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# ARCD

## Sitemaps
[XML Sitemap](https://arcd.org/sitemap_index.xml): Includes all crawlable and indexable pages.

## Posts
- [Food & Farm Series at the Jackson](https://arcd.org/jackson/): This summer, come on out to Jackson Theatre one night a month for films with a special focus: food! All tickets are $8/$5 and proceeds are split by the ARCD and Jonesborough Locally Grown!
- [Giving lettuce a “try again” – A gardener story by Erin Jasenack](https://arcd.org/giving-lettuce-a-try-again-a-gardener-story-by-erin-jasenack/): This is our second year gardening. If you had told me last summer that I'd be writing a gardening update this thrilled, I'd have laughed you all the way to the compost pile. One of the reflection questions asked was: “What was one challenge you faced in your garden, and what did it teach you for next season?” Last year was ... humbling. I'll also add disappointing and frustrating. We planted our first ever garden with hope in our hearts. We cultivated it. We loved it. We were doing, what we thought, was all the right things BUT unfortunately we planted with zero fencing around our perimeter. In hindsight, this was our first rookie mistake. The bunnies and deer treated our garden like an all-you-can-eat buffet. By this time last summer, we didn't have a single tomato to show for it. Not one. The weeds were out of control and the garden was a jungle. It became overwhelming and what felt like a losing battle. BUT we stuck with it. And despite our huge losses early in the summer and our poorly tended garden throughout the rest of the summer, it did produce for us. Through the weeds, it gave us peppers and potatoes - tons of them. It wasn't the harvest we dreamed of, but hey, we had a whole winter of homemade french fries and jalapeno poppers, so it wasn't a complete bust.They were delicious!
- [A Gardener Story by Jessica Swanson](https://arcd.org/a-gardener-story-by-jessica-swanson/): When I moved to Tennessee two years ago, I was thrilled about the possibility of growing my own food on the modest plot of land we had purchased. Healthy eating and taking care of the Earth rank high among my priorities, and I figured gardening was a great way to accomplish both. The first time I poked a seed into the beautiful, black dirt in my garden, I squealed with delight. However, that first year, the caterpillars got more food from my efforts than I did! I was humbled and a bit discouraged by all of the setbacks I encountered. I knew I needed help if I were ever going to succeed in this endeavour.
- [A magical second year in the garden by Xinji Chen-Lin](https://arcd.org/a-magical-second-year-in-the-garden-by-xinji-chen-lin/): It’s our second year participating in Build It Up.This year, we switched to tall raised garden beds. We’ve had good success with eggplants and peppers by starting them indoors earlier and transplanting them once they were fairly large. The bigger plants seemed better able to withstand pests, but getting them used to sunlight and wind before moving them outdoors took some work.Unfortunately, we didn’t have the same success with our okra. We started the seeds too early and later learned that okra’s taproots can become deformed when kept in pots for too long, causing stunted growth.
- [Jennifer Kelso: Weeds Are My New Laundry](https://arcd.org/jennifer-kelso-weeds-are-my-new-laundry/): Weeds are the new laundry – from someone who can barely keep house plants alive I must say I’m proud of us for getting our garden to where it’s at as first timers but my goodness the weeding that is required. This has defiantly been a lesson that we need to do better preparing next year to tackle this. So far, we haven’t been able to harvest a lot besides turnips and some spinach, but we can see the rest growing and it’s exciting! The time it all takes has been very eye-opening and while I feel like we aren’t the best time managers I feel like we will only continue to get better. We’ve unfortunately had to toss some produce due to not keeping a closer eye on harvest times or pest control and that’s been frustrating.
- [Martin Hoyt: On Organic Gardening](https://arcd.org/martin-hoyt-on-organic-gardening/): Gardening is not my first stunt in the circus but ORGANIC gardening is. First and foremost I want to say a big thank you to Grow Appalachia, and ARC&D for the tools, seeds, plants, fertilizer, staff enthusiasm, knowledge, and printed information in the BIU binder. THANK YOU. How nice it is to be on the receiving end of a well organized organization. I was surprised this year when I walked out to my raised beds. I had planted winter rye grass as my cover crop in the fall. I was so excited to turn over the lush green grass that over wintered. But wait. Half of this 4x8 bed was one huge ant hill. SURPRISE !!! So my first organic gardening lesson was how to get rid of the ants before they ruin my garlic!!
- [Lessons and memories from a small garden: Erica Hall](https://arcd.org/lessons-and-memories-from-a-small-garden-erica-hall/): 🌱 What This Year’s Garden Taught Us: Surprises, Lessons, and Small Victories This year’s vegetable garden turned out to be one of our most rewarding projects — but also one of the most surprising. What started as a simple plan to grow a few of our favorite vegetables quickly became a daily learning experience filled with hard work, unexpected challenges, and some truly meaningful moments.
- [Nurturing the soil: A Gardener Story by Priscilla Bennah](https://arcd.org/nurturing-the-soil-a-gardener-story-by-priscilla-bennah/): The kind of pride that comes from pulling something out of the soil that you nurtured is a unique kind. That unique feeling hit me the hardest with my sweet potato green harvest. It was like I could already taste the greens in my soup. And the leaves are still coming! Patience and care really do pay off -- so much that the patience and care are really a small price to pay!
- [Gardening with Lauren McGrew: For the Love of Radishes](https://arcd.org/gardening-with-lauren-mcgrew-for-the-love-of-radishes/): We are just at the beginning of what I feel like is true garden season, but, it has been fun to have a jumpstart to growing brassicas and some colder weather vegetables. My most satisfying thing to grow has been radishes. I wasn't even sure if anyone else in my family would eat them, but, I knew for sure I like them on tacos. I decided to pickle some, eat some fresh, and I even made a pesto out of the radish greens.
- [Kati Jenkins: A gardening and cooking love fusion story](https://arcd.org/kati-jenkins-a-gardening-and-cooking-love-fusion-story/): Hello! I’m Kati Jenkins, and I live in Jonesborough with my family. My husband and I own Main Street Cafe & Catering. We take pride in making all our own soups, sides, sauces, etc. from scratch. One of the reasons I wanted to join Build It Up is to see if I could provide local organic produce from my own garden for the restaurant.
- [A Second Year Gardener Story: Ante Ursic](https://arcd.org/a-second-year-gardener-story-ante-ursic/): Hello, I am a second-year gardener, and I am excited for this year's garden adventures and hopefully a plentiful harvest. Last year was a great start for me. Overall, I had a lot of success growing. I was especially blessed with a great amount of tomatoes, which I canned. So, about once a week, I open a can of late summer that I put into use for my sauces, stews, and pizzas.
- [Chrissy Walch: A Gardener Story](https://arcd.org/chrissy-walch-a-gardener-story/): Gardening has become important to me because it gives me a sense of purpose, peace, and connection—both to the land and to myself. There’s something grounding about putting your hands in the soil and watching something grow from a tiny seed into food that nourishes people. Since being part of the Build It Up program, I’ve learned how valuable education, structure, and encouragement are in this process. The tools, resources, and guidance provided have helped me think more intentionally about planning, production, and long‑term success rather than just planting on impulse. It’s helped shift my mindset from “just gardening” to truly building something sustainable.
- [A Gardener Story: Dian Gorsira](https://arcd.org/a-gardener-story-dian-gorsira/): My 2026 gardening season got a slow start. We did start onions in February and I look forward to harvesting soon. The dry weather has delayed the “bulbing up” stage but they are doing something. This is my first year growing onions so I look forward to seeing what happens. 
- [Farm Profile: Knob Creek Vineyard](https://arcd.org/farm-profile-knob-creek/): Knob Creek Vineyard and Winery, Johnson City, and historic museum.
- [Featured Chef: Crystal Davison of Knob Creek Vineyard](https://arcd.org/featured-davidson/): The Knob Creek Museum houses several cookbooks and old recipes, but this one is still in current use: Grape Pie using concords.
- [Farm Profile: Jordan Farms](https://arcd.org/farm-profile-jordan/): After a distinguished 28-year career in the U.S. Army, Charley transitioned from military life to agriculture, seeking a new way to serve and reconnect with the land.
- [Featured Chef: Landon of Full Throttle Burger](https://arcd.org/featured-chef-schafer/): Nominated by a local farm for this series, Chef Landen says, “we're going Full Throttle on our promise of making the highest quality, freshest smash burgers and fries in a way that supports the local community.”
- [Farm Profile: Motte & Bailey](https://arcd.org/blevins/): In Washington County the Blevins family renew a family farmstand and farm, named Motte and Bailey Farm, selling at the Johnson City Farmers market and from the farm, variety of fresh flavorful produce.
- [Farm Profile: Persephone’s Garden partnership](https://arcd.org/farm-profile-persephone/): Persephone's Garden is the partnership of Chris and Christy on multiple parcels of land, farming organic high quality produce, plant starts, and flowers in a modern reality of getting new into farming.
- [Featured Chef: Timber!](https://arcd.org/featured-chef-timber/): Timber! in Johnson City
- [Farm Profile: Runion Farm is a test of soil recovery](https://arcd.org/farm-profile-runion/): Wayne and Pamela Hughes of Rocky Field Farms are an example of conservation practices for today and tomorrow. This dedication comes from deep rooted values and love for the land.
- [Weathered but Strong: Executive Director letter for 2025](https://arcd.org/2025-letter/): This past year has been a tumultuous one for many of us. More than a few farmers spent most of this year repairing and replacing fields, equipment, barns and even homes after Helene. For more than a month this fall, many working parents woke up with great anxiety about how to feed their children as SNAP benefits were held hostage in the federal government shutdown. The struggle is real. Even here at the Appalachian RC&D where we serve both these populations, we’ve had quite the journey navigating the upheaval of having federal grant funds suddenly pulled from us, and losing half of our staff members as part of the collateral damage.
- [Dana Ensor Reflects on 10 Years of Field School](https://arcd.org/danainsights-2025/): Grand Oak Farm was established on over 1,000 acres by the Hale Family on a Revolutionary War grant. Owner, Dana Ensor (married to Bob Ensor), is the 8th generation to farm the remaining 100 acres.
- [Benefit Concert for Resilient Farmer Flood Relief](https://arcd.org/rffconcert/): Paramount Bristol hosts one night for farmer flood recovery, November 15. A special line up of 5 acts.
- [Ashley Cavender: A Gardener’s Story](https://arcd.org/ashley-cavender-a-gardeners-story/): I decided to grow everything and in a big way! I learned what my soil grows best and what I grow best.
- [A Gardener’s Story: Cassandra Reimche](https://arcd.org/a-gardeners-story-cassandra-reimche/): With grocery store prices climbing and so few regulations around how food is produced, it feels empowering to grow food for my family, and know its history.
- [Cleo Hankins: A Gardener’s Story](https://arcd.org/cleo-hankins-a-gardeners-story/): Hearing from other gardeners, both new and experienced, has shown me that gardening is not something you have to do alone. Sharing tips, seeds, and encouragement makes the work more enjoyable and rewarding. I’ve learned that gardening can connect people, not just to their food, but to each other.
- [A Summer’s Garden Song – Vee Meod](https://arcd.org/a-summers-garden-song-vee-meod/): We learned of blight and beetle’s bite,
Of water’s kiss and slug’s soft flight,
Of dogs that roam and mold that clings,
Of spacing rows and careful things.
- [The Tennessee Volunteers – by Julie Voudrie](https://arcd.org/the-tennessee-volunteers-by-julie-voudrie/): This year I had several tomato plants that popped up, some in the holes of garden fabric I had laid out to limit weeds early in the season. No need to move those, as they were right where I needed them.
- [Sara Yeager: A Gardener’s Story](https://arcd.org/sara-yeager-a-gardeners-story/): I covered my collards, broccoli and cabbage this year so worms haven’t been a problem (YES) and hopefully I can keep the vine borers out of my squash.
- [Gardeners’ Story: Linda, Aly and Hannah Poland](https://arcd.org/gardeners-story-linda-aly-and-hannah-poland/): Every bite of our homegrown salads reminded us that perseverance pays off, not just in gardens but in life. We are still beginners, but with three generations working side by side and our fence standing firm, we are proud to say none of us gave up, and neither did our plants.
- [Karen Mumpower: A Gardener’s Story](https://arcd.org/karen-mumpower-a-gardeners-story/): We froze much of last year’s harvest as that felt like the easiest way to get started with food preservation. This frozen bounty has allowed us to have healthy meals over the winter and while we wait for this year’s harvest.
- [Kelly Burleson: A Gardener’s Story](https://arcd.org/kelly-burleson-a-gardeners-story/): We had a couple of raised beds last year, but had no idea what we were doing so there was no real harvest and I just assumed I wasn’t a good gardener. It turns out I just didn’t have the right tools and education I needed to have a successful garden.
- [Marissa Lycans: A Gardener’s Story](https://arcd.org/marissa-lycans-a-gardeners-story/): Hey there! My name is Marissa and I am a first year gardener with this program!
- [Gardener’s Story: Sue Brown](https://arcd.org/gardeners-story-sue-brown/): Every extra waking moment I have I am in the garden, and it is time I never regret spending. I look around after a hard day of weeding and harvesting and bug identifying and I think, “I have never seen such beauty.”
- [Gardener’s Story: Sarah Mast Ragland](https://arcd.org/gardeners-story-sarah-mast-ragland/): One of the biggest things we’ve realized is that you don’t need a big backyard to grow a lot of food. Our yard is under 1/6 of an acre, but last year we managed to grow almost 200 pounds of food!
- [Farm Profile: Rocky Field Farm demonstrates conservation](https://arcd.org/farm-profile-hughes/): Wayne and Pamela Hughes of Rocky Field Farms are an example of conservation practices for today and tomorrow. This dedication comes from deep rooted values and love for the land.
- [Featured Chef: Corner Company](https://arcd.org/chef-peck-ccbe/): This is the quiche that skipped the crust, borrowed a potato, and still managed to outshine everything else on the brunch table.
- [Farmer Flood Relief – Resilient Farmer Fund Anniversary](https://arcd.org/2025-09-17-rff/): Check out a new short film showing stories of farms rebuilding after Helene. More than 1,300 farms were flooded or damaged by the Hurricane and the recovery estimate is more than $1.5 billion. ARCD's Resilient Farmer Fund goes to farmers dedicated to long term recovery of their farm and farming operations.
- [Farm Profile: Flowers for all seasons at Aunt Willie’s Wildflowers](https://arcd.org/farm-profile-flowers-for-all-seasons-at-aunt-willies-wildflowers/): July’s sold out Field School workshop location was held at Aunt Willie’s Wildflowers and taught by owners Linda and Roy Doan. “I married a farm when I married a farmer,” says Linda.
- [Celebrating National Farmers Market Week 2025 – with the return of Farmacy Fit](https://arcd.org/celebrating-national-farmers-market-week-2025-with-the-return-of-farmacy-fit/): The Appalachian Resource Conservation and Development Council (ARCD) joins farmers markets across the country in celebrating National Farmers Market Week from August 4-10, 2024.
- [Featured Chef: The Bombas](https://arcd.org/chef-bombas-2/): Alex and Breelyn Bomba (as well as their family) are synonymous with farm-to-table and local food support, particularly in Jonesborough, TN. Main Street Catering is their brick and mortar, and Cured Meats is available online.
- [Farm Profile: A Different Chick stays different](https://arcd.org/2025-07-16-stanley/): A Different Chick Farm and Orchard is a small family-run urban farm in the heart of Johnson City, Tennessee. The farm is only 6 acres in size, but you would never know that by looking at the huge variety and quantity of goods the Stanleys offer for sale.
- [Gardener Story: Megan Davis](https://arcd.org/gardener-story-megan-davis/): This is my first year in the Build It Up backyard gardening program; it also happens to be my first year gardening (fruit & veg) period. I started at absolute zero – no experience, no talent, no tools, no plan, no garden… nothing. I described my level of experience as “I was an adult when I learned that green and red bell peppers are the same plant”. Throughout my life, I had impressively managed to kill every single plant that had come into my possession. I share all of this extra context so that when I tell you that if I can do it, anyone can – you’ll believe me.
- [Gardener Story: Lee Carden](https://arcd.org/gardener-story-lee-carden/): The curiosity has extended with pest control--our oldest now prides himself on being able to identify ALL the stages of the bad bugs. He LOVED studying Adam' Watson's slides during a class. He'll tell you all about the well known "garden bag guys," but he was curious about a new caterpillar that was munching on our dill. We now have two swallowtail chrysalis that we are patiently waiting to see emerge. The dill was saved, and he has a fun science story to tell.
- [Maddison West: A Gardener’s Story](https://arcd.org/maddison-west-a-gardeners-story/): What once felt intimidating now feels exciting and playful. Instead of worrying about doing things "wrong," we’ve gained the knowledge and confidence to simply enjoy the process — and that’s been such a beautiful message to share with our three young boys.
- [Gardener Story: Sara Yeager](https://arcd.org/gardener-story-sara-yeager/): Through this program, I've learned the importance of patience and the joy of nurturing life from seed to harvest. Gardening has taught me about the intricate balance of nature, the importance of soil health, and the role of different plants in an ecosystem. Additionally, I've gained hands-on experience with sustainable farming practices and learning how to manage pests organically. The sense of community among fellow gardeners has also been incredibly rewarding, as we share tips, successes, and the occasional challenges. One of the most rewarding aspects has been the bonding experience with my mother-in-law. We've spent many days together in the garden and in class, and then sharing meals together from the veggies that we’ve grown.
- [Downtown Kingsport to get Quilted](https://arcd.org/downtown-kingsport-to-get-quilted/): Thanks to a grant from the Kingsport Community Foundation, folks will soon be able to Follow the Quilt Trail into downtown Kingsport.  Vibrantly painted 4'x'4 quilt murals will begin to appear later this fall on the facades of buildings through out the downtown area.  The murals are currently being painted by volunteer professional and amateur artists, and are on display for viewing, at 210 Broad St., a space donated for the Quilt Trail's use by John and Angela Vachon. Students at Cora Cox Academy (formerly New Horizons Alternative School) painted the two murals currently displayed on the Kingsport Farmer's Market building.
- [Erin Jasenak: A Gardener’s Story](https://arcd.org/erin-jasenak-a-gardeners-story/): A great thing about this program is that another family in our neighborhood is doing it too. We talk about our gardens and share our experiences. It helps to know someone else is going through the same challenges, especially with stubborn grass and daily maintenance.
- [Lucinda Bowman: Gardener’s Story](https://arcd.org/lucinda-bowman-gardeners-story/): Through the Build it up program I have been given a gift to learn the things about gardening that I didn’t when I was growing up. I chose to garden in raised beds for my first year. I built 4-4x8 raised beds out of rough sawn lumber and a herb spiral out of bricks.
- [Ante Ursic: A Gardener’s Story](https://arcd.org/ante-ursic-a-gardeners-story/): My five-year-old helped set up the garden, putting the seeds and seedlings into the earth, giving him an appreciation of the food we eat and excitement to see the things grow and develop.
- [Farm Tour 2025 and Benefit Concert](https://arcd.org/farmtour-06-01-2025/): The Appalachian Resource Conservation and Development Council (ARCD) joins farmers markets across the country in celebrating National Farmers Market Week from August 4-10, 2024.
- [McKenzie Templeton: Gardener’s Story](https://arcd.org/mckenzie-templeton-gardeners-story/): We love learning about ways we can be more self-sufficient, eat cleaner, and look forward to instilling these same beliefs in our children one day. I didn’t realize how easy it was to grow things without using any unnecessary chemicals or pesticides. I didn’t realize how little space I needed - or how little knowledge I needed to get started.
- [Danielle Fagans: A gardener’s story](https://arcd.org/danielle-fagans-a-gardeners-story/): In the raised beds out back, we have two kinds of potatoes, basil, rosemary, tomatoes, sage, and bush beans. I'm trying to do more companion gardening this time around to hopefully limit the amount of "bad" pests and bring about the good ones that will for sure help our garden grow! This whole experience has been life changing as it has truly brought our family closer together.
- [Xinyi Chen Lin: A Gardener’s Story](https://arcd.org/xinyi-chen-lin-a-gardeners-story/): A great thing about this program is that another family in our neighborhood is doing it too. We talk about our gardens and share our experiences. It helps to know someone else is going through the same challenges, especially with stubborn grass and daily maintenance.
- [Farm Profile: Lavender Dreams with Jeannie and Brian Miller](https://arcd.org/miller/): Graduates of the Field School beginning farmer training program, Jeannie and Brian Miller are entering a new season of success with Midfield Lavender Farm in Bulls Gap.
- [Featured Chef: Serenity Knoll Cooking School](https://arcd.org/featured-chef-skf/): Serenity Knoll Cooking School is directed by Sheridan Nice, the Culinary Program Director. Sheridan is an accomplished cooking instructor, personal chef, and former restaurateur. With training from esteemed culinary institutions such as La Varenne and the Culinary Institute of America, Sheridan’s expertise spans a wide range of culinary disciplines.
- [Featured Chef: Aliceson Bales on why you can..](https://arcd.org/featured-chef-aliceson-bales-on-why-you-can/): Why do I support local? There are better, tastier, more nutritious and more sustainable ways to purchase meat and to enjoy meat. Pasture-raised chicken..
- [Featured Chef: Remembering summer’s..](https://arcd.org/featured-chef-remembering-summers/): Meet The Chef  James Allen, Executive Chef at Blackthorn Club Chef James Allen graduated top of his class from Le Cordon Bleu in Minneapolis, Minnesota..
- [Winnie Li: Gardener’s Story](https://arcd.org/winnie-li-gardeners-story/): This year, I’m excited to focus on growing more pumpkins, sweet potatoes, and corn. Last year’s harvest was incredible! There’s something so rewarding about having an abundance of food to share with neighbors and friends. I’m particularly proud of still having frozen bell and sweet peppers in my freezer.
- [Megan Tewell: Gardener’s Story](https://arcd.org/megan-tewell-gardeners-story/): The Build It Up program came at the perfect time for me and my family. Equipped with new information and resources, we made our first garden plan. The program helped us create and maintain a planting schedule, and an ambitious garden layout. Factoring in watering needs, sun orientation, and soil conditions, we started to really learn more about our land. And though it required a lot of hard, consistent work, we have been rewarded each day with progress.
- [Tending Roots of Reciprocity: A First-Year Reflection](https://arcd.org/tending-roots-of-reciprocity-a-first-year-reflection/): Each workshop begins with an invitation to connect with someone you do not yet know. We are asked to spend a few minutes learning about their experiences, challenges, and goals. These simple conversations feel like planting seeds of friendship and collaboration. They remind me that growing food and growing community are not separate things. They are the same practice.
- [HURRICANE RECOVERY FOR FARMS](https://arcd.org/hurricane-recovery-for-farms-2/): The Resilient Farmer Fund is accepting donations. Your support will help our regional farming community rebuild from Hurricane Helene.
- [HURRICANE RECOVERY FOR FARMS](https://arcd.org/hurricane-recovery-forfarms/): The Resilient Farmer Fund is accepting donations. Your support will help our regional farming community rebuild from Hurricane Helene.
- [Gonsalves Family Garden](https://arcd.org/gonsalves-family-garden/): So while we wait for our gardens to take off later in spring, we may as well go ahead and eat the wild and free greens that are so readily available all around us. Wild greens can be used to create vibrant salads, they can be juiced, given to chickens as a treat, or they can be used in a variety of other creative ways.
- [Farm Profile: Farming on the Nolichucky with Tabitha Dotson](https://arcd.org/dotsonfarm/): When Hurricane Helene hit Jonesborough and the Nolichucky River late last September, Tabitha Dotson of Dotson Farm had just sold her cattle for the year to allow the pastures time to rest. Her timing proved immensely fortunate. She didn’t lose any livestock as the river rose out of its bed, flooded her pastures, and eventually deposited sediment, flotsam, and thousands of tomatoes from a farm upstream.
- [Featured Chef: David Phillips at Boone St Market](https://arcd.org/featured-chef-phillips-2/): David Phillips is Store Manager and Chef at Boone Street Market, the only year-round farm store, local only from a 100-mile radius, in the region. Boone Street Market is a part of Jonesborough Locally Grown, the Jonesborough Farmers Market. At Boone Street, 6 days a week, you can buy local produce, meat, bread, treats, and a menu of prepared foods…by David! Here David shares one of his personal recipe favorites for spring: Strawberry Rhubarb Crisp.
- [Trial & Error: Learning from Past Mistakes](https://arcd.org/trial-error-learning-from-past-mistakes/): By Meisha Turner
- [Building a Resilient Future, One Garden at a Time: Chelsea Green](https://arcd.org/building-a-resilient-future-one-garden-at-a-time-chelsea-green/): In these uncertain times, I believe the ability to grow our own food is a powerful tool for resilience—both for ourselves and those around us... Gardening is a big task, especially if you’ve never done it before. But the truth is, this program is designed for people like us — novices, dreamers, and doers who want to make a difference in their own lives and communities.
- [Ag in Art: Land Based Craft Series – Baskets & Willows](https://arcd.org/ag-in-art-land-based-craft-series-baskets-willows/): Willow Growing | March 15 
Learn how to grow willow for your farm business or backyard garden.
- [A Farmland Preservation Bill for Tennessee](https://arcd.org/farmlandpresfund/): *LATEST: Both Senate and House passed the Farmland Preservation Fund Bill, and Governor Lee has signed!
- [Featured Chef: Zane of Slowbird gets grainy](https://arcd.org/featured-chef-abplanalp/): Zane Abplanalp and Amy Wincek are the multi-talented entrepreneurs behind Slowbird Bread Company and Leftfield Urban Farm, which you can find at the Jonesborough....
- [Farm Profile: Rain Crow Farm starts anew](https://arcd.org/disque-raincrow/): Home is where the heart is, as the old adage goes. Usually one thinks of a farm as always being tied to one place. For farm operators Dylan Disque and Rachel Slaughter, their heart and home, and their farm, have moved with them in their travels.
- [Featured Chef: Spade & Spoon CSA Frittata](https://arcd.org/featured-chef-long-2/): Spring is a season of renewal, and there’s nothing like seeing the first tender greens begin to unfurl or vibrant pea shoots stretch for the sky to signal its arrival. At Spade & Spoon in Johnson City, we honor the seasons with our root-to-frond philosophy of cooking and by letting the soil dictate our supper club menu....
- [Farm Profile: Holly Knoll Farm Rebuilding for Resiliency](https://arcd.org/holland-hollyknoll-2/): Extreme weather was what introduced Holly Knoll Farms to the Appalachian RC&D Council. Their prime pastures where they graze their grass-finished beef cattle border the Nolichucky River in Greene County. Hurricane Helene’s rising flood waters caused damage never imagined. 6,000 linear feet of fence – that’s more than 1 mile – was washed out. The flood waters left behind piles of debris, and silt beds so deep it has transformed pasture they once depended on for their livestock management. Insurance and government programs don’t cover these losses.
- [Farm Profile: Grand Oak Farm: Planting seeds for the future](https://arcd.org/hale-york-grandoak/): Grand Oak Farm was established on over 1,000 acres by the Hale Family on a Revolutionary War grant. Owner, Dana Ensor (married to Bob Ensor), is the 8th generation to farm the remaining 100 acres.
- [Featured Chef: Remembering summer’s flavors with James Allen of Blackthorn Club](https://arcd.org/featured-chef-allen-2/): “When working as a line cook in Birmingham, I was introduced to Alicia’s Tomato Chutney. It was a game changer as far as elevating the flavor of any dish. The restaurant I was working at bought it by the case and used it religiously on everything...
- [Featured Chef: Aliceson Bales on why you can cook and love a whole chicken](https://arcd.org/featured-chef-bales/): There are better, tastier, more nutritious and more sustainable ways to purchase meat and to enjoy meat. Pasture-raised chicken is the most delicious and nutritious chicken you can find. There is simply no comparison between pasture-raised chicken and the animals that are produced by corporate farming practices...
- [Farm Profile: Creag Creek Farm Celebrates First Christmas](https://arcd.org/brown-creagcreek-2-2/): Andy Brown was appointed Executive Director of the Appalachian RC&D Council in July, 2024. In addition to bringing decades of experience decades of experience as a nonprofit leader, small business owner, and mindfulness teacher, he is a stonemason and a self-described “small time farmer” at Creag Creek Farm, Buladean, NC.
- [A Look at Our 30th Year with Andy Brown, Executive Director](https://arcd.org/a-look-at-our-30th-year-with-andy-brown-executive-director/): Wow – what a year!  We started off 2024 knowing we had much to do – and with your partnership, program participation, financial support and good will – we have delivered, making Northeast Tennessee’s local farm to food scene more prosperous, resilient and accessible for all.   
- [Farm Profile: Old Forge Homestead Dairy Goats with Donica Krebs](https://arcd.org/krebs-homestead-post-2/): “We didn’t even talk about it, we knew this was how we wanted to live.” Tied together by the love for mountains and working the land, Donica and Caleb Krebs operate Old Forge Homestead, a farm in Siam/Hampton area of Carter County focused on dairy goats and community connections.
- [Roy Settle: Looking Back on 30 Years of RC&D History](https://arcd.org/settle-30-years/): The Appalachian RC&D Council turns 30 in 2024. Roy Settle, the founding Director (then called “Project Coordinator”) until 2011, and current Board Member, provides a retrospective on his career and the ARC&D’s impact and future vision.
- [Young Southeast Asian Leader Fellowship: Saill from Thailand and RKR Farmstay](https://arcd.org/young-southeast-asian-leader-fellowship-saill-from-thailand-and-rkr-farmstay/): Saill’s video of the pop up farmers market for the kids at Johnson City Housing Authority…plus he tries all the spicy peppers he bought there from A Different Chick Farm & Orchard.
- [Gardener Story: Paulina Dominguez](https://arcd.org/gardener-story-paulina-dominguez/): I have four kids, a four month old baby, a 3 year old girl and two boys, 5 and 8 years old. Part of my intention in joining this program was to learn enough about gardening so that we could start a successful garden this year and so the kids could feel more connected with the source of their food. I had no idea, but we got to learn so much more and became part of a supportive community that will be there long after we graduate.
- [Featured Chef: Rushmie Bakshi with a new way to cook up greens – “saag”](https://arcd.org/featured-chef-bakshi/): When my parents first immigrated in the 60’s to Canada, so many of the vegetables they were used to didn’t grow in North America, so they had to make do with what they could find. I remember lots of weekends with the mom in the kitchen, experimenting with ingredients to see if they could mimic something comparable to dishes they missed from home...
- [Gardener Story: The Gonsalves Family](https://arcd.org/gardener-story-the-gonsalves-family/): Our family moved to the area about a year ago. That means we had to start our garden over from scratch. It also means we had to adjust to different types of garden bugs, both pests and beneficial bugs. Luckily, we learned about many of the local pests from one of the Build It Up workshops, and we had our Build It Up binder that contains so much useful information about identifying and controlling common garden pests. Despite having some losses due to pests, we now have a game plan for how to manage garden bugs starting in spring.
- [Gardener Story: Mary Anne and Lee Sowers](https://arcd.org/gardener-story-mary-anne-and-lee-sowers/): What summer vegetable tastes like no other, and is so incredibly delicious, because the real ones are grown and harvested only during the summer...the one season, out of the entire four seasons of the year, that we cannot wait until the first one ripens, and this juicy summer delicacy, finally does appear? You guessed it...Tomatoes, tomatoes, tomatoes.
- [Disaster Recovery Resources](https://arcd.org/disaster-recovery-resources/): Hurricane Helene caused a “one in 1,000 years” rainfall event, bringing our rivers to carry so much water that communities were devastated by flooding and destroyed infrastructure, and the loss of neighbors and friends. The recovery will be a long haul. ARCD stands by our agricultural community and moving ahead will do everything we can to support immediate assistance and long term resiliency and recovery. This is a dynamic page of resources as the recovery situation unfolds.
- [Featured Chef: Baking seasonal fruits with Maren Close, Lazy Lady Baking Co.](https://arcd.org/featured-chef-close/): Lazy Lady Baking Company has built its reputation on the highest quality and best tasting artisan products — and that comes from using the highest quality ingredients. We use the highest grades butter and flour, and so of course from the beginning when I started my business I bought local produce for its flavor and quality. My family has always gardened and supported local farmers markets, and my culinary training in North Carolina and California supported continuing that. I love buying from Buffalo Trail Orchard, Greene County, for their apples, blackberries and peaches.
- [Gardener Story: Jamie Shamblin](https://arcd.org/gardener-story-jamie-shamblin/): Then our hardest battle yet came with the summer heat and dry weather. We had caught hundreds of gallons of rain water to help water the garden but it wasn't enough for how hot and dry it was this year. Luckily we learned from the class that mulch works great to help hold moisture for the plants.
- [Gardener Story: Winnie Li](https://arcd.org/gardener-story-winnie-li/): I felt so good when I saw our freezer filled up with vegetables from the garden, especially during the wintertime, I appreciated every bite of the food that came from the garden. I am so proud that I can share some of my food with the neighbors and friends.
- [Gardener Story: Amy & Zane](https://arcd.org/gardener-story-amy-zane/): The sequencing of BIU's workshops unrolled in a helpful way, specifically when it came to the two workshops on Pests & Diseases. Those have been immensely helpful and we contact the folks who led those workshops almost weekly for a "HELP! What's this bug/disease? How do we fix it ASAP?" style check-in. Each workshop helped us recognize the importance of the season and what you can do with it.
- [Gardener Story: Sarah Blackburn](https://arcd.org/gardener-story-sarah-blackburn/): We have multiple food allergies that have propelled us into eating healthy, plant-forward and organic foods. This way of eating is extremely expensive so having a garden has allowed us to save exponentially.
- [USDA and the Appalachia Regional Food Business Center Make Available $3.32 Million to Farm and Food Businesses in First Round of Business Builder Subawards](https://arcd.org/usda-and-the-appalachia-regional-food-business-center-make-available-3-32-million-to-farm-and-food-businesses-in-first-round-of-business-builder-subawards/): The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and Appalachia Regional Food Business Center (ARFBC) today announced the availability of $3.32 million in Business Builder subawards to support food and farm business development, market access, and processing, aggregation, and distribution infrastructure.
- [Appalachian Resource Conservation & Development Council to Hold 2024 Land Conservation Workshop for Women Farmers and Landowners in Hawkins County](https://arcd.org/wpff-oct24/): The Appalachian Resource Conservation & Development Council (ARCD) is hosting a workshop series for women farmers and farm landowners in Hawkins County, TN entitled “Women Preserving Farmland for the Future.”
- [Field notes for 2024: by Graham Yelton](https://arcd.org/field-notes-for-2024-by-graham-yelton/): The most surprising thing about gardening, for me, is that it has become the place where I can get a brutal workout, have therapy, find alone time with God, spend quality time with my family, and a platform for connecting with community, whether it be over a shared meal or simply talking about growing beans. I did not expect to find such grounding in that space. The food is just an added bonus. I am convinced that gardening is sacred.
- [Gardener Story: Jacob Ragland & Sarah Mast](https://arcd.org/gardener-story-jacob-ragland-sarah-mast/): We are the proud caretakers of many small garden beds left at our house by the previous owners, which we try to do justice to. The rest of our backyard is filled by a long cedar picnic table atop a stone patio along with a littering of grills, a smoker, a pizza oven, and a big stir fry burner. All of this is to accommodate more guests for when we play host to a big dinner party, as we do a few times per year. Tying the "farm to table" rhetoric together is easy when most of the food never leaves a few square yards!
- [Gardener Story: Lawren Smith](https://arcd.org/gardener-story-lawren-smith/): Overall, gardening is a very beautiful experience. I love that this has caused me to get outside more. Also, my fear of bugs has decreased quite a bit. It was amazing to realize I can get in the garden and work next to bees and wasps without being harmed. I am more able to recognize which insects are helpers and are working in harmony with my garden. Gardening has been a great bonding moment as well. Getting to share my harvest with friends and family members, and working on the garden with my parents has been a memorable experience.
- [Gardener Story: Audra Holmes](https://arcd.org/gardener-story-audra-holmes/): We are now part way through our second year of the Build It Up Backyard Gardeners Program. What does the second year mean for us?  Confidence.  Confidence that we can grow food for our family. Confidence that we can tend a garden. Confidence that we can cook and eat what we grow. And confidence that we can preserve our excess.
- [Gardener Story: Julie Voudrie “Hard” Gardening](https://arcd.org/gardener-story-julie-voudrie-hard-gardening/): Of all the necessary components for a successful garden, the most important one can’t be bought or measured. You can’t borrow it, steal it, barter for it, or have it delivered. Yet without it, no garden would ever be planted. The most essential element every gardener must have is hope. When the gray of winter is interrupted by 4-color seed catalogs, hope spurs us to dream of golden sunny days filled with juicy red tomatoes and crisp green lettuce. Hope spurs us to grab a hoe and a pair of gloves and work up the first sweat of spring.

## Pages
- [Course Modules](https://arcd.org/ecourse-module-links/): Field School E-Course Modules E-Course at a Glance 6 Videos Course 1: Dream It 0:12 Course 2: Module 1. Do It 0:16 Course 3: Module 1. Sell It 0:16 Course 4: Module 1. Manage It 0:16 Course 5: Module 1. Grow It 0:16 Course 6: Module 1. Keep It 0:16 Full e-Course on YouTube
- [Field School e-Course](https://arcd.org/fieldschool/ecourse/): Tools, Tips, and Inspiration for the Journey Ahead.
- [Farmer Flood Relief](https://arcd.org/floodrelief/): resilient farmers
- [Washington County](https://arcd.org/washington-county/): The ‘Lone Star’ quilt square was painted by the Art Class at Crockett High Washington County. Alpacas de Colores (formerly the Devoe Farm) is owned by Celeste and Bob Mushet. They are full time alpaca ranchers and offer customers personalized attention in purchasing, transporting, and raising alpacas. And they sell luscious alpaca wool! See their website at:
- [Unicoi County](https://arcd.org/unicoi-county/): A campground with trout fishing and full amenities.
- [Sullivan County](https://arcd.org/sullivan-county/): The Allandale property was donated to the City of Kingsport by the Brooks Family in the 1960s. The classic Georgian Architecture mansion was built in the mid-20th century. The quilt block on the event barn is not a representation of a material quilt, but a chosen pattern to reflect Tennessee pride. It is a modern pattern. Read more about Allandale Mansion’s history at:
- [Johnson County](https://arcd.org/johnson-county/): This unique modern pattern was created and painted by an artist in Nashville.
- [Greene County](https://arcd.org/greene-county/): On Barbara Evans’ building, Evans Jewelers and Gallery. Imogene Bible Cobble was a beloved seamstress who worked downtown for many businesses for 35 years, praised for her craft and creativity. She made the Twinkling Tulips quilt but did not finish it–it was her final project she undertook before she died. The quilt was later finished by another seamstress, Judy Flint (who actually purchased Cobble’s home after her death), at the request of Lynne Cobble Hope, Imogene’s grand-daughter. Full story at:
- [Carter County](https://arcd.org/carter-county/): The barn at Cove Ridge Marina located on Piercetown Road in Butler, Tennessee was built in the late 1800s by Henry White. Mr. White built the barn from hand-cut timbers for his son-in-law, John Pierce. John Pierce owned and farmed the land where Cove Ridge Marina is today. The Bass and Trout quilt pattern was selected due to the obvious connection between the pattern and the current marina aspect of the land on which the barn resides. The quilt artist for the project was Candace St Lawrence from Johnson County, Tennessee.
- [Quilt Trail](https://arcd.org/quilt-trail/): The first Quilt Trail began in the early 2000’s in Southern Ohio. Ms. Donna Sue Groves was working in community arts when she had the idea of brightening up her mother’s faded gray tobacco barn with a quilt pattern. Her friends encouraged the instinct but soon one barn turned into many barns, and eventually it became a regional tourism project. This spark of an idea has now spread to over 40 states and into Canada, a truly American phenomenon. Our little 6-county Northeast Tennessee section of Quilt Trail is promoted by the Appalachian RC&D Council out of Johnson City, and boasts a family of over 130 quilt sites!
- [Love For the Land Songwriters Contest](https://arcd.org/love-for-land/): "LOVE FOR THE LAND"
- [Featured Gardeners](https://arcd.org/featured-gardeners/): Latest Insights
- [Featured Chefs](https://arcd.org/featured-chefs/): Latest Insights
- [Featured Farmers](https://arcd.org/featured-farmers/): Latest Insights
- [Press Releases](https://arcd.org/press-releases/): Latest Insights
- [Annual Reports](https://arcd.org/annual-reports/): Annual Reports 2025 IMPACT REPORT 2024 IMPACT REPORT 2023 Impact Report 2022 Impact Report 2021 Impact Report 2020 Impact Report 2019 Impact Report 2018 Impact Report 2017 Impact Report 2016 Impact Report 2015 Impact Report 2014 Impact Report 2012 Impact Report
- [Infrastructure Initiatives](https://arcd.org/infrastructure-initiatives/): growing the value-chain
- [Farm and Food Business Development](https://arcd.org/farm-and-food-business-development/): FROM FARM TO MARKET
- [Job Opportunities](https://arcd.org/job-opportunities/): Posted: July 28, 2026
- [Community Supported Ag](https://arcd.org/csa/): Connecting people with local Farms
- [Find A Farmers Market](https://arcd.org/farmfresh/find-a-farmers-market/): Farmers Markets of
- [History of ARCD](https://arcd.org/history-of-arcd/): The Appalachian Resource Conservation & Development Council is 501(c) (3) non-profit organization dedicated to the 10 counties of northeast Tennessee , while also supporting statewide conservation. 
- [Support](https://arcd.org/support/): This is an opportunity for everyone who believes in ARCD’s work to help cultivate the continuation of our programming and what we stand for in our community. Joining is easy! We ask that you commit to a monthly recurring donation of $25 or more to ARCD. Just sign up once and we will do the rest!
- [Specialty Workshops](https://arcd.org/workshops/): events
- [Envirothon](https://arcd.org/envirothon/): events
- [Ag in Art](https://arcd.org/ag-in-art/): events
- [Farm Tour](https://arcd.org/farmtour/): FARM TOUR
- [Staff & Board](https://arcd.org/staff-board/): Meet Our Team
- [Local Farms & Foods](https://arcd.org/farmfresh/): find local food
- [Field School](https://arcd.org/fieldschool/): Join us for our Winter Business Intensive and/or our Summer Workshop Series.
- [Produce RX](https://arcd.org/produce-rx/): Nutrition and Food Access
- [Build It Up](https://arcd.org/build-it-up/): Welcome to
- [Farmacy Fit](https://arcd.org/farmacy-fit/): Put your walking shoes on and join us for some free fruits & veggies! The Farmacy Fit program is a win-win for participants and farmers.
- [Nutrition & Food Access](https://arcd.org/nutrition-food-access/):  ARCD wants all of us, regardless of economic circumstance or location, to have access to fresh locally grown food.
- [Farmer & Gardener Training](https://arcd.org/farmer-and-gardener-training/): Farmer & Gardener Training
- [Women Preserving Farmland](https://arcd.org/women-preserving-farmland/): Welcome to
- [FireWise](https://arcd.org/firewise/): FireWise
- [Watershed Restoration](https://arcd.org/watershed-restoration/): As part of Appalachian RC&D Council's commitment to conserving our regions natural resources, our Watershed Restoration work focuses on improving water quality in our regional watersheds, improving agricultural management of water resources, and increasing the economic viability of our region through environmental tourism on our rivers, creeks and streams.

- [Farmland Preservation Fund](https://arcd.org/farmland-preservation-fund/): Governor Lee asked the TN Dept of Agriculture to take further action to help farmers keep their land in farming.  Thanks to the votes of many legislators, including northeast Tennessee Senators and Representatives, we now successfully have passed the bill for a Farmland Preservation Fund at $25 million starting, to fund voluntary permanent conservation easements, held by a qualifying 501(c)3, like a land trust. Next steps:
- [Farmland Conservation](https://arcd.org/farmland-conservation/): Farmland Conservation
- [Newsletters](https://arcd.org/newsletters/): Want to stay connected with ARCD?

- [Home-munia](https://arcd.org/home-munia/): Our mission is to connect farmers, gardeners, food entrepreneurs - and those who want to be - with resources to foster healthy, thriving andresilient communities.
- [Donate](https://arcd.org/donate/)
- [Contact](https://arcd.org/contact/): We want to hear from you
- [Insights](https://arcd.org/insights/)
- [Programs](https://arcd.org/programs/): From gardeners who have never sown seed before to seasoned farmers expanding their operation, ARCD provides training and resources to expand local food knowledge & production.
- [Home](https://arcd.org/): connecting communities