Anethum graveolens
Dill
Photo courtesy of University of Wisconsin - Stevens Point. Photographer: Kitty Kohout
West Virginia Herb Association
Go Green and Healthy with Herbs
Laurus nobilis, "Bay laurel"
2009 Herb of the Year
From Dr. Joyce Foster at Mountain State University:
I am writing to apprise you that the ARS Appalachian Farming Systems Research Center in Beaver is targeted for closure October 1 under the President's proposed budget for FY 2011. Because the Medicinal Botanicals Program at Mountain State University is a component of our research program, decisions related to our facility will also impact ARS collaborations with MSU.
As you know, the Appalachian Farming Systems Research Center is committed to improving agriculture in Appalachia and West Virginia, in particular. Its research activities, summarized in the attached document, are aligned with the agency's desire to bolster efforts addressing local food production and sustainable agricultural systems. The use of medicinal plants to support the health of small ruminants and the sustainability of sheep and goat industries are integral components of research conducted by AFSRC and MSU Medicinal Botanicals Program scientists. These research activities and the associated collaborative outreach events serve under-represented agricultural community groups throughout the region.
Please share this information with other members of the West Virginia Herb Association and feel free to contact the AFSRC Research Leader, Dr. David Belesky (david.belesky@ars.usda.gov , 304-256-2843), if you would like additional information.
Regards,
Joyce
Dr. Joyce G. Foster
Research Biochemist
USDA, Agricultural Research Service
Appalachian Farming Systems Research Center
1224 Airport Road
Beaver, WV 25813-9423
Voice: (304) 256-2809
Fax: (304) 256-2921
E-mail: Joyce.Foster@ars.usda.gov
2010 Spring Conference: Herbs for Children's Health and Native Plant Cultivation
Remember to mark your calendar for the MSU Medicinal Botanicals Program and the West Virginia Herb Association 8th Annual Spring Conference, which will be held at the O'Dell Hall, MSU Beckley campus, on May 1, 2010.
More information will be posted on the Conferences page as it becomes available.
News to Share?
The growing season is coming! The relatively warm days in January remind us to get out the seed catalogs and garden planners. Share growing tips, recipes, stories and anything that made you say "I didn't know that!" with fellow WVHA members in our Newsletters.
Recent member submissions include recipes, interesting websites, local events, and short articles on favorite herb uses. Don't worry about not being a writer -- our editor is the best! ;-)