Appalachian coal mines have long been a source of stress for both environmentalists and local communities surrounding the mines. Coal mining has polluted the Appalachian region and continues to disrupt the environment in the areas surrounding the mines decades after the mining stops. But one company is aiding in the land reclamation process. Appalachian Botanical Company is paving the way for inclusive employment and land reclamation in Ashford, West Virginia on their lavender and honeybee farm. The key: lavender's drought and pest resistance and ability to grow in the rocky soil found on the reclaimed coal mine sites. Requiring just a small amount of organic chicken fertilizer, the lavender is grown without the use of pesticides. The lavender is actually able to remove some of the toxic heavy metals left behind by the mining too! Honeybees then forage throughout the lavender fields and produce locally grown honey to be sold along side the lavender by the Appalachian Botanical Company. If you'd like to learn more about the company, their environmental efforts, and their inclusive hiring and community building practices, check out the links below!
https://appalachianbotanical.com/pages/about-us
https://www.businessinsider.com/lavender-farm-reclaimed-coal-mining-land-2021-8
