BEYOND AGROFORESTRY Using a diversity of resources and a low tech approach to develop sustainable enterprises on rugged land, previously considered useless, in a state ranked 50 th in commerce Fred Hays, Divergent Natural Interests, West Virginia

Fred Hays M.A. From Marshall University Certified Holistic Management Educator District Conservation Supervisor SARE projects in Aquaculture & Agro-forestry WV Ginseng Growers Association, Founder Center for Sustainable Resources, Inc. Divergent Natural Interests, Owner About the Speaker

Divergent Natural Interests Elkview, WV D.N.I. is a family farm 150 acres of rugged, mountainous, terrain - mostly wooded

Resource Base Great biodiversity Over 100 species of trees As many as 2800 different species of plants Non-brittle environment with consistent moisture and water Rural customers Skills & education

Managed Resources Livestock are used as a tool through grazing, animal impact, and herd effect. Vegetation is controlled without machinery. Poor areas are treated with animal impact to improve soil biodiversity. Garden areas are hoof- plowed in late winter simply by concentrating animals and feeding hay.

Living Organisms as Tools All of our enterprises are based on using the labor of living organisms. For example, mushroom production utilizes fungal organisms.

Solar Dollars Stored organic solar resources are different than paper dollars in that organic currency sustains life. Again, the labor in this picture was done by living organisms.

AQUATIC ENTERPRISES

Fish as Tools Fish, like other livestock, can be used as a tool for altering the environment “Grass Carp” or White Amurs are not only more effective than chemicals but also less expensive. Grass Carp nearly always succeed where chemicals almost always fail in producing the desired result.

Fish Production & Sales Largemouth Bass Bluegill Hybrid Bluegill Channel Catfish Goldfish Koi Carp Grass Carp Grown in pond culture in ten ponds on the farm.

Game Fish

Ornamental Fish

Pond Stocking & Consultation

Aquatic Plants

Grass Carp & Pond Management A large part of the aquatic business has become consultation for managing aquatic vegetation through natural methods.

AGROFORESTRY ENTERPRISES

Forest Organisms as Tools High quality hardwood production can be increased as much as ten fold if organisms and the solar regime are manipulated correctly.

High Quality Trees Potential crop trees are chosen and released for accelerated growth.

Culls are removed and grape vines are kept from reaching canopies.

Wood Products Culled trees are used for lumber or firewood.

Shiitake Mushrooms Shiitake mushrooms were grown on the farm utilizing our abundance of oak logs. The mushroom logs still produce but crops are no longer marketed as they failed testing guidelines.

Under-Canopy Crops Woodland Herbs on this farm are in great diversity because crops are naturally produced yet manipulated for favor.

Other Woodland Crops Dozens of medicinal plants are readily marketed from our forest. Black Cohosh is growing in value.

Ginseng, the most valuable crop on the farm, is carefully monitored and managed. Ginseng

WILD PRODUCTS Wild Berries, Mushrooms, Wild Game, & Nuts, etc. are all part of our “whole.”

Wildlife as a Tool

Smooth Chanterelles

Oyster Mushrooms

Chicken of the Woods

Wild Roots

Wild Game

OTHER ENTERPRISES

Cattle as Tools Livestock were meant to eat vegetation-not just grass. We take advantage of animal impact to improve the land.

Another Tool

Natural Beef Healthy Land & Healthy Livestock

Custom Knives

Trade Shows

Other Living Organisms at Work

And One Not at Work

OUTREACH Center for Sustainable Resources, Inc. - nonprofit that hosts field days & training events. West Virginia Ginseng Growers Association - developed legislation to protect this emerging industry.

Fox News Traveling West Virginia

Cash & Treasures The Travel Channel

Seed available at discounted prices Ginseng Seed Bulk Purchase Program WVGGA

Resource Management Consultation

For more info: Fred Hays ( 304) Fish & Pond Stocking Agro-forestry Products WVGGA Ginseng Seed Natural Beef Custom Knives Resources Management Consultation

“ Diversity is key.”