Appalachian Expedition

You are amazed at how many useful plants there are in the mountains. The fact that plants like ginseng are rare is a reminder, though, that the variety of useful plants available in the mountains today is nothing like what it used to be. Traditionally, most collectors were local people who harvested enough for their families. Sometimes they would gather additional plants to sell in the local market. In recent years, however, there has been increased global demand for natural products like medicinal herbs. This has brought outside collectors to the mountain. These outsiders don't always know how to properly collect the plants and often they collect too much. As a result, many plants, like ginseng, are threatened, and others have become extinct. Fortunately, the government is aware of the situation and has made the collection of some plants illegal.

Once again, as the sun begins to set the temperature drops. Even after spending two nights on the mountain you still can't believe how quickly this happens or how quickly your body begins to cool down! You and your teammates head back to Camp 3 and begin preparing for your final day on the mountain.