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Events
Summer Agroforestry Tours with NC Alternative Crops and Organics |
Agroforestry Farm Tour: Seed Theory Farm
Tuesday June 24, 2025, 9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
Durham, NC 27704 |
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Farm Manager Kaleb Karczewski leads a tour through the Seed Theory agroforestry operation.
Photo Credit: Seed Theory 2025
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Interested in agroforestry and diversified farming in a peri-urban setting? Tour Seed Theory Farm, a unique 5-acre fruit and vegetable operation where farmer Kaleb Karczewski has planted diverse vegetables in an alley cropping design just outside downtown Durham, NC.
This free guided tour offers the opportunity to view several examples of agroforestry in action, and learn about Kaleb’s approach to invasive species management, livestock integration, development of an educational nature trail, and hosting farm-to-table events. Gain insight into the early stages of a community-focused agroforestry project, especially as Seed Theory launches its first vegetable CSA in 2025.
Registration is required, click the link below. |
| Agroforestry Tour: Seed Theory |
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Forest Farming Tour: Ben Kitchen
Tuesday July 8, 2025, 9:15 a.m.- 12:30
Murphy, NC |
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Goldenseal plant with ripening berry, late June 2024.
Photo Credit: NC Alternative Crops & Organics Program 2024.
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Join experienced forest farmer Ben Kitchen for a free tour of his unique operation in a rich cove forest in Cherokee County, North Carolina.
With decades of experience growing wild-simulated native herbs, Ben will guide participants through his multi-aged understory plantings. Learn about his stewardship approach and sustainable management practices for forest farming in the Southern Appalachians. Participants will have the opportunity to walk and talk with Ben, and seeds and planting stock may be available for purchase.
Registration is required, click the link below. |
| Forest Farming Tour: Ben Kitchen |
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These agroforestry tours are part of the Agroforestry Regional Knowledge Exchange Network (ARKx), offered by the NC Alternative Crops & Organics Program, Dept. of Horticultural Science, NC State, in partnership with Virginia Tech, with funding from the Edwards Mother Earth Foundation.
For more information see: https://www.catalyzingagroforestry.org/arkx |
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Hop Yard Volunteer Days
Thursday, June 19th | 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM (Rain date June 25th)
Thursday, July 24th | 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM (Rain date July 31st)
As we move into the warmer months, hops will be rapidly growing and increasing in height, fragrance, and cone production. Thanks to all who've volunteered so far—the hop yard is looking fantastic thanks to you!
Email katie_learn@ncsu.edu to sign up! |
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Smiling volunteer trains hop bines (not vines!) at a work day in May.
Photo Credit: NC Alternative Crops & Organics Program 2025.
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Wild Herb Weekend
July 25-27, 2025
Valle Crucis, NC
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Participants at Wild Herb Weekend.
Photo Credit: NC Herb Association 2025. |
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Wild Herb Weekend is the NC Herb Association annual conference, held in the beautiful high mountain location of Valle Crucis, NC in late July. There is something for everyone at this intimate little conference. Whether you grow herbs for home use, herbs for healing, or want to start a commercial herb operation, you will find many interesting sessions, hands-on workshops and plant walks to participate in!
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| Wild Herb Weekend |
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Truffle Microscopy Workshop:
Testing your Tree Roots for Colonization
Saturday October 18 2025, 9:00 a.m.- 4:30 p.m
NC State University, Raleigh, NC |
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Truffle in hand.
Photo Credit: NC Alternative Crops & Organics Program 2024.
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A full-day, hands-on workshop focused on selecting, cleaning, and identifying truffle mycorrhizal colonization on tree roots. Sponsored by the NC Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services, NC Specialty Crop Block Grant Program.
Learn more and register below: |
| Truffle Microscopy Workshop |
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NC Medicinal Herb Grower and Buyer Event - 10 Year Celebration!
Thursday, November 13 2025, 2:00 p.m.- 6:00 p.m EST
Mountain Horticultural Crops Research and Extension Center
455 Research Drive Mills River, NC 28759
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Join medicinal herb farmers, buyers, and celebrate the season at the 10th Annual NC Medicinal Herb Grower Buyer Event in Mills River, NC!
Register below. |
| NC Medicinal Herb Grower and Buyer Event |
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Intern with Us!
Are you a Henderson County resident interested in a career in sustainable farming? We are excited to offer an opportunity to gain hands-on field experience with alternative crops for North Carolina.
This Temporary Research Internship, sponsored by the Henderson County Gleaton Farm Fund for Summer Interns, is a chance to put your passion for agriculture to work. The internship begins mid-August and lasts 5-10 weeks.
Click here to learn more and apply. |
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Support Our Work
Your gift to our program will support our amazing team of employees who are conducting research on forest farming, native botanicals, Chinese medicinal herbs, organic tomato production, and more. Your support is needed this year more than ever, as many of the grant programs that pay our team's salaries are paused. Support our program specifically through this secure donation link. |
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| Donate Now |
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