Participation Type
Panel
Session Title
Session 8.04 Environmental Ecology
Presentation #1 Title
Foodways , Wildcrafting, and Natural Products: Creating Sustainable Systems in Western Maryland
Presentation #1 Abstract or Summary
With a stronger awareness of climate change and the environmental impact of monoculture farming practices, a growing number of regional residents are beginning to revisit the agricultural techniques and foodways practices of earlier generations in an effort to forge new sustainable local foods systems in Appalachia. In recent years, several Community Supported Agriculture projects have been launched in Mountain Maryland and adjacent areas of West Virginia and Pennsylvania and Farmers Markets have greatly expanded their offerings. Moreover, natural products such as goats’ milk soap, bee-related products, and natural fibers and dyes are becoming recognized as viable alternatives to mass produced materials. Despite the number of Mountain Maryland residents engaged in wildcrafting, sustainable farming, and the production of natural products, widespread recognition and awareness of these offerings in the region has been slow to follow. Over the course of two semesters, as participants in the Appalachian Regional Commission’s Appalachian Teaching Project, Frostburg State University students enrolled in Dr. Kara Rogers Thomas’ courses in Appalachian Folklore and the Sociology of the Environment have worked with community partners to foster a stronger appreciation for and raise awareness of sustainable foodways, wildcrafting, and natural products offerings in western Maryland. This presentation provides an overview of their work in the community including the development of a workshop and presentation series, video documentation of traditional sustainable practices in the region and creation of a pilot program portfolio for local Farmers Markets featuring hands-on demonstrations and educational materials for children highlighting regional nature-based traditions and sustainable foodways.
At-A-Glance Bio- Presenter #1
Dr. Kara Rogers Thomas is an Associate Professor of Sociology at Frostburg State University. Thomas’ work as a Folklorist is supported in part through a grant from Maryland Traditions, a program of the Maryland State Arts Council, she is also a teaching fellow with the Appalachian Regional Commission's Teaching Project.
Foodways , Wildcrafting, and Natural Products: Creating Sustainable Systems in Western Maryland
Harris Hall 136
With a stronger awareness of climate change and the environmental impact of monoculture farming practices, a growing number of regional residents are beginning to revisit the agricultural techniques and foodways practices of earlier generations in an effort to forge new sustainable local foods systems in Appalachia. In recent years, several Community Supported Agriculture projects have been launched in Mountain Maryland and adjacent areas of West Virginia and Pennsylvania and Farmers Markets have greatly expanded their offerings. Moreover, natural products such as goats’ milk soap, bee-related products, and natural fibers and dyes are becoming recognized as viable alternatives to mass produced materials. Despite the number of Mountain Maryland residents engaged in wildcrafting, sustainable farming, and the production of natural products, widespread recognition and awareness of these offerings in the region has been slow to follow. Over the course of two semesters, as participants in the Appalachian Regional Commission’s Appalachian Teaching Project, Frostburg State University students enrolled in Dr. Kara Rogers Thomas’ courses in Appalachian Folklore and the Sociology of the Environment have worked with community partners to foster a stronger appreciation for and raise awareness of sustainable foodways, wildcrafting, and natural products offerings in western Maryland. This presentation provides an overview of their work in the community including the development of a workshop and presentation series, video documentation of traditional sustainable practices in the region and creation of a pilot program portfolio for local Farmers Markets featuring hands-on demonstrations and educational materials for children highlighting regional nature-based traditions and sustainable foodways.
