Forest Farming
Learning the traditional practice of cultivating crops under a forest canopy.
What is Forest Farming?
Most farms in Western NC and the Southern Appalachians contain forested land. These forest farm tours and on-farm workshops aim to train beginning forest farmers and land stewards—novice and experienced—to understand the wealth and history of woodland botanicals and forest products.
Additionally, these tours will explore the opportunities for land stewardship and possible income streams within existing farm operations while promoting health, respect, and diversity for forests.
Forest farming has long been practiced by the Indigenous people of our region, who have a significant relationship with native plants for food and medicines and are the original and current stewards of these forests.
A Practice Rich in History and Tradition
On all the farms and lands we showcase, we want to name and acknowledge that the land we gather on is the traditional, unceded territory of the Tsalaguwetiyi/Cherokee People, today known as the Eastern Band of Cherokee (see this map).
At OGS, as an agricultural support organization, we feel it is essential to honor and offer our respect to the Cherokee people who have stewarded and farmed this land throughout the generations while fighting to retain sovereign rights to land and community.
Today, forest farming is a practice of cultivating medicinal, edible, decorative, and handicraft non-timber crops under a forest canopy. Forest farming contributes to healthy human and natural ecosystems and can contribute to land conservation, stewardship, and economic viability.
Upcoming:
Grafting and Care of Tree Crops in the Farm and Forest
A holistic approach to grafting and tree crops in the Appalachian region.
Join us for the first OGS Forest Farming event of the year!
Explore various ways to integrate tree crops into farm and forest landscapes through a hands-on workshop and tour at A Way of Life Farm. We will demonstrate and practice basic grafting principles, and each participant will graft their own apple or pear tree to bring home.
Developing Fruit and Nut Crops in a Balanced System
We will tour the farm’s tree crops–including pawpaw, chestnut, persimmon, and pecan–and discuss how to establish new trees into a silvopasture or orchard, graft onto existing trees, and site considerations for planning.
In preparation for the event, you will need to either own or purchase your own grafting knife, ensuring that everyone who attends has ample practice time with their own knife with feedback from our instructors.
Two recommended grafting knives:
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Forest Farming: Grafting and Care of Tree Crops in the Farm and Forest
Date: Sunday, April 21, 2024
Time: 12:30-4:30 pm
Location: A Way of Life Farm, 856 Brooks Rd, Bostic, NC 28018
Cost: $55 (includes apple/pear tree grafting materials except knife)
About A Way of Life Farm
Jamie and Sara Jane Davis have operated A Way of Life Farm in Sunshine, NC, since 2009. They raise Certified Organic produce along with pastured pigs and perennials. They have over 10 years of experience grafting plants of all kinds, from tomatoes to oak trees, and incorporating them into the farmscape.
For questions, please contact Programs Coordinator Megan Krintz.
OGS is an equal-opportunity organization.
