The Poor Prole’s Almanac

In this episode, we're joined by the director of the University of Tennessee’s tree improvement program, Dr. Scott Schlarbaum. Most people listening are probably surprised that any university offers a tree improvement program, and they’d be even more surprised to know that the program isn’t designed specifically with future cash crops in mind, but rather protecting ecotype genetic diversity and developing the foundation for potential tree crops, such as acorns, black walnuts, butternuts, and more. We chat about tree diversity, the potential of tree crops from wild trees, the impacts of invasives on our forests, and much more!   Check out the program's work at: https://treeimprovement.tennessee.edu/ On instagram at @tenntip To support this podcast, join our patreon for early episode access at https://www.patreon.com/poorprolesalmanac  For PPA Writing Content, visit: www.agroecologies.org For PPA Restoration Content, visit: www.restorationagroecology.com For PPA Merch, visit: www.poorproles.com For PPA Native Plants, visit: www.nativenurseries.org To hear Tomorrow, Today, our sister podcast, visit: www.tomorrowtodaypodcast.org/  

Dive into the world of black walnuts, the nut that divides opinion! Explore their quirky characteristics and rich history, shedding light on their significance in agriculture and indigenous cultures. Discover the challenges of breeding them and the complexities of juglone, a unique compound with ecological impacts. The versatile uses of black walnuts, from culinary delights to medicinal applications, are hilariously highlighted, showcasing innovative community-based food systems. It's a nutty journey worth cracking!

With over four decades in the field, Ken Asmus from Oikos Tree Crops shares his pioneering work in perennial crop breeding. Known for his innovative approaches to oak breeding, Ken recounts his journey from a family Christmas tree farm to becoming a key player in the nursery industry. Immerse yourself in Ken's world as he sheds light on the critical role of preserving genetic diversity and the passionate network of acorn collectors who support his mission. Explore the untapped potential of acorns as a food source, with Ken's cutting-edge project on testing burr oak acorns for tannin levels taking center stage. Through vivid storytelling, Ken delves into the historical significance of acorn processing, drawing inspiration from Native American traditions and the work of Suella Ocean. The conversation reveals the exciting possibilities of integrating underutilized crops like hickories, black walnuts, and even niche favorites like hazelnuts and apricots into sustainable food systems, emphasizing the importance of communal innovation and honoring the legacy of past plant breeders. Discover the intriguing concepts of understory crop development, with Ken's experiments on growing perennial potatoes and other lesser-known plants under oak canopies. From chufa to sunchokes, Ken paints a vivid picture of turning orchards into dynamic ecosystems. The episode wraps up with insights into the potential of niche crops and the creative process behind agricultural advancements, sparking curiosity and appreciation for the dedicated individuals driving progress in this essential field. Follow Ken on instagram at @oikostreecrops Check out Ken's writing at: https://oikostreecrops.com/ecological-enrichment/ Check out the substack article for sources cited and a more extensive review of the subjects discussed in this episode! https://poorprolesalmanac.substack.com/p/oaks-and-acorns To support this podcast, join our patreon for early episode access at https://www.patreon.com/poorprolesalmanac For PPA Writing Content, visit: www.agroecologies.org For PPA Restoration Content, visit: www.restorationagroecology.com For PPA Merch, visit: www.poorproles.com For PPA Native Plants, visit: www.nativenurseries.org To hear Tomorrow, Today, our sister podcast, visit: www.tomorrowtodaypodcast.org/   Key Words: Perennial Crop Breeding, Oak Breeding, Genetic Diversity, Acorn Collectors, Sustainable Agriculture, Niche Crops, Understory Crop Development, Plant Cultivars, Genetic Repositories, Perennial Potatoes, Chufa, Hydroponic Systems, Flavor Development, Rare Crops, Selective Breeding, Domestication, Creative Projects, Appreciation, Exchange of Ideas, Untapped Topics

Elliott & Matt are back to discuss the oak tree, acorns, whether or not Elliott works for the CIA, and the pecularities of processing acorns.    The Quercus genus is arguably the most important genus for all living things on earth, including humans. Spanning 55 million years, five continents, over six hundred species, including over ninety of which are here in North America, the oak tree is a central figure in folklore across the globe. Found as both deciduous and evergreens, as massive keystone trees in forests, and as small shrubs, it’s no surprise that the ubiquitous oak is a foundational part of human existence. Oaks provide us with food, firewood, building materials, tannins for processing the leathers that shielded us from the elements, and feed for the animals and fungi we also consume. Our existence is predicated on their existence, and that’s clearly manifested in its cultural significance, from the names of places (such as Oakland) to its central role in religions (such as paganism).   Check out the substack article for sources cited and a more extensive review of the subjects discussed in this episode! https://poorprolesalmanac.substack.com/p/oaks-and-acorns To support this podcast, join our patreon for early episode access at https://www.patreon.com/poorprolesalmanac  For PPA Writing Content, visit: www.agroecologies.org For PPA Restoration Content, visit: www.restorationagroecology.com For PPA Merch, visit: www.poorproles.com For PPA Native Plants, visit: www.nativenurseries.org To hear Tomorrow, Today, our sister podcast, visit: www.tomorrowtodaypodcast.org/  

In this episode, we're joined by Dan Kittredge to discuss the work his organization the Bionutrient Food Association is doing. The Bionutrient Institute team is a global collection of scientists, technicians, engineers, organizers, and others working toward our collective goal to define nutrient density. We chat at length about the surprising results of their studies, and how their testing allows us to better assess the claims of various farming methods, from permaculture, no-till, broad-forking, organic, all the way to conventional agriculture. How can we take this unique data to grow better food, and what are the implications of making food quality knowledge more democratic to consumers?   To check out Dan's work, visit: https://www.bionutrientinstitute.org/ https://www.bionutrient.org/ https://www.youtube.com/@Bionutrient and on instagram: @Bionutrientfoodassociation @Bionutrientinstitute     To support this podcast, join our patreon for early episode access at https://www.patreon.com/poorprolesalmanac  For PPA Writing Content, visit: www.agroecologies.org For PPA Restoration Content, visit: www.restorationagroecology.com For PPA Merch, visit: www.poorproles.com For PPA Native Plants, visit: www.nativenurseries.org To hear Tomorrow, Today, our sister podcast, visit: www.tomorrowtodaypodcast.org/  

In this episode, we're joined by Dr. Eric Burhart from Penn State's Environmental Center. Eric's focus is around wild plant research, stewardship, and use, and we get to dive into this subject specifically around ramps and ghost pipe, although he has an extensive background in American ginseng and goldenseal as well. We explore the ways these plants are impacted and can be impacted by invasives, and what the future holds for these special species that inhabit our forests across the east coast.     For more information: https://www.shaverscreek.org/about-us/meet-the-staff/ericburkhart/ You can also find Eric on Instagram at @PA_Botany_and_ethnobotany   To support this podcast, join our patreon for early episode access at https://www.patreon.com/poorprolesalmanac  For PPA Writing Content, visit: www.agroecologies.org For PPA Restoration Content, visit: www.restorationagroecology.com For PPA Merch, visit: www.poorproles.com For PPA Native Plants, visit: www.nativenurseries.org To hear Tomorrow, Today, our sister podcast, visit: www.tomorrowtodaypodcast.org/  

This episode is special, as we have paired it with a lengthy 2-part scything 101 collaborative substack piece. We're joined by Benjamin Brownlow of Fox Holler Almanac & Farmstead to discuss the application of the scythe and basics around making this traditional tool more accessible for first-time users. What are the benefits of using a scythe, how can it change the trajectory of a landscape, and when is it not appropriate? Further, what exactly is a scythe, and how can your decisions around the scythe you use impact your success? We explore all of these questions and more in this episode.   Additionally, Fox Holler Farmstead is seeking apprentices for 2024 in cooperative land management, agroforestry, natural building, sustainable agriculture and gardening. Contact Ben at brownlow.benjamin@gmail.com for more information!   Check out the substack pieces and subscribe to Ben's substack as well! https://poorprolesalmanac.substack.com/p/revitalizing-the-scythe https://benjaminbramble.substack.com/  To support this podcast, join our patreon for early episode access at https://www.patreon.com/poorprolesalmanac  For PPA Writing Content, visit: www.agroecologies.org For PPA Restoration Content, visit: www.restorationagroecology.com For PPA Merch, visit: www.poorproles.com For PPA Native Plants, visit: www.nativenurseries.org To hear Tomorrow, Today, our sister podcast, visit: www.tomorrowtodaypodcast.org/  

In this episode, we're joined by musician and organizer Ben Potrykus to talk about building community and how music and politics interplay. Ben's a veteran in the greater Boston music scene, and spent years touring the country with a number of different bands, including the Receiving end of Sirens, Christians & Lions, Get Loose!, Sharp Teeth, Baixa, Girlfriends, Bent Shapes, Fake ID, and more.    Imposed Magazine describes Ben's place in the music scene succinctly, stating that "Over the years, he’s torpedoed two major label deals, temporarily fractured his relationship with his brother, and sabotaged a rock doc, all results of his idealism, impulsiveness, and neurosis about selling out. His devotion has made him one of the most revered songwriters in Boston, though it was never his intention to become anything, really." (read the article here, if you are curious) We chat about where he stands on these issues today, and further, how these relationships in and around music have informed the way in which he engages with his other work around tenant organizing. If you're not familiar with tenant organizing, we discuss the benefits of this type of organizing over unionizing workplaces, and the increased presence it will likely have in a world which increasingly isolates due to work from home and more. We also discuss various resources for tenant organizing, which are included below: https://atun-rsia.org/ https://powrpvd.org/ https://bostontenantsunion.org/   And of course follow @Christiansandlions on Instagram & check out their music at www.christiansandlions.com   Intro music: Christians & Lions- "The Changeling" Transition music: Christians & Lions- "Firebelly Salamander" Outro music: Christians & LIons- "Bird's Milk" To support this podcast, join our patreon for early episode access at https://www.patreon.com/poorprolesalmanac  For PPA Writing Content, visit: www.agroecologies.org For PPA Restoration Content, visit: www.restorationagroecology.com For PPA Merch, visit: www.poorproles.com For PPA Native Plants, visit: www.nativenurseries.org To hear Tomorrow, Today, our sister podcast, visit: www.tomorrowtodaypodcast.org/  

We're joined by Whitney Johnson, a forager who has focused on highlighting the complex and beautiful cultural history of foraging in Appalachia. Johnson has become known to the internet as the @appalachian_forager on Tiktok & Instagram, which she built by hunting mushrooms – and her passion for Appalachian culture and dedication to authenticity keeps people coming back. Her work highlights the ways in which food, ecology, and community intersect, and point to a way in which foodways can help us navigate our way towards healthier communities and healthier ecosystems.   To support this podcast, join our patreon for early episode access at https://www.patreon.com/poorprolesalmanac  For PPA Writing Content, visit: www.agroecologies.org For PPA Restoration Content, visit: www.restorationagroecology.com For PPA Merch, visit: www.poorproles.com For PPA Native Plants, visit: www.nativenurseries.org To hear Tomorrow, Today, our sister podcast, visit: www.tomorrowtodaypodcast.org/  

Chris Newman of Sylvanaqua Farms joins the podcast to discuss scalable and sustainable farming, engaging with the current system, and the complexity of good actions in food systems. They explore the role of monocrops like corn, the need for cautious implementation of well-intentioned practices, and the importance of finding like-minded individuals to build systems. They also touch on the impact of the internet on self-identification and community-building, the complexities of decolonization, and the fast-paced nature of media and isolation.