Our Reclamation and Remediation (Rec & Rem) team is dedicated to preserving and transforming both people and places through workforce development and abandoned mineland reclamation. Trainees and Crew Members working on our Rec & Rem sites gain hands-on experience in regenerative agriculture and land stewardship while developing personally, professionally, and academically through our WRAPS model. Through our reclaimed mine sites in southern West Virginia, we’ve transformed once-abandoned land into assets that meet community needs. These sites now support diverse plant life, including food-producing crops, a variety of animals aiding in natural remediation, and even a small solar array.
Coalfield Development’s Ashford Lavender Farm, located in Boone County, West Virginia, is a key component of its efforts to create new economic opportunities in Appalachia. Located on formerly mined land, the farm provides hands-on workforce training in agriculture and supports the production of high-value crops, essential oils, and artisanal products.
The lavender farm also helps generate new business ventures and job opportunities, contributing to the local economy. By combining agriculture with workforce development, Coalfield Development is expanding career pathways and strengthening rural communities.
Ashford Farm Photos by Vanta E. Code III
Coalfield Development’s Highwall site, located in Mingo County, West Virginia, is a former mine land project focused on workforce development and economic opportunities. The site has robust farm land with a variety of animals, as well as an on-site farmstand registered with the WV Department of Agriculture, where local meats and produce are sold, and an initiative in partnership with Mingo Central High School’s ProStart program. In addition to agriculture, the site also boasts significant tourism potential – three rental cabins are being constructed and a trail system is in progress. It also features an agrivoltaic solar array with battery storage, designed to provide shade and cooling for water systems while generating energy to power staff training, coolers, and more.
Highwall utilizes regenerative agriculture as a means for land reclamation, food production and tourism, restoring soil health while creating new business and training opportunities for the community.
Highwall is transforming former mine land into a thriving space for agriculture, tourism, and job training. Follow our farmstand on Facebook to see what’s fresh, or book a stay in our SkyView Cabin to experience the beauty of Mingo County!
We spent our June Council Day at Highwall, our property in Mingo County. This former strip mine is being transformed into farm land.
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Inspiring the courage to grow, activating the creativity to innovate, and cultivating communities of opportunity in central Appalachia.
