Non-Timber Forest Products

Our region's mixed mesophytic forest holds great promise. In addition to a diverse mix of high-value hardwood species, the forest is filled with non-timber forest products whose potential is yet to be fully explored: gourmet mushrooms such as blue oysters, chanterelles, morels, and chicken of the woods; medicinal herbs such as ginseng, goldenseal, blue cohosh, black cohosh, bloodroot, and numerous others; wild fruits such as paw paws, persimmons and wild cherries; nut trees like black walnuts, hazelnuts, hickory nuts, and others; and ornamental plants valued by florists, wreath makers and other craftspeople.

For a look at the Sustainable Economies Initiative please see the Sustainable Economies Initiative Strategy Paper. This economic initiative is centered on four principles:

1. Keep local dollars local
2. Close the environmental loop
3. Build on unique local assets
4. Expand local ownership and ownership options