In this issue:
  • A message from our CEO, Kathlyn Terry Baker
  • A new greenhouse just went up on our new Singingwood Lane property
  • Join our Farm to School Coalition
  • Introducing the new "Ask an Agroforester" webinar series
  • 2023 Summer Field School registration is now open
  • New ASD events to add to your calendar
  • THANK YOU to our partners!
  • Ready to become a recurring donor? Click here.
A MESSAGE FROM CEO, KATHLYN TERRY BAKER
Hello, Spring!
Spring officially launched at the start of this week, and I for one have never been happier to welcome it back. There's always a lot happening at ASD, but this year especially we seem to be a-buzz with excitement and energy for this year and all it holds.

Since the September 2022 purchase of our land (17+ acres on Singingwood Lane in Bristol), we have been hard at work planning our headquarters site: an agriculture education and demonstration hub, open to the community, and built around our core mission to promote economic and food security through agriculture. We'll be sharing those plans with you in the not too-distant future.

In other news, we've been distributing the first orders of local beef to local schools in our Farm to School program, and launching the new seasons of many of our programs, including Learning Landscapes, Summer Field School, FARM, and Groundwork. Plus, we're getting our new greenhouse (see below) set up with its first crop of veggies and flowers. We'll let you know when it's operational; we'd sure love to have you stop by!

And finally, we're already working on some exciting events for our 30-year anniversary in 2025. Can you believe ASD has been part of the community that long? Me, either. But we sure do plan to celebrate. I hope you'll stay with us for the ride!
Kathlyn Terry Baker
Chief Executive Officer
Greenhouse Installed on New Property
Thanks to a grant from the wonderful Genan Foundation, on September 30, 2022, ASD was able to purchase 17+ acres in Bristol. This land will be the hub for ASD's headquarters and for the many programs that serve our region.

In early March, we installed a 72x32 greenhouse that will be the home of Groundwork's agriculture and business job training program. The greenhouse will be used to grow starts and plants for sale.

Our first plant sale is schedule for Friday, April 21st, from 4:30 - 6:30. Follow us on Facebook so you don't miss any details!
Join our Farm to School Coalition
Any schools, after school programs, and clubs in the region are invited to join our Farm to School coalition. We are currently developing curriculum related to the garden that can be shared with teachers, garden clubs, and after school programs in the region.

Contact Morgan Bradley at mbradley@asdevelop.org for more information.
Announcing the "Ask an Agroforester" Webinar Series
Our new "Ask an Agroforester" Webinar Series provides a platform for direct Q&A with experienced Agroforestry professionals. The series is broadly focused on tree systems and each will cover a distinct topic, ranging from Persimmon Production to Tree Protection in Silvopastures, with lots more fascinating content in between. 

Our first webinar, scheduled for April 6 from 7:00 - 8:30 p.m., covers the topic of Tree Protection in Animal Systems, and it will be presented by Wyn Miller. Eight more sessions are scheduled - click the link below for topics, dates, and to register!
2023 Summer Field School Registration Now Open
Recruitment for the Summer Field School has begun! Join us for FREE on the first and third Thursday of each month from May through August for the opportunity to visit local farms and hear about different successful production methods implemented there.

Topics will include:
- various regenerative agriculture practices
- beekeeping
- orchards
- cattle work

Hope to see you there!
Upcoming Events to Add to Your Calendar
As always, there's a lot happening at ASD! Mark these dates on your calendar and be on the lookout for more information to come.

  • Seed Starting/Propagation Workshop, Creative Seeds Farm, 422 W Glade Street, Glade Spring, Virginia
  • March 23, 4:00 - 6:00 p.m.
  • Free
  • Click to register
  • Seed Starting/Propagation Workshop, YMCA/Four Seasons Garden, 106 Gratton Road, Tazewell, VA
  • March 27, 6:00 - 8:00 p.m.
  • Free
  • Click to register
  • Ask an Agroforester Webinar Series
  • Session #1 - April 6th
  • Free
  • Click to register
  • Late Bloomers Plant Sale at the Greenhouse (Singingwood Lane, Bristol, VA)
  • Friday, April 21st, 4:30 to 6:30 p.m.
  • More details to come!
  • Groundwork Tazewell Garden Launch Party at the YMCA/Four Seasons Community Garden, Tazewell, VA
  • Friday, April 28th, 4:30 to 6:30 p.m.
  • More details to come!
  • Groundwork Abingdon Garden Launch Party at the Faith in Action Community Garden, Abingdon, VA
  • Friday, May 5th, 4:30 to 6:30 p.m.
  • More details to come!
  • Back of the Dragon Brewery Happy Hour, 592 W Main St, Tazewell, VA 24651
  • Monday, June 5, 5:30 - 8:00 p.m.
  • Tickets go on sale April 17
  • More details to come!
Meet Some of our Heroes
Thank you to all the amazing folks and businesses who help ASD make the magic happen, by raising awareness, providing funding and expertise, providing volunteer help, and sharing valuable advice and guidance.

Here are a few shout outs:
Robert and Mary Ann (pictured), who serve on the "Doc at 100" committee, helping organize this fundraising concert benefitting ASD. Robert is the chairperson for the committee (he herds the cats), while Mary Ann keeps Robert in check.
WCYB and Preston Ayres, who give us so many opportunities to be on the noon show the 3rd Wednesday of every month, so we can share news about what's happening with ASD and agriculture in the region.
Food Country USA - such an outstanding partner, who believes in ASD and local farmers so much. They were crucial in launching our local beef pilot program.
Hard Rock Hotel and Casino Bristol, one of our newest partners, is supporting our Farmer PRIDE Coalition by sponsoring an upcoming event (stay tuned for details). Like ASD, Hard Rock is committed to diversity and inclusion and we are so excited to see where this partnership goes.
RACE1 Adult Education is committed to offering valuable education and professional development resources for Groundwork participants across Southwest Virginia, and do amazing work helping individuals get job ready.
Traditional Medicinals makes it possible for ASD to provide free to low cost services, like training and technical assistance, which help herb farmers and at-risk medicinal plants thrive in Appalachia.
Dylan and Denita House of Creative Seeds Farm in Glade Springs, VA. They participate in SO MUCH! Grow Your Own, FARM, Summer Field School and Winter Business Intensive, and the Local Food Guide. Thanks for supporting ASD!

Thank you for doing work that makes an impact, today and forever!
Appalachian Sustainable Development’s mission is to build a thriving regional food and agriculture system that creates healthy communities, respects the planet, and cultivates profitable
opportunities for Appalachians.

ASD is committed to ensuring an equitable, inclusive, and respectful culture and environment for ASD staff, board, program participants, and stakeholders.