Appalachian Sustainable Development

Summer Field School Class #7: Forest Farming
2022-08-04 17:30 - 19:30 (America/New_York) | Appalachian Cove Forest Farm and Homestead, 2857 Cox Chapel Rd, Duffield, Virginia, 24244, United States
Join us at Appalachian Cove Forest Farm & Homestead to learn about Forest Farming with Ryan Huish. Appalachian Cove farmers have been gardening/farming for several decades at various places. At their current location, they steward a forest farm (growing edible, medicinal, and handicraft plants), practice permaculture, no-till, animal rotation, and alley cropping. They also raise dairy goats, chickens, pigs, cows, and livestock guardian dogs.

Gather information on sustainable agriculture, and support of native ecosystems and gain a connection to the land/nature.

Summer Field School Class #6: Beekeeping
2022-07-21 17:30 - 19:30 | Fungirl Farms, 19543 Old Jonesboro Rd, Abingdon, Virginia, 24211, United States
Debbie Mott grew up on a ranch in Arizona. Her and her husband had a horse ranch in Coeur d’Alene Idaho and now have a farm in Southwest Virginia.” At The Old Virginia Farm & FunGirl Farms, they are growing hay and mushroom as well as raising bees, horses & German Shepherds. During this class, we will learn about maintaining healthy hives, the tools required for the trade, and how to get started with your hives. Debbie states “No matter what you think you know about bees, they will show you something different.”

Summer Field School Class #5: Rotational Grazing and Cattle Work
2022-07-07 17:30 - 19:30 | Valor Valley Farm, 4949 Pounding Mill Branch Rd, Pounding Mill, Virginia, 24637, United States
Darrell Wess and family started Valor Valley Farm in 2017 as a cow/calf operation. They have specialties in good land stewardship, quality cattle, and environmental conservation and sell at livestock markets and to other producers. Join us at the farm for a class on rotational grazing and cattle work to gain knowledge on production methods for better land and cattle, tools of the trade, and helpful resources available to begin your own cattle operation. Darrell has served as a FARM Mentor and shares some insightful information for beginning farmers; “Don’t be afraid to try new things and experiment with what works for you and your farm. Get out and tag along with other farmers doing things you’d like to implement. For anyone considering adding cattle to their farm the importance of animal health with a quality working pen is crucial. It ensures your animals and your safety in times of needed care or preventative protocols.”

Summer Field School Class #4: Integrating Multiple Operations
2022-06-16 17:30 - 19:30 | Kelly Ridge Farms, 30558 Old Saltworks Road, Meadowview, Virginia, United States
Integrating operations is key to incremental success in farming. Farms aren’t about single product lines, but about how you can design your operations to support each other and build your assets (and soils) for the long haul. Shift away from extractive farming methods and focus on long term success. I will discuss our experience (both successes and failures) with building synergy in farm operations. Topics under discussion will include livestock (pigs, sheep, horses, chickens), alternative feeds, composting, pasture maintenance, kid rearing, specialty crops (such as hops), integrated processing services, fertigation, and more.

Buchanan County Apiary and Pollinator Project - Ribbon Cutting
2022-06-16 10:00 - 11:30 | Southern Gap Outdoor Adventure, 1124 Chipping Sparrow Road, Grundy, Virginia, 24614, United States
Join ASD, Thompson Charitable Foundation, SWVA Sportsmen and Southern Gap Outdoor Adventure for the launch of the Apiary and Pollinator project on Thursday, June 16, 2022 at 10am at Southern Gap Outdoor Adventure, 1124 Chipping Sparrow Road, Grundy, VA 24614. The event is free and will feature speakers, a tour of the apiary and pollinator garden and a ribbon cutting. The public is invited to attend and light refreshments will be served.

Summer Field School '22 Class #3: Aggregation/Distribution
2022-06-02 17:30 - 19:30 | Appalachian Harvest, 280 Boone Trail Road, Duffield, Virginia, 24224, United States
Join us at Appalachian Harvest for a class on Aggregation and Distribution services and more. Season extension provides early and late harvests, winter harvests, and longer harvest windows. These techniques also offer pest and disease control. These opportunities translate into more income.

Founded in 2000, Appalachian Harvest is Appalachian Sustainable Development’s rural food and herb hub. Following the federal deregulation of tobacco production, many local farmers found their incomes drastically reduced and wanted alternative crops to capitalize on their experience and existing resources. Our food hub assisted growers by transitioning them from tobacco to produce, allowing them to remain on their family farms.

Our team works shoulder to shoulder with small to medium-scale local farmers, helping them get their goods to market. We provide GAP (Good Agricultural Practices) certification training, assist with organic certifications, and provide them with much-needed, year-round technical support. Our team also secures retail orders from various wholesale markets and provides aggregation and distribution of locally grown produce from Maryland to Georgia.

Summer Field School '22 Class #2: Season Extension
2022-05-19 17:30 - 19:30 | TNT Farm N Greenhouse, 32367 Taos Ln, Meadowview, Virginia, United States
Join us at TNT Farm N Greenhouse for a class of Season Extension. Season extension provides early and late harvests, winter harvests, and longer harvest windows. These techniques also offer pest and disease control. These opportunities translate into more income.

TNT began in 2012 as a greenhouse and vegetable farm selling retail at three farmers markets, selling wholesale to Appalachian Harvest, and peddling to local restaurants. From 2012-2015 TNT was USDA GAP certified and from 2012-2020 was USDA Certified Organic. In it’s beginning years, TNT established itself at the Abingdon Farmers Market and with a couple restaurants. The 1 acre wholesale garden was eliminated in 2015. 2021 was a fallow year for TNT and in 2022, now focuses on edible garden transplants, perennial edibles, and mostly heirloom fresh vegetables selling at the Abingdon Farmers Market and restaurants. TNT is 4000 sq ft greenhouse, 3000 sq ft high tunnel tomatoes, and a quarter acre garden. Practices on TNT are still in tune with Nature and food safety although I have chosen to no longer carry the USDA Organic or GAP certifications.

“Go for it! Season extension can be used in a number of different ways adding to the excitement of growing food. It’s easy to implement and provides nice returns,” is advice to beginning farmers from Tamara of TNT.

Summer Field School '22 Class #1: Specialty Produce and Irrigation
2022-05-05 17:30 - 19:30 | Creative Seeds Farm, 422 W Glade Street, Glade Spring, Virginia, United States
Join us at Creative Seeds Farm for a session on Specialty Produce and Irrigation. With local food in high demand, this course will help you determine what type of crops will help you stand out in a crowded market place. We will also cover how using niche produce can really help drive farm sales and how controlling water through the use of irrigation will insure healthy plants with high yields.

Creative Seeds Farm began by selling a wide variety of produce to one local farmers market eventually seeing a customer need for fresh greens (specifically lettuce) year round. They began focusing their production based on customer demand and removed tilling to improve their soil.

Forest Farming calculator Webinar
2022-05-03 12:00 - 13:00 | Virginia
Join ASD and the USDA National Agroforestry Center (NAC) for a tutorial of and input session for the up and coming Forest Farming Calculator tool. The Calculator is a forthcoming Microsoft Excel-based tool that will provide general estimates of income potential from harvesting and selling medicinal forest botanicals (i.e. ginseng, goldenseal, black cohosh) from a forest farming operation. We look forward to your feedback to help finalize the tool to best meet your planning needs!

Farm to Table Supper
2022-05-02 18:00 - 20:30, 2021-10-04 18:00 - 20:30 | Kelly Ridge Farms, 30558 Old Saltworks Road, Meadowview, Virginia, United States

Mother's Day in a Box Fundraiser
2022-04-19 08:00 - 2022-05-04 17:00 | Virginia
Each Box includes 5 specialty items: – 1 Bake-at-Home Cinnamon Twist Braided Crunch Loaf (Perfect for breakfast!) – 1 Hand Designed Mother’s Day card from our Digital Media Specialists – 1 Jar of Appalachian Harvest Apple or Blackberry Butter – 3 Plant Starts (Flowers or vegetables) from our Abingdon and Tazewell Gardens – 1 Voucher for a Pick-Your-Own Bouquet and Community Garden Party

Pickup for boxes is at the Faith in Action Community Garden in Abingdon, VA on May 7th from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. If you need alternative pickup in Southwest VA or the Tri-Cities area, please email hgibbs@asdevelop.org.

All raised funds will support ASD’s Workforce Development Program: Groundwork, a program designed to provide work and education opportunities in agriculture, digital media, warehousing, and more across Southwest Virginia and Northeast Tennessee. Groundwork helps to provide job security, practical skills, and a genuine chance for success for all participants–we hope you enjoy your box that highlights the work of all our pathways: Agriculture and Agribusiness, Digital Media, Commercial Kitchen, and Warehousing/Distribution!

We cannot offer refunds for this event; if you have questions, please reach out to hgibbs@asdevelop.org!

Veteran Open House
2022-04-13 10:00 - 14:00 | Appalachian Harvest, 280 Boone Trail Road, Duffield, Virginia, 24224, United States
Join Appalachian Sustainable Development on April 13th at the Appalachian Harvest Food and Herb Hub to learn all about ASD, AH, and the agriculture programs and projects we offer.

There will be 2 times available for groups to participate in a presentation, facility tour, and Q&A with ASD staff.

Group 1

10:15am – 11:00am (45 min): Presentation about ASD, AH, Programs we offer11:00am-11:05am (5 min): BREAK11:05am – 11:50am (45 min): Facility Tour and Questions

Group 2

12:15pm – 1:00pm (45 min): Presentation about ASD, AH, Programs we offer1:00pm – 1:05pm (5 min): BREAK1:05pm – 1:50pm (45 min): Facility Tour and Questions

Tickets are free and available depending on the group you would like to participate in.

50 Years in the Making: Celebrating Old Time, Blues, and Bluegrass Music
2022-04-04 19:00 | Woodrow W. McGlothlin Center for the Arts, 30481 Garnand Dr, Emory, 24327
A Concert to benefit Appalachian Sustainable Development, presented by The United Company Foundation

On Monday, April 4, 2022 at 7pm, guests will enjoy a live concert hosted by Jack Hinshelwood, celebrating old time, blues and bluegrass music at The Woodrow W. McGlothlin Center for the Arts at Emory & Henry College in Emory Virginia. Hinshelwood brings together 12 remarkable artists who are releasing a new recording containing 22 tracks from their recent collaboration to celebrate three distinct but connected musical traditions -bluegrass, old time and blues. The concert will feature recognized masters of these music forms including Phil Wiggins, Rob Ickes, Trey Hensley, Butch Robins, Ivy Phillips, Scott Freeman, Jacob Eller, Debbie Yates, Sandy Shortridge, and Jack Hinshelwood as host. A special feature of the concert will include two European artists, uilleann piper Ronan Browne from Ireland and euphonium maestro Steven Mead from England, performing via YouTube.

Tickets are $20 in advance and $25 at the door. Children 12 and under are $5. Seating is limited, tickets are now available: https://www.tix.com/ticket-sales/ehc/4926/event/1257594. Tickets can also be purchased in person at the McGlothlin Center box office during certain open hours. For more information, call the box office at (276) 944-6333. A photo ID, face masks, proof of Covid-19 vaccination or negative test within 72 hours of the event are required for admittance. 100% of all proceeds benefit ASD.

The concert is presented by The United Company Foundation. Additional financial support provided by: JA Street, Six Rivers Media, Blue Ridge Beverage Company, Chinquapin Designs, Davenport Financial, Emory & Henry College, Food City, Hampton Inn of Abingdon, WEHC, A Likely Yarn, Abingdon Olive Oil Company, BurWil Construction, Electric Hardwoods, HBC, CPA’s, Holston Medical Group, HVAC, Inc., and The Polished Diamond.

The concert is the result of a recording project by the same name, a 22-track anthology of old time, bluegrass, and blues music that is being released with this event. “These songs and tunes have been gathering in my repertoire for about 50 years, hence the title of the concert. Many of the artists who played on the recording are part of the live concert and we will share selected tracks from the recording, as well as additional numbers that feature these remarkable artists.” says Jack Hinshelwood the recording producer.

Purchase Tickets

Meet the Artisits

A two-time W.C. Handy National Blues Award winner. The most awarded instrumentalist in IBMA history. A fiddler with championship titles from 7 states. These are just three of the remarkable artists who are part of 50 Years in the Making.

John HinshelwoodGuitar and VocalsJack produced 50 Years in the Making, a 21-track recording and concert of old time, blues, and bluegrass music with some of the finest artists from those genres. The former Executive Director of The Crooked Road: Virginia’s Heritage Music Trail, Jack has taught, performed, produced and recorded the heritage music of the Appalachian region for almost 40 years. Jack is a guitarist, fiddler, singer and winner of the Knoxville World’s Fair Guitar Championship, the Wayne Henderson Guitar Championship, and a two-time winner of the Galax Fiddler’s Convention guitar contest.

Ronan BrowneUilleann Pipes & WhistlesBorn and bred in Dublin, Ronan’s musical development came naturally since renowned Irish artists like Willie Clancy and Séamus Ennis were family friends. Ronan’s musical endeavors have covered a broad range including solo projects, the trio CRAN, the Afro Celt Sound System and Riverdance. In addition to writing and performing music for television and such films as Rob Roy and Gangs of New York, Ronan has been involved in over a hundred and fifty album recordings since his first venture into the studio in 1982.

Jacob EllerBassJacob Eller comes from a musical family and his early experiences included playing bass for Galax-area bluegrass band No Speed Limit, honing the skills that he brought to bear later with The Church Sisters and with mandolin superstar Sierra Hull.

Scott FreemanMandolinScott comes from a family rich in musical talent and his dynamic mandolin playing is built on an interest in a wide range of genres including bluegrass, old time, and jazz. Scott’s numerous recordings on mandolin, guitar and fiddle have been made in solo settings and with artists like Skeeter & the Skidmarks, Alternate Routes, Edwin Lacy, Willard Gayheart, and his daughter, nationally recognized recording artist Dori Freeman. Scott’s teaching, writing, and arranging music also makes him one of the busiest artists in his home area of Galax, Virginia.

Trey HensleyGuitarA Tennessee-born guitar prodigy who made his Grand Ole Opry debut at age 11 alongside Earl Scruggs and Marty Stuart, Hensley has been called “Nashville’s hottest young player” by Acoustic Guitar magazine. Hensley has since shared stages with artists such as Johnny Cash, Steve Wariner, and Peter Frampton. Trey is now half of Rob Ickes & Trey Hensley, a powerhouse acoustic duo that has electrified the acoustic music scene with their white-hot picking and soulful duet singing.

Rob IckesDobroThe International Bluegrass Music Association (IBMA) notes that Rob is the most awarded instrumentalist in the organization’s history, having won Dobro Player of the Year for a record-setting fifteen times. In addition to being a founding member of the influential bluegrass group Blue Highway, Rob has worked with Merle Haggard, Earl Scruggs, Alison Krauss, Willie Nelson, Dolly Parton, Patty Loveless, and many others. Currently, Rob tours with singer and guitarist Trey Hensley and continues to collaborate with artists like Tommy Emmanuel, Taj Mahal, and Vince Gill.

Steven MeadEuphoniumSteven Mead is one of the world’s leading brass soloists and has played with symphony orchestras in Norway, Finland, Poland, USA, Canada, Italy, Japan, Germany and many others. He has also given concert tours and recorded with several of the leading professional chamber ensembles in Europe, including Spanish Brass and Trombonisti Italiani. Steven has produced over 65 recordings and serves as Professor of Euphonium at the Royal Northern College of Music in Manchester, England.

Ivy PhillipsFiddleIvy Phillips’ star has been burning bright since age three when she first became hooked on bluegrass music. That music has been flowing from her ever since on fiddle, guitar, dobro, banjo, mandolin – basically any instrument she picks up. She is the current champion in flatpick guitar and dance of the 2021 Kentucky State Fiddle Championships and holds state fiddle champion titles in no less than 7 states. In 2016, her fiddling got her named the Best All-Around Performer, the most sought-after award at the Galax Old Fiddlers Convention. Ivy also performs with High Road, an all-female group of singers and instrumentalists playing gospel, bluegrass and country music.

Butch RobinsBanjoWith his innovative mind and creativity, Butch Robins has few peers in the world of the banjo and a resume that includes making music with heralded artists like the New Grass Revival, Leon Russell, and the Father of Bluegrass Music, Bill Monroe. In 2016, Butch was inducted into the Bill Monroe Bluegrass Hall of Fame in Bean Blossom, Indiana. In addition to performing and recording, Butch has shared his extensive knowledge of the banjo, bluegrass music, Bill Monroe, and other topics through his autobiography, workshops, and videos.

Sandy ShortridgeVocalsA fine guitarist with numerous recordings to her credit, Sandy uses her dulcet-toned baritone voice to great effect singing and playing Appalachian ballads and the award-winning songs she has penned about life in Southwest Virginia. Her songs have been recorded by such artists as Joe Mullins and the Radio Ramblers and Larry Sparks, one of the most revered performers in bluegrass. Her songs are imbued with the feel and sound of the Appalachian region she was born and lives in.

Phil WigginsHarmonicaPhil is a blues musician, teacher and artistic director, and a two-time winner of the prestigious WC Handy Blues Foundation awards. He is also a recipient of a National Heritage Fellowship from the National Endowment for the Arts. Phil is a master of Piedmont blues style which he has performed alongside some of the finest Piedmont guitarist/singers like John Jackson, Warner Williams, and John Cephas, with whom Phil shared a 32-year partnership, entertaining audiences across the world with their down-home blues. Phil is as busy as ever now with solo appearances, collaborations with other artists, teaching blues harmonica, and with his groups the Chesapeake Sheiks and Phil Wiggins House Party.

Debbie YatesBanjoDebbie got an early start in old time music playing guitar and clawhammer style banjo alongside her fiddling brother Brian in the Konnarock Critters. Their hard-driving and authentic sound made them favorites at music festivals on both sides of the Atlantic. The group produced several sought-after recordings including their 2002 recording of O Sister. Debbie and husband Tim now perform old time music as the Yates Family fronted by their daughters Molly and Sadie.

Farmer and Rancher Mentoring Q&A
2022-02-23 12:00 - 13:00 | Virginia
Join Jenni Roop, ASD’s Agriculture Education Communications Manager for a Q&A on the Farmer and Rancher Mentoring program.

What you will learn:

How to register for MyASDWhat can you do on MyASDHow to establish a FARM Mentor/Intern relationshipWhat is expected of mentors and internsHow to complete a season of the FARM program

Winter Business Intensive: Class #8
2022-02-17 17:30 - 19:30 | Virginia Highlands Small Business Incubator, 451 French Moore Jr Blvd, Abingdon, Virginia, 24210, United States
The Winter Business Intensive is the second session in the SWVA Field School. The session is made up of 8 FREE intensive classes designed to help set beginning farmers on the path to a successful career in agriculture production.

During these classes, students will participate in topics such as business planning, sustainable practices, financial management, marketing, and more. By registering for this event, you are registering for all 8 classes.

Please contact Jenni Roop with any questions: jroop@asdevelop.org or call (276)623-1121

Class Schedule:

Class # 1: November 4th, 2021 – Introductions & Getting Started

ASD will introduce the program, support staff, coursework and expectations, allowing time for each participant to speak about their farms and goals.

Class #2: November 18th, 2021 – Visioning & Assessing Your Resources

Students will reflect on their mission and values prior to creating a business plan. *ASD will provide resources for the review of personal and family lifestyle needs and deeper understanding of creating financial goals.

Class #3: December 2nd, 2021 – Farm Infrastructure & Natural Resources

Students will discuss the benefits of viewing their farm as a whole integrated system, with consideration of environmental, economic, and social resources needed for success. *Students will assess their farm’s resources and be introduced to conservation and support services.

Class # 4: December 16th, 2021 – Markets & Marketing

Students will learn how to identify appropriate sales outlets and specific local and regional customers. *Training on how to use low-cost platforms to market products effectively will be provided.

Class #5: January 6th, 2022 – Business & Financial Management

Students will get introduced to financial planning, recordkeeping, and filing taxes with an overview of budgets, cash flow analysis, and profit and loss sheets. *ASD will provide guidance for recordkeeping to make filing a farm’s Schedule F tax form easier.

Class #6: January 20th, 2022 – Sustainable Production Planning

ASD will share benefits of some sustainable production strategies: high tunnels for season extension, rotational grazing, and cover crops & soil health. *This class will highlight programs offered by other support organizations that cover these practices.

Class # 7: February 3rd, 2022 – Entrepreneurship & Risk Management

Students will learn the steps to set up their business and manage risk on their farm. *Information includes getting a Farm Number, business license, insurance considerations, business structures, and estate planning.

Class #8: February 17th, 2022 – Loans, Grants & Financial Support

Students will have a fairly robust farm business plan outlined, which will be very useful when applying for loan or other support programs. *ASD will provide a variety of opportunities: state and federal grants, cost-share, and loan programs available to farmers with a special focus on the Farm Service Agency’s micro-loan program for beginning farmers.

March 3rd, 2022: – Closing Gathering, Present Business Plans

Winter Business Intensive: Class #7
2022-02-03 17:30 - 19:30 | Virginia Highlands Small Business Incubator, 451 French Moore Jr Blvd, Abingdon, Virginia, 24210, United States

Winter Business Intensive: Class #6
2022-01-20 17:30 - 19:30 | Virginia Highlands Small Business Incubator, 451 French Moore Jr Blvd, Abingdon, Virginia, 24210, United States

Hive Life Beekeeping Conference 2020
2022-01-07 08:00 - 2022-01-08 19:30 | Sevierville Convention Center – Sevierville, Tennessee 37876, 202 Gists Creek Road, Sevierville, Tennessee, 37876, United States
When?

January 7th & 8th 2022Where?

Sevierville Convention Center – Sevierville, Tennessee 37876Limited Seating.Last year we sold out within a few weeks and we have even more interest this year so if you want to be sure you get a spot you will want to reserve your ticket as soon as possible.

What is included and how much does it cost?

Your ticket includes both Friday and Saturday with 5+ sessions per day and round table question and answer time! Speakers are Bob Binnie, Ian Steppler, Kamon Reynolds, Kent Williams, Rick Sutton, Greg Rogers and more. Speaker topics and itinerary will be upcoming.Other special guests include: Randy McCaffrey – “628 Dirt Rooster”, Fredrick Dunn, Jeff Horchoff – “Mr Ed”, Natalee from “Beekeeping Like a Girl”, and more.A full catered lunch is included both days!Coffee and doughnuts will be provided both mornings!No outside food or beverages are permitted inside the building (convention centers rule not ours) but there are several water fountains and the venue will have concessions available in the afternoon for purchase as well 3 restaurants within walking distance.

All inclusive tickets for both days are $180 if paid by check.We are only accepting payment by check at this time.If you don’t have paper checks your bank should be able to mail one for you.We will also have special conference pricing from Kelley Beekeeping, Dadant, Apimaye, Hill Co Beekeeping, Premier Foundation, Lorob Bees Vaporizers, The Hive Butler, and several more!

If you have a vendor or product you want to see there tell them to email us at Hivelifeconference@gmail.com

(We will be messaging you in the future on preorder deals that the companies offer and the “at conference deals”) Can my whole family come?The conference is for Adults and children 10 years & older only. BUT there is an indoor water park at the attached hotel and many other attractions (info on discounted attraction tickets below) and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park nearby so if you do want to bring your family there are tons of fun things for them to do in the area.What Airport is closest?If you are flying, the McGhee Tyson airport in Alcoa (just outside of Knoxville, TN) is the closest airport.

Where can I stay?There are many options near the convention center. Below are some options that are discounted for the event. There is a hotel attached to the convention center that we are working with to get discounted rates but since it is a resort (with an indoor waterpark) it will likely still be over $100 per night and we will let attendees know the details in an upcoming Email.Conference discounted rate for “The resort at Governors Crossing” (5 miles away) available online here:https://www.resortatgovernorscrossing.com/groupbooking.php?id=00114Starting at $80.67 per night. (Indoor water park area included in cost)

Another option is the Sleep Inn (3.8 miles away). Just let them know when you call that you are with the Hive Life conference and ask for the discounted rate for those dates. Approximately $60 per night with tax depending on what night(s) you stay and your room choice.Sleep Inn1020 Parkway, Sevierville, TN 37862Phone Number: (865) 429-0484https://www.choicehotels.com/tennessee/sevierville/sleep-inn-hotels/tn460?mc=llgoxxpxWant to stay in the area a few extra days to see the smokies or other attractions?Here are some discounted attraction tickets that we were able to get just for Hive Life conference attendees: https://getdiscounttravel.com/attractions

Winter Business Intensive: Class #5
2022-01-06 17:30 - 19:30 | Virginia Highlands Small Business Incubator, 451 French Moore Jr Blvd, Abingdon, Virginia, 24210, United States

Winter Business Intensive: Class #4
2021-12-16 17:30 - 19:30 | Virginia Highlands Small Business Incubator, 451 French Moore Jr Blvd, Abingdon, Virginia, 24210, United States

Winter Business Intensive: Class #3
2021-12-02 17:30 - 19:30 | Virginia Highlands Small Business Incubator, 451 French Moore Jr Blvd, Abingdon, Virginia, 24210, United States

Winter Business Intensive: Class #2
2021-11-18 17:30 - 19:30 | Virginia Highlands Small Business Incubator, 451 French Moore Jr Blvd, Abingdon, Virginia, 24210, United States

Winter Business Intensive: Class #1
2021-11-04 17:30 - 19:30 | Virginia Highlands Small Business Incubator, 451 French Moore Jr Blvd, Abingdon, Virginia, 24210, United States

Forest Farming Intensive: Propagation to Processing
2021-09-17 17:30 - 2021-09-18 16:15 | Appalachian Harvest, 280 Boone Trail Road, Duffield, Virginia, 24224, United States

Seed to Medicine Chest 2021: Sweet Medicine
2021-08-14 13:00 - 15:30 | Faith in Action Community Garden, 798 Hillman Highway, Abingdon, Virginia, 24210, United States
Seed to Medicine Chest is designed by ASD’s Agroforestry team to share knowledge with you about growing and creating your own herbal remedies, from seed to finished product. Our amazing presenters include Michelle Bouton, founder of the HERBalachia Herbalist Training School, and Robin Suggs, experienced forest farmer and Procurement Manager at ASD.

Last year, we made Seed to Medicine Chest a virtual event (see recordings of S2MC 2020 here) and were able to reach people across the country, and the globe! This year, we are looking forward to offering 3, in-person, outdoor workshops, at the Faith in Action Garden in Abingdon, VA.

To ensure social distancing measures, we are offering only 15 spots per event. Additionally, this event will be BYOC (Bring Your Own Chair), so we can keep everyone safe and lower the cost of attendance. We will be adhering to the most recent CDC guidelines at the time of the workshop to ensure the safety and well-being of all attendees. At this point, please be prepared to wear a mask for everyone’s continued protection.

Tickets will be $30 PER SESSION, per person, which means you need to buy a ticket for EACH SESSION you are interested in attending. Each session will comprise of 2 segments; a segment on cultivation and management of herbs and a segment on creating your own herbal products.

Seed to Medicine Chest 2021 Sessions offered at checkout:

Session 1: $30, Saturday, July 17, 1:00pm – 3:30pm:

Herbal Pestos: Tasty Nutrition & Managing and Foraging Wild Greens (Wild pesto/How to ID/managing populations)Learn how wild weed pesto’s can help our bodies transition from winter sluggishness to vibrant spring green energy! (A great option while we wait until it’s safe to plant basil!) Taste several variations on the traditional Italian pesto recipe; take home pesto samples and recipes.

Session 2: $30, Saturday, July 31, 1:00pm – 3:30pm:

Herbal Bitters: Digestive Mocktails & Managing and Foraging Wild Bitters (How to ID/managing populations)Liquid herbal bitters can be a strong ally to support our digestive system. They trigger the body to create digestive enzymes, secrete bile, and balance acid levels in the stomach. Taste several bitters mocktails to show they can be very tasty; take home bitters samples and recipes.

Session 3: $30, Saturday, Aug 14, 1:00pm – 3:30pm:

Sweet Medicine: Herbal Glycerites for Kids and Pets & Home Drying of Roots and Herbs for StorageSometimes getting herbs into our babies (and fur babies) can be a challenge: herbal glycerites are great, as the taste is so pleasant. Taste herbal glycerites and learn which herbs are best used in this process of medicine-making. Take home glycerite samples and recipes.

Please note that you can also select the “Donation” ticket at checkout if you would like to support ASD’ Agroforestry Program beyond the price of your tickets, which covers event costs. Your donation will help support medicinal herb farmers and conserve at-risk plants in Appalachia.

Please see the following rules and expectations we will require attendees to follow during these events.

Masks required unless proof of full vaccination can be providedSanitation supplies will be available (hand sanitizer, alcohol spray)Event will occur rain or shine, wear weather and garden appropriate clothing and shoesBYOC (Bring Your Own Chair!)No animals, including pet llamasTickets are per person, not for per family group or partnersPlease be advised that there are no bathrooms available on site though we will be located near a number of public businessesWe will not be issuing refunds for this event

We are excited for you to join us!

Please email forestfarming@asdevelop.org with any questions.

Seed to Medicine Chest 2021: Herbal Bitters
2021-07-31 13:00 - 15:30 | Faith in Action Community Garden, 798 Hillman Highway, Abingdon, Virginia, 24210, United States

Learning Landscapes Garden Work Day
2021-07-28 15:00 - 17:00 | Haynesfield Elementary SChool, 201 Bluff City Highway, Bristol, Tennessee, 37620, United States

Learning Landscapes Garden Work Day
2021-07-21 15:00 - 17:00 | Bristol YWCA, 106 State Street, Bristol, Tennessee, 37620, United States

Seed to Medicine Chest 2021: Herbal Pestos
2021-07-17 13:00 - 15:30 | Faith in Action Community Garden, 798 Hillman Highway, Abingdon, Virginia, 24210, United States
