Kristi Wheeler Published

WVPB TV Series Edible Mountain Premieres Monday, March 20


Series to Showcase Appalachia’s Overlooked and Underappreciated Forest Products

CHARLESTON, WV – West Virginia Public Broadcasting’s newest television series, Edible Mountain, will premiere Monday, March 20 at 9 p.m., airing and streaming episodes 1 and 2. Episodes 3 and 4 will air and stream March 27 beginning at 9 p.m.

Edible Mountain follows botanists, conservationists, and enthusiastic hobbyists in the field as they provide insight on sustainable forest foraging. The episodes are designed to increase appreciation and accessibility to the abundance found in Appalachia, celebrating the traditional knowledge and customs of Appalachian folk concerning plants and their medical, religious, and social uses.

“We believe Edible Mountain provides our viewers with a great look inside our Appalachian heritage along with outstanding content that is both informative and intriguing,” said WVPB Chief Executive Officer Butch Antolini. “We certainly expect this series to grow into a national show.”

Episode 1 EDIBLE MOUNTAIN – This Is Our Garden

Air date Monday, March 20 at 9 p.m.

This episode is an introduction to how truly vast the plant biodiversity is in the Appalachian Mountain range. It explores the spiritual connections of traditional uses along with the enormous potential of research and development of the well over 6,000 species of plant life.

Episode 2 EDIBLE MOUNTAIN – Plant Medicine 

Air date Monday, March 20 at 9:30 p.m.

This episode takes a deep dive into the plants that have been traditionally used as medicine by Wise Women all over Appalachia. It has segments of how to process some of these plants for use along with recent studies that are proving what the wise women have trusted along.

Episode 3 EDIBLE MOUNTAIN – Forest Farming

Air date March 27, at 9 p.m.

Due to market pressures, ecosystem loss, and a growing consumer base, there is a push to inspire forest farming and herb growing. Documenting and sharing the Appalachian ethnobotanists’ oral traditions is the first step to inspire consumers to turn their forest into a farm.

Episode 4 EDIBLE MOUNTAIN – Wild Recipes

Air date March 27, at 9:30 p.m.

In this episode, you will learn how to serve meals with what is growing around you. There are potentially dangerous plants in the forest. Learn how proper identification and preparation is key to preparing these delicious recipes.