Happy Spring from the NC Alternative Crops & Organics Team!

Community Connections Matter

As the weather warms and thoughts turn to growth, our local flora and fauna are fully embracing spring. The NC Alternative Crops & Organics team has been busy scouring the ground for signs of woodland emergence, with no shortage of success, recording goldenseal (Hydrastis canadensis), ramps (Allium tricoccum), and mayapple (Podophyllum peltatum) among others. Recording this information annually helps us track patterns, note variability, and monitor the health of our populations.

This spring, connect with us in research and discovery by participating in one of our exciting volunteer opportunities, attending one of our upcoming events, or learning about the incredible projects that we're excited to be a part of.

Mayapple with flower bud in a woodland setting, with an ID tag identifying genus, species, and family.

Mayapple are one of the first woodland botanicals to emerge at the NC State Forest Farming Demonstration site, marking the transition from winter into spring.

Photo Credit: NC Alternative Crops & Organics Program 2026

Mark Your Calendars

We have several exciting events on the horizon. Keep these opportunities in mind for opportunities to connect, collaborate, and grow!

Spring Ephemerals at Bullington Gardens

Monday April 12, 2026 1:00-3:00 PM - Hendersonville, NC

$15 Friends of Bullington Gardens, $20 General Public

Discover the delicate and fleeting world of ephemeral flowers that grace our landscapes with their beauty. Join Margaret Bloomquist and Meghan Baker to learn how to identify these early spring wonders, understand their unique lifecycles, and explore their roles in the ecosystem. This is a WNC Medicinal Herb Group offering.

Register here for Spring Ephemerals!

A hand holding a pen and pointing to a small Trillium seedling. To the right of the seedling are 3 full grown Trillium.

WNC Woodland Stewards

April 14 & May 5, 2026 - Mills River, NC

Flier for 2026 Woodland Stewards events on March 10, April 14, and May 5. Contact margaret_bloomquist@ncsu.edu.

Forest Farming Office Hours (Spring 2026)

Friday, April 17, 2026 - Virtual

Flier for Forest Farming Office Hours on February 20, March 20, and April 17 from 12-1:30pm. More information at appalachianforestfarmers.org/office-hours

Forest Farming Office Hours (Summer 2026)

Fridays: May 8, June 12, & Aug 7, 2026 - Virtual

flier for Forest Farming Office Hours on May 8, June 12, and August 7 12-1:30pm. More information at appalachianforestfarmers.org/office-hours

Monthly Chinese Medicinal Herb Volunteer Days 2026

Mountain Horticultural Crops Research & Extension Center - Mills River, NC

Do you enjoy or use local medicinal herbs in your practice?
Do you want to learn about Chinese medicinal herbs that are suitable for growing in western North Carolina?
Did you know one of our NC State research collections preserves and selects for over 25 different species from the Chinese Pharmacopeia?
Does being outside with your hands in the dirt talking botanicals and all things Chinese herbs with researchers make your heart throb?

If you answered yes to or are curious about any of these questions, please consider joining us to tend to the Chinese herbs this season in Mills River, NC!

Email Margaret_Bloomquist@ncsu.edu for more information!

Forest Farming 201

May 14-15, 2026 - Mills River, NC

Two-day Agroforestry Training for Natural Resource Professionals (AFTRNP) training designed for foresters, Extension agents, conservation planners, and land managers interested in expanding their knowledge of forest farming systems. The program combines classroom learning, expert presentations, and hands-on field activities to explore the practical and technical aspects of forest farming. Participants will learn how forest farming fits into broader agroforestry systems while gaining practical tools for evaluating sites, establishing plantings, and supporting landowners interested in forest-based non-timber crops.

If you are a Natural Resource Professional and you want to attend this training,

checkout the Event Page to learn more, and email katie_learn@ncsu.edu to access a ticket code.

Mid-Atlantic Agroforestry Conference

June 4-5, 2026 - Furnace, PA

The inaugural Mid-Atlantic Agroforestry Conference is open for registration! This year’s event is focused on Forest Farming and Multifunctional Buffers.

Keynote speakers Jeanine Davis & Margaret Bloomquist will present on "Agroforestry: Past, Present, & Future".

Flier for the Mid-Atlantic Agroforestry Conference on June 4 and 5.

Mountain Research Station Beef System Field Day

June 6, 2026 - Waynesville, NC

Flyer for the 2026 NC beef system field day on june 6. more information at go.ncsu.edu/beeffieldday2026

Gather To Grow - Forest Farming Conference

October 23-25, 2026 - Blacksburg, VA

Save the Date!

Flier for the Gather to Grow conference on October 23-25. Learn more at appalachianforestfarmers.org/gather-to-grow

Organic Seed Growers Conference

March 24-28, 2027 - Asheville, NC

Save the Date!

Flyer for the Organic Seed Growers Conference March 24-28 and 30-31. Learn more at seedalliance.org/conference

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