So sweet of you to ask! Cherries flourish in Wisconsin, and Door County in particular, because of a near-perfect mix of geography, dedicated farmers, and a sprinkle of UW–Madison magic. Lake Michigan acts like a natural thermostat to prevent early budding, and the region’s well-drained soils and crisp winters give cherry trees the chance to go dormant. But those are only pieces of the pie. For more than a century, UW–Madison researchers have worked side-by-side with growers to tackle problems such as pests, plant diseases, frost protection, and soil health. In 1922, the UW purchased land in Sturgeon Bay to establish the Peninsular Research Station, creating a hub for hands-on orchard research. Today, scientists there continue testing new varieties and smart-farming techniques to help Wisconsin cherries stay resilient, productive, and — most importantly — tasty.

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