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Collection Tending the Commons: Folklife and Landscape in Southern West Virginia

Seasonal Round of Activities on Coal River

The seasonal round on Coal River, showing the continuing role of the mixed mesophytic forest in community life. Many of these activites rely on common pool resources located in the mountains. Adapted from the graphic by Suzuki Graphics, based on interviews and a field sketch by Mary Hufford.

A graphic consisting of concentric rings that illustrate the work and gathering activities in the Coal River region in each month of the year.
January February March April Planting May June July Berries August Ginseng September Harvest October November Deer December Winter cover and fallow Gardens Plow and plant gardens Onions Greens Peas Potatoes Hunt: Molly Moochers (Morels) Sweet potatoes Corn Beans Tomatoes Gathering Dig wild greens Ramps Poke Woolen britches Shawnee Lamb's tongue Maple syrup Sassafras Split wood Clear gardens Dig and store potatoes Drying beans Drying Freezing Canning Pick wild berries Chinquapin Hazelnuts Walnuts Chestnut Butternut Beech Hickory Gather nuts Paw-paws Persimmons Cut Christmas trees Sumac Witchhazel Sassafras Commercial gathering Moss Ninebark Yellowroot Bloodroot Mayapple Hellgrammites Virginia snakeroot Indian turnip Molasses making Corn shucking Squirrels Hunting Deer Bear Spring gobblers Healthcare Services Self-employment Construction Mining Logging Teaching Ginseng Year Round Work Fishing Hellgrammites Fish fries Cookouts Family reunions Tend graves Ramp festivals Community events Strawberries Red Mulberries Blackberries Wild grapes Raspberries Huckleberries Elderberries Currants Wineberries