Forest Farming at BC Farm, in Estill County, KY

A New Forest Farming Endeavor in Central Appalachia. Once a tobacco farm, BC Farm in Estill County KY is being transformed into a thriving forest farming operation. Owner Storey Slone is now slowly shifting towards sustainable production, with a focus on integrating perennial agriculture systems. Storey grows a variety of herbs in her gardens and high tunnel, and is converting an old tobacco field into a pollinator plot.

Storey hopes to cultivate woodland botanicals and non-timber forest products to meet nursery stock and landscaping demands, while also incorporating them into teas, tinctures, and other value-added herbal products.

The tour will highlight her Catalyzing Agroforestry grant project, and also show sites throughout  a 20-acre hardwood forest that are being managed for production of forest-farmed medicinals and edibles, including goldenseal, ramps, and ginseng. Hosts will discuss site and species selection, nursery stock challenges, and considerations for beginning forest farmers.

This event is Free, but registration is required. (This tour has a limited capacity, so please be considerate; only register if you definitely intend to attend.)