About the Appalachian Plant Materials Center

Updated 08/13/2008

Description of the PMC Service Area

The area served by the Appalachian Plant Materials Center encompasses the southern Appalachian region. Generally, the topography of the region is rugged, with steep slopes terminating in narrow, flat valley bottoms along perennial streams.

Elevations range from 400 feet to 6,500 feet. Average annual rainfall ranges from 32 inches to 55 inches. The minimum temperature reaches -24 degrees. The growing season is from 130 days to 203 days, increasing in the southern states.

The area is humid and mostly forested, with soils derived from sandstone, limestone, or shale. Urban development and agriculture tends to be concentrated in or along the floodplains and valley bottoms.

Livestock is the main farm enterprise on the cleared lands that are too steep for row crops. Non-agricultural activities, such as strip mining, expanding land transportation systems, building construction and developing recreational facilities play a major role in water quality problems of the area.

Getting to the Appalachian Plant Materials Center

To access the center, take exit 161 on Interstate Highway 64 (Alta) onto State Highway 12 South. Continue South on State Highway 12 approximately 11 miles to Alderson. At the intersection of State Highways 12 and 3 in Alderson, take State Highway 3 East. To access State Highway 3 from State Highway 12 requires a left turn onto a new bridge spanning the Greenbrier River. A second left turn is required at the opposite end of the bridge to remain on State Highway 3. Continue East on State Highway 3 for approximately 3 miles to the intersection of State Highway 3 and Country Route 3/2, Creamery Road. Turn onto Creamery Road via a right turn and proceed approximately 200 feet to the crest of a knoll. At the crest of the knoll, turn right onto Country Route 3/29, Old Prison Farm Road, and proceed about .25 - .3 miles to the PMC facilities.

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