Stay up to date on all forest farming related events happening in the Northeast.
Sustainably Managing Ramp Lands: a webinar with Steven Schwartz
It’s April and, while the weather might be unpredictable, ramps are coming up right on time. Join us for a virtual presentation from Steven Schwartz on managing your ramp lands. Through an explanation of his property and ramp-based business, Steven will cover all you need to know about finding, growing, and harvesting ramps.
Steven Schwartz is a ramp farmer and consultant on conservation issues who lives and works on the Upper Delaware River. His company, Delaware Valley Ramps has managed the ramps on his property for 18 years, harvesting and selling to restaurants, distributors and CSAs in NYC and the Southern Catskills and Northern Poconos. In 2022 he began an experiential business entitled Ramps U-Pick where families and individuals purchase tickets to learn how to identify, select, harvest and process ramps on the property. Many of the participants harvest for transplanting on their property while others are excited to get out into the woods and bring home their ramps to enjoy in dishes they cook.
This event is free and open to the public. To join, follow the link here.
2024 Forest Farming Conference Gather to Grow: A Conference to Honor the Past and Shape the Future of Forest Farming
Sharing this event hosted by our partners at The Appalachian Beginning Forest Farmer Coalition (ABFFC) – Karam and Walker of the NFFC will be hosting a strategic session on building regional planting economies in the Northeast and beyond.
The ABFFC’s Gather to Grow multi-day Forest Farming Conference will be held in Roanoke, Virginia from March 22-24, 2024 and feature learning, networking, and strategic planning programs that will shape the future of forest farming of woodland crops such as botanicals, mushrooms, and decorative products in Appalachia and beyond.
Keynote speakers, working group meetings and panels, field tours, expo, exhibitors, breakout presentations, flash talks, a youth program, poster presenters, great food, socials, and a classic hotel in Appalachia are included. Reasonable prices and access by trains, planes, and automobiles make for a highly accessible event.
For more details, including the agenda and speakers and how to register, please visit: https://www.appalachianforestfarmers.org/2024-conference
Forest management for NTFPs webinar
Join the NFFC for a webinar on how to manage your forest for non-timber forest products. Badger Johnson—a certified forester, agroforester, and farmer—will cover topics ranging from managing invasive species to sustainably harvesting both timber and non-timber products from your woods. Wholistic forest management that integrates understory and overstory can ensure a healthy forest and a bounty of NTFPs, from herbs to berries to mushrooms to syrups. The webinar will take place on Zoom, starting with a presentation and then opening up for a Q&A from the audience.
The event is open to the public – you can join the event using this link here.
Forest Farming Field Day
***New Rain Date***
Join us at the Smokey House Center from 12:00pm-3:00pm on Saturday, October 7th for a hands-on forest farming workshop led by the Northeast Forest Farmers Coalition (NFFC)! Forest Farming is an agroforestry practice by which non-timber forest products (NTFPs) are intentionally cultivated or stewarded under a forest canopy.
The NFFC is a partnership of individuals, farms, universities, nonprofits, businesses, and other organizations that share the goal of growing forest farming opportunities and education within the Northeast region. They specifically focus on supporting people in growing at-risk forest botanicals such as ginseng, ramps, goldenseal, bloodroot, black cohosh, and Solomon's seal.
This workshop will provide an introduction into key topics such as site selection, species selection, and best growing practices. We will tour different forest stands at Smokey House and end the day with a hands-on planting demonstration. All attendees will go home with their own ginseng seed so they can start forest farming right away. Dress to be in the woods and come ready to get your hands dirty!
To register for the event, please email Danielle at communications@smokeyhouse.org.
Taking the Deep-Dive into Ginseng
We hope you'll join us for this NFFC-sponsored workshop hosted by our partner Wild Hudson Valley! Details, including how to register, can be found below:
American ginseng (Panax quinquefolius) is a native perennial plant that grows in forests throughout Eastern North America and has long been harvested for trade and medicine. This hands-on workshop is designed to teach participants everything they need to know to start their own backyard ginseng farm. The entire workshop will take place in the woods, where we will learn how to identify ginseng in the wild, explore ginseng's habitat and its companion plants, and learn how to plant, care for, and responsibly harvest this small but picky plant. Participants will receive free educational materials as well as stratified ginseng seed to do some test plantings at home. Additional ginseng seed and Justin's Guide to Ginseng Habitat will be avallable for purchase at the event. Come on out and get ready to grow your own! This is a FREE workshop cohosted by the Northeast Forest Farmers Coalition (NFFC) and Wild Hudson Valley.
Where: Wild Hudson Valley (Cairo, NY)
When: September 10, 2022 1:00pm-4:00pm
Who: Anyone interested in learning more about ginseng and forest farming! Only 20 spots are available, and we anticipate the event will fill up in advance, so please RSVP to to reserve a spot! Please only RSVP if you are sure you can attend the event. For those traveling to attend this workshop, Wild Hudson Valley offers weekend nature programming and glamping-style accommodations, and participants can get 15% off their Eco Camp stay with the code GINSENG15. Visit wildhudsonvalley.com/camping to learn more.
To register, please visit: https://www.wildhudsonvalley.com/event-details/taking-the-deep-dive-into-ginseng-workshop-2
ABFFC Forest Farming Office Hours Summer 2023
Forest Farming Office Hours
ABFFC Forest Farming Office Hours 2023
We welcome you to join us in our Forest Farming Office Hours Series! Join NC State Extension and friends of the ABFFC for Q&A, updates, and conversation about forest farming. All regions and experience levels are welcome!
We realize that some may not be able to attend a lunch session so we invite you to look through our forthcoming meeting notes of links and resources, as well as bring your questions to our Forest Farming group on FB. These zoom sessions are not recorded at this time.
Email questions to Margaret_Bloomquist@ncsu.edu with subject line "Forest Farming Office Hours" or hop on Zoom to join the info session.
Summer 2023 schedule
Friday, June 23 from 12 to 1:30pm EST
Register in advance for this meeting, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting: https://ncsu.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJwqf-irpj4pHtb0V4JwXGrT9_0eaUpjELKh
Friday, July 7 from 12 to 1:30pm EST
Register in advance for this meeting, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting: https://ncsu.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJcrcuqvrzspG9x6Yv0m5AmCpf2fi7Y1ksqT
Friday, July 28 from 12 to 1:30pm EST
Register in advance for this meeting, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting: https://ncsu.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJEpduqvrTwjH9KuWPZfO7sVrK8AbzJh2nvZ
ABFFC Forest Farming Office Hours
Join NC State Extension and Friends of the ABFFC for Q&A, updates, and conversation about forest farming. All regions and experience levels are welcome!
Friday, March 24 from 12 to 1:30pm EST
Register in advance for this meeting, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting: https://ncsu.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJcqdu-vrT0rG90I1JvKgPwbjYkOTX3UyKvR
Friday, April 14 from 12 to 1:30pm EST
Register in advance for this meeting, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting: https://ncsu.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJwqc--pqjwvGdX3a_B-GPJNdZcayHIRm_h1
Friday, May 5 from 12 to 1:30pm EST
Register in advance for this meeting, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting: https://ncsu.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJUlduyrqT0qGNCSzIHYtlS8GoKW8o3Z2MgQ
Register via zoom or email for questions and link: margaret_bloomquist@ncsu.edu
ABFFC 2023 Forest Farming Webinar Series
In this 2023 Forest Farming Webinar Series, Eric Burkhart, Director of Appalachian Botany and Ethnobotany Program will provide a detailed overview of 5 popular non-timber forest products. Each webinar will discuss forest farming opportunities and approaches for each of these species, along with the uses, identification, biology, foraging, forest farming, habitat management, markets, and economic opportunities.
Thursday, February 16 (7:30-9:00 pm)
Forest farming approaches and crops
Thursday, March 30 (7:30-9:00 pm)
Ramps/wild leeks (Allium tricoccum)
Thursday, April 20 (7:30-9:00 pm)
Wild mushrooms: Morels (Morchella spp.) in focus
Thursday, June 22 (7:30-9:00 pm)
Ghost-pipe (Monotropa uniflora)
Thursday, August 31 (7:30-9:00 pm)
American ginseng (Panax quinquefolius)
Thursday, October 26 (7:30-9:00 pm)
Goldenseal (Hydrastis canadensis) and medicinal root crops
NFFC Forest Farming Mentorship Program 2023/2024
UPDATE: We have finalized our forest farming mentorship cohorts for 2023/2024 and are no longer accepting applications.
**Paid Forest Farming Mentor and Mentee Opportunities**
The NFFC is looking for a diverse group of participants for a Forest Farming Mentorship Program that will support 10 beginning forest farmers in the northeast by pairing them with experienced forest farming mentors willing to provide knowledge and support through one-on-one consultations and group workshops (all virtual).
This mentorship program will begin in the winter/early spring of 2023, where mentees will have 3 online consultation sessions with their mentors before providing feedback to the NFFC around what topics they would like to see covered in a mentorship webinar series. In the winter/early spring of 2024, mentees will have another 3 online consultation sessions with mentors in addition to participating in 5 group webinars (attended by all mentees and mentors, as well as any guest speakers) designed to cover topics determined by mentees. Topics might range from acquiring planting stock, business planning, sales and value added products, long-term stewardship, and other topics. At the end of the webinar series, mentees will receive a $500 farmer stipend to go towards start-up costs for their new forest farming operation. Mentors will also receive a $500 stipend as compensation for their time and knowledge.
Find below details on what we are looking for in mentors and mentees and please reach out to northeastforestfarming@gmail.com with questions! Find links to mentor and mentee applications below. Applications due by February 1st, 2023.
*Participating states include Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Maine, Vermont, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Massachusetts and Connecticut per the USDA’s regional guideline of the Northeast.
Interested in being a mentee?
We are looking for 10 mentees that are interested in starting a forest farming operation or incorporating forest farming into their existing business, land management strategy, or livelihood. Whether your interest in forest farming is driven primarily by economics, education, cultural relationships with plants, land stewardship, or other values does not matter. What matters is that you are willing to show up and be an engaged participant for the entirety of the mentorship program! The goal is for mentees to finish the mentorship program with the knowledge to begin their own forest farm.
Mentee benefits:
6 free one-on-one consultations with experienced forest farmer mentor (virtual)
5 free webinar workshops focused on various topics such as planting stock sourcing, business planning, species selection, marketing, etc. (mentees will be involved in choosing webinar topics)
$500 farmer stipend to be spent on forest botanical planting stock and other start-up materials
Mentee expectations:
Willingness to show up for all 5 online webinars
Willingness to engage with mentor for 6 one-on-one consultations (virtual)
Ability to commit to attending all sessions in the program (3 sessions in winter/early spring of 2023 and 8 sessions in winter/early spring of 2024)
Willingness to provide NFFC with insight regarding content of webinar series
Genuine excitement and intention to start or expand a forest farm
Mentee application:
If you are interested in applying to be a mentee, please fill out this application and email any questions to northeastforestfarming@gmail.com.
Interested in being a mentor?
We are looking for experienced forest farmers that are willing to share their knowledge and expertise with beginning forest farmers. We would like to assemble a diverse cohort of mentors that represent the various ways by which people cultivate and use forest botanicals–woods grown or wild-simulated, sold wholesale as medicinals or distributed for cultural purposes. Mentors will be paired with mentees that best match their expertise, values, and perspectives.
Mentor expectations:
At least 5 years of experience in forest farming botanical herbs such as ginseng, goldenseal, black cohosh, bloodroot, ramps, or Solomon’s seal
Ability to give 3 hours of time in winter/early spring of 2023 and winter/early spring of 2024 for private online consultations with mentees
Ability to participate in 5 two-hour online group workshops in winter of 2024
$500 stipend will be provided at the end of the program as compensation
Mentor application:
If you are interested in applying to be a mentor, please fill out this application and email any questions to northeastforestfarming@gmail.com.
Forest Farming from Seed at Sage Mountain Botanical Sanctuary
This is a FREE workshop open to the public hosted by the Northeast Forest Farmers Coalition!
Where: Sage Mountain Botanical Sanctuary
When: June 4th 10:00am 2:00pm
Who: Folks already forest farming or wanting to get involved!
Topics: Site selection, plant ecology, seed propagation
Plants in focus: Ginseng, ramps, bloodroot, goldenseal and black cohosh
Forest farming is an agroforestry practice which cultivates medicinal, edible, and decorative crops under a forest canopy. The workshop will introduce participants to ecologically sound forest farming practices in the Northeast region. The morning will start with a plant walk at Sage Mountain lead by United Plant Savers’ very own Betzy Bancroft. The second part of the afternoon will involve a hands on demonstration on establishing a polyculture forest farming system from seed propagation. Topics in focus will include site selection, understory plant ecology, and forest farming best practices. The event will wrap up with an optional conversation around the impacts of Vermont land use laws on forest farming practices. A light lunch will be provided!
Forest Farming From Seed: An Introductory Workshop
The Northeast Forest Farmers Coalition (NFFC), a Yale School of the Environment initiative funded by a USDA Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education grant, is hosting our inaugural workshop at the Yale-Myers Forest on April 23rd from 12:30pm-4:00pm. The workshop will provide an introduction into forest farming best practices in the Northeast with an emphasis on growing five economically promising understory species: ginseng, ramps, bloodroot, goldenseal, and black cohosh. This is a FREE event that is open to anyone who is interested in learning more about forest farming and these ecologically unique native herbaceous plants.
The day will start at the Yale-Myers Forest where participants will learn more about the NFFC and tour the research site that was planted last fall. This portion of the day will focus on discussing the ecology of these plants as well as the process of selecting an appropriate site for forest farming. The second portion of the day will involve taking a short drive to a nearby landowners property for a hands-on seed planting demonstration that will cover an overview of forest farming best practices.
Dress for an afternoon in the woods and come ready to get your hands in the soil! All participants should come prepared to show proof of vaccination. Please RSVP to northeastforestfarming@gmail.com if you wish to attend.
Goldenseal and Other NTFPs
"How to make money growing Goldenseal and other NTFPs"
Please note: this registration is only for the Forest Farming Goldenseal webinar!
Jeanine Davis and Margaret Bloomquist of North Carolina State University
Joe from "up the creek" in the High Country of Western North Carolina.
Non-timber forest products (NTFPs) are the backbone of forest farming. Understanding, stewarding and managing expectations around these unique species are key to a deeper understanding of forest farming practices.
In this webinar, Jeanine, Margaret, and Joe will talk about growing woodland botanicals other than ginseng. They will put an emphasis on selling and marketing these plants and discuss several types of operations and realistic financial expectations.
Forest Farming Ginseng
"Digging deeper into ginseng forest farming"
Please note: this registration is only for the Forest Farming Ginseng webinar!
Eric Burkhart of Penn State University
Ed & Carole Daniels, Shady Grove Botanicals
Anna Plattner & Justin Wexler, Wild Hudson Valley
In this webinar, Dr. Burkhart will provide some research updates on ginseng forest farming site selection, crop protection, pest/disease management, and emerging leaf harvest opportunities. He will also be joined for the second half of the webinar by forest farmer Ed Daniels (Shady Grove Botanicals, WV) and Anna Plattner and Justin Wexler (Wild Hudson Valley, NY) for a lively discussion of these topics and more.
Forest Farming Fungi
“Beyond the Basics: Forest Farming Fungi”
Please note: this registration is only for the Forest Farming Fungi webinar!
Hannah Hemmelgarn of University of Missouri
Tradd Cotter of Mushroom Mountain
Steve Gabriel of Cornell University & Wellspring Farms
Rick Felumlee of Mayapple Farms
Join Hannah Hemmelgarn for an exciting in-depth discussion: beyond the basics of fungi forest farming! With an emphasis on outdoor cultivation, and a handful of species and practices perfectly suited to forest farming, we will hear from Hannah and our special line up of experts with years of knowledge and experience in forest fungi production.
Forest Farming Ramps
"Digging Deeper into Ramp Forest Farming"
Please note: this registration is only for the Forest Farming Ramps webinar!
Eric Burkhart of Penn State University
Steve Schwartz of Delaware Valley Ramps
In this webinar, Dr. Burkhart will provide the latest research updates on ramp forest farming site selection, nutritional/medicinal properties, and sustainable husbandry and harvest methods. He will also be joined for the second half of the webinar by forest farmer Steve Schwartz (Delaware Valley Ramps, Equinunk PA) for a lively discussion.
Tree Saps and Syrups
"Tree Saps & Syrups 201: A Deeper Tap into Species, Processes, and Products"
All woman line-up!!
Kate Fotos of Future Generations University
Britney Hervey Farris of Family Roots Farm
Rachel Taylor of Frostmore Farm
Missy Moyers-Jarrells of Laurel Fork Sapsuckers
Join Kate and a panel of producers as they step into the world of saps and syrups produced from maple and other tree species. Learn how production processes vary by species to ensure quality, and take a tour of the latest technologies and value-added strategies. Kate will present first, followed by a panel discussion and time for questions.
Webinar recording coming soon!
