring Meeting will be held at the Eagle Township Hall in Eagle, Michigan.
14318 Michigan St, Eagle, MI
Noon Potluck, Start time
Presentation: Pollinator Care of Fruit & Nut Production, Clay Ottoni, Michigan Beekeeper
May 1, 2027 Grafting Class
Eagle Township Hall, Eagle, MI, 14318 Michigan St, Eagle, MI
Grafting Class Start Time: 10 AM, with a break for a Potluck lunch at noon; grafting class continues after lunch
Bring a dish to pass for the potluck, your own table service, and grafting knife.
If you wish to bring your own apple scions, you are most welcome to do so. If you have any questions about collecting and storing scions, you are welcome to ask via email to MichiganNutGrower@gmail.com
Please note: the cost is $20 per student, and you will take home at least two trees you have grafted. You will have to sign a waiver that you are responsible for yourself and your knife.
Couples are welcome to attend and either pay $40 for 4 trees or $20 for two trees, your option.
Please also bring a plastic bag or suitable container to transport your dormant, bare-root, grafted trees to your planting location.
Daniel Greiner has offered a tour of his property. Mulliken, MI. More details to come.
September 25, 2027 Fall Meeting/Tour
Host: Jackie Smith
559 Lincoln Rd (M89) Otsego, MI – midway between Grand Rapids & Kalamazoo off US 131
Tour of mixed fruit & nut orchard, native paw paw thicket with fruit if the squirrels don’t beat us to them
What We’re All About
A community of Michigan growers learning, experimenting, and sharing the joy of fruit and nut trees.
Fruit Trees
Homegrown fruit is one of the joys of life. And unusual varieties give you neighborhood bragging rights. Of course, there’s always wildlife sharing.
Nut Trees
We evaluate all species of nuts that grow in Michigan for size, color, and flavor. Not all trees give as tasty or as large a harvest as others. Want to learn more?
Science
We support MSU and other organizations that are working to commercialize the nut industry. Some of our members are commercial orchardists.
Grafting Workshops
Have you ever wanted to take a twig from a favorite tree and add it to your landscape? Grafting is for you
Nut Evaluations
We evaluate all species of nuts that grow in Michigan for size, color, and flavor. Not all trees give as tasty or as large a harvest as others. Want to learn more?
Diseases & Pests
Fruit and nut trees are susceptible to numerous pest and disease problems. We keep up to date on the latest outbreaks and science, so our members are informed.
Fun Fruit from Your Backyard
Questions & Answers
We meet three times a year, spring, summer, and fall. Our organization represents the entire state of Michigan so we’re all over the state. It’s fun to see what other folks are doing and bring it home to our own neck of the woods.
Our spring meeting is at the Eagle Township Hall in Eagle, MI (a small town near Lansing, MI), and we have a speaker. Our summer and fall meetings are at member farms, orchards, or homes. Some of us have been doing this for a while and have mature trees; others show us what’s happening with their saplings.
Absolutely! Our membership is made up of people with all levels of experience. We would also welcome you with the knowledge you have (probably think everyone knows it)and could share with us. We’re a fun group of people, don’t take ourselves too seriously, and have a great time. We bet you’d fit right in.
These are just the basics. Come to a meeting (free as a guest) and see what we’re about. You may find we are just the right fit for your interests.
Uncommon Fruits for Uncommon Flavor
Hardy kiwis bring a bit of surprise and delight to any backyard. The vines are beautiful, the fruit is sweet and snackable, and there’s something undeniably fun about stepping outside and picking smooth‑skinned kiwis right off the trellis.
Persimmons are absolutely delicious if you have the patience to wait until they’re ripe. Otherwise, you’ll really pucker!
Paw paws are native to Michigan. They are a large fruit that is a cross between a banana and custard. You have to try one; there’s no way to describe the taste and texture.
Wonder What Your Yard Could Grow?
Your yard can grow more than shade. It can grow food, beauty, and a little everyday wonder. Right outside your door. With the right fruit and nut trees, even a simple landscape becomes a place that feeds you, delights you, and gives you something to look forward to each season
