Suzanne Stewart
Staff Writer
Agriculture has always been a big part of Erwin Berry’s life. He taught in high schools throughout West Virginia, including Pocahontas County High School, where he retired in 2021.
Retirement didn’t really change Berry’s love of agriculture at all. He continues to garden, and teach and help others learn more about agriculture – outside of the classroom.
Two years ago, Berry was approached by the Linwood Center to take over the high tunnel and garden started by the organization.
“They didn’t have anybody to run it,” he said. “The garden is a community garden. There’s about eight of us that have our own little plots. I kind of manage the water and keep things cultivated. I run the high tunnel myself.”
Berry received a Snowshoe Foundation grant in 2025 to improve the high tunnel and got to growing.
After former manager Steve White moved to Florida, Berry took over the operation because he didn’t want to see it go to waste. When he talked to Linwood Center director Tracey Valach and asked her what to do with the money earned at the Farmers Market, she told him to keep it.
“I didn’t think it was right for me to take the money from a high tunnel that wasn’t mine,” Berry said.
So instead, he donates all the proceeds to organizations and individuals who can benefit from extra funds. In 2025, Berry gave the funds to Kenzie Dickman, a Paralympian who was training to join the U.S. Paralympic team.
This year, the funding went to the Challenged Athletes of West Virginia, a program based at Silver Creek. Berry has been a volunteer with the organization for nearly 30 years and knew the funding would be used to help the adaptive program assist individuals who want to bike, ski and snowboard.
CAWV director Carol Woody and other volunteers helped Berry man the station at the Linwood Farmers Market and this summer, they raised nearly $2,000.
He also got some help in the high tunnel and garden, especially from his wife, Diane, who was there with him every step of the way.
There are two more Farmers Markets left this season, but Berry said he still has plenty of produce that he plans to donate to the Linwood Market.
“I’ve had a really great season with tomatoes and lettuce and peppers,” he said. “We’ve had cucumbers and green beans. I’ve had sweet corn and I’ve still got Brussel sprouts that are going to come off soon.”
In addition to selling at the market, Berry also provides fresh produce to Old Spruce Brewery and the new Jake’s Local located in the former Kickin’ Chicken spot.
“They are big supporters,” he said.
Berry also grows chrysanthemums that he donates to both Green Bank Elementary-Middle School and Marlinton Middle School for fundraisers. This year, he had help from Cetera Cole, who is taking over the mum business and will continue to provide the potted flowers to the schools.
“She’s doing a really good job with that,” Berry said. “The Snowshoe Hare has been helping her sell mums and her vegetables. I’ve been helping her in her high tunnel and getting her started.”
As for the future, Berry said he is open to donating the funds from the produce to other organizations or individuals in need, as long as he can get a little help in the process.
“I’ve been asking around, seeing if other groups need help or even a family that had some hardship and needed some help,” he said. “I’d be willing to do that, too. What I like is when people in that group that are going to benefit, I like it when they can help, too. Help me at the market or help me in the high tunnel.”
Retirement hasn’t been a time for slowing down for Berry. It’s become a way to continue sharing his knowledge about agriculture in a way that also allows him to help the local communities.
“I’ve always loved agriculture and I’ve learned a lot from some really smart people,” he said. “I’ve been able to pass that on and keep doing it myself.”
