The Potomac Valley Audubon Society is sponsoring a special tour of the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Appalachian Fruit Research Station in Kearneysville on Thursday, Dec. 3.

The tour will begin at 9:15 a.m. and last about an hour and 45 minutes. Anyone with an interest is welcome to participate and there will be no charge. However, participation will be limited and pre-registration will be essential. Register on the PVAS website at www.potomacaudubon.org.

The research station conducts a wide variety of basic, applied and developmental research on critical issues affecting major fruit crops grown in temperate climates (apples, peaches, pears, plums, and various berries). Its work is aimed at maximizing productivity and quality of those crops and minimizing the adverse effects of pests, diseases, and environmental factors.

The tour will begin with a welcome address by the station director, Dr. Michael Glenn. Then the tour group will visit various labs and hear presentations from six scientists regarding their research.

For additional information on the Research Station and directions visit the facility’s website at www.ars.usda.gov/Main/docs.htm?docid=3470.

For more information about the tour, contact Debbie Maiorano at 540-535-5145 or debbiemm58@aol.com.