Frostburg State University, West Virginia University, and the University of Maryland Biotechnology Institute are partnering to create the Appalachian Center for Ethnobotanical Studies (ACES). This is a collaborative, inter-institutional effort devoted to the multidisciplinary study and conservation of native plants.

A primary focus of ACES is to foster economic growth in the region through the managed development of the area's natural resources. It will work with existing businesses and facilitate the development of new local enterprises to explore the use of regional plants for health-related purposes. ACES will also help to document and preserve Appalachian culture as it relates to wild plant harvesting and herbal medicine through community outreach and education programs.

Currently a "virtual center," the goal of ACES is to develop a physical facility within the next five years that will be located in Western Maryland and house a conference center, a museum/education center, and a research center.

For more information, contact:

Linda Steele
Frostburg State University
College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
241 Compton Science Center
Frostburg, Maryland 21532-2303

Telephone: 301-687-4137
Fax: 301-687-3084
E-mail: lsteele@frostburg.edu