Courtesy of Katie Commender, ASD VISTA.

Appalachian Sustainable Development is holding a free ramp bulb workshop on March 31. The workshop will discus how ramp bulbs and seed are propagated.  This workshop will be held  at the Southwest Virginia 4-H Education Center in Abindon. For more information, contact (276)623-1121.

Here is the press release from Appalachian Sustainable Development.

Ramps, the early spring native delicacy known as wild leeks or spring onions are becoming an endangered treat as restaurants and festivals overharvest natural areas. Forest landowners may be able to create sustainable income by cultivating these pungent, tasty beauties!

Appalachian Sustainable Development (ASD), in partnership with Virginia Tech Extension is holding a workshop on March 31 from 9 to 11 am at the Southwest Virginia 4-H Education Center at 25236 Hillman Highway, Abingdon, VA. We will demonstrate on-site how ramp bulbs and seed are propagated, and give out samples of bulbs to participants. The workshop is free of charge. To register or for information, please contact ASD at 276-623-1121 or dpeterson@asdevelop.org.

ASD Learning Landscapes Manager Deni Peterson will include in the workshop an overview of other non-timber forest products (NTFP’s) in the region, such as goldenseal, ginseng, pawpaws, shiitake mushrooms and elderberry. Food items such as fruits, fruit juices, honey, syrup, nuts, edible roots and some medicinal plants are also common NTFP’s.

She says: “Our ramps workshop last month in partnership with Rural Resources in Greeneville, TN, was a great success. Some of the people who attended have already planted ramps on their property!” The attached photo shows a Greeneville participant with her hands in the dirt, happily planting ramps!