BWBMC's Winter/Spring 2012 Schedule of Classes...& Updated Botanical Pharmacy List
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Tellur Fenner
4 Jan 2012, 3:04:07 pm04/01/2012
to Blue Wind Botanical Medicine Clinic's Mailing List
Happy New Year Everyone!
So 2012 is finally here...and with it a whole new line up of edible &
medicinal plant classes/workshops/field trips. First though, I'd like
to thank everyone who came out to support my work in 2011. It's not
easy for a small business in this current economy, so I'd like you all
to know how much your business means to me. Without it I certainly
wouldn't be able to continue the much needed (and unfortunately, quite
marginalized) work that I do.
Despite the unusually dry winter we are having in the Bay Area, there
are still a number of plants to observe this time of year in the
surrounding parks and natural areas. Now is a good time to get outside
and witness the unfolding of the "green season", a sort of pre-spring
that comes early to the central California coast. In addition to my
regular seasonal herb walk series I will be offering a number of new
classes this winter, including classes on: Herbal First Aid,
California Ethnobotany, Edible/Medicinal Plant Families of California,
Poisonous Plants of the Bay Area, Rare & Endangered Medicinal Plants
of California: Cultivation Methods and Uses, and others. In addition,
this spring and summer I will be leading overnight field excursions to
both the Sonoran Desert of Southern California and the Eastern Sierra/
Great Basin region. Since such multi-day trips require advanced
planning I decided to include them in this season's email update.
Due to extensive work related travel this past year, my website has
fallen into an abysmal state. Currently I am relying more on my
Facebook business page for class postings and other updates. If you
haven't yet checked it out I recommend that you do. I've uploaded more
than 1,000 class/plant/habitat photos to the page...with more to come
in the weeks ahead. I've also been using the page as a sort of blog,
updating it periodically with information related to: ethnobotany,
botany/taxonomy, plant toxicology, book reviews, environmental
politics, local events, and other info. You can check out the page and
"like" it here:
https://www.facebook.com/bluewindbmc#!/bluewindbmc
I also recently updated the Blue Wind Botanical Medicine Clinic herbal
pharmacy list with a number of new plant extracts. The plants were
gathered over the course of this past year in an area spanning from
Arizona to the Pacific Northwest. The clinic now has over 200 extracts
in stock...complete with revised scientific nomenclature (latin names
taken from the Jepson Manual: 2nd Edition). You can view the pharmacy
list here: http://www.bluewindbmc.com/products.php
And last but not least, for those that haven't heard yet...the Jepson
Manual: Higher Plants of California 2nd Edition has FINALLY been
released! The first edition was published way back in 1993...so the
current edition (with all its many changes) has been a long time
coming. To take a gander at the online version check out the following
link: http://ucjeps.berkeley.edu/IJM.html
In my upcoming class: Edible & Medicinal Plant Families of California
on January 29th I will be discussing many of the new taxonomical
revisions and nomenclature changes that have recently taken effect.
Well, I believe I've gone on long enough.
May 2012 bring you all much health, happiness, and prosperity!
Tellur Fenner
THE HAZARDS: POISONOUS PLANTS OF THE BAY AREA
Whether you endeavor to harvest, prepare, and use plant foods/
medicines or simply wish to embark on leisurely strolls through the
woods, it is CRITICAL that you learn about those plants which can harm
or even kill you. Knowledge is power, and the goal of this class is to
raise students’ awareness about the more commonly encountered
poisonous plants found growing in and around the San Francisco Bay
Area. Toxic ornamentals, invasives, and native plant representatives
will all be covered. Special emphasis will be placed on
differentiating poisonous plants from their beneficial edible/
medicinal counterparts. Participants will not only be protecting
themselves, but will be ensuring the safety of their families,
friends, and pets as well. Class will consist of a lecture/slideshow
along with a large selection of live plant samples.
Date/Time: Saturday, January 21. 10am-4pm.
Location: Blue Wind Botanical Medicine Clinic & Education Center.
Oakland, CA.
Instructor: Tellur Fenner
Fee: $40
To Bring: Notebook, camera, water, lunch.
Registration: Email (preferred): bluew...@gmail.com Phone:
510-428-1810
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/bluewindbmc
Website: www.bluewindbmc.com
NATURE'S PHARMACY: HERBAL TINCTURE MAKING WORKSHOP
Herbal tinctures (alcohol extracts) are a convenient and efficient way
to prepare, formulate, and administer botanical medicines. Tincture
making is both an art and a science, with a wide variety of techniques
involved in the process. Come join us in this weekend workshop as we
explore many of these methods while using a number of different plants
and fungi. Topics to be covered include: fresh plant tincturing, dry
plant maceration, dry plant percolation, fluid extracts, glycerites,
liniments, acetums, and hydro-alcohol double extractions. This is an
interactive hands-on class so come ready to get your hands dirty while
having a lot of fun! Each student will leave with a medicine that s/he
helped prepare.
Date/Time: Sunday, January 22. 10am-4pm.
Location: Point Reyes National Seashore
Instructor: Tellur Fenner
Fee: $95 ($75 Members) Includes materials fee.
To Bring: Notebook, camera, water, lunch.
Registration link:
http://www.ptreyes.org/fieldinstitute/classlistnaturalworld.shtml
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/bluewindbmc
Website: www.bluewindbmc.com
EDIBLE & MEDICINAL PLANTS OF THE BAY AREA: A BIOREGIONAL EXPLORATION
(Seasonal Herb Walk Series)
From the mist shrouded sea cliffs to the sun-baked arid expanse of its
eastern most regions, the San Francisco Bay area provides us with a
chance to view a large variety of botanical specimens all within a
relatively small geographical range. Join us as we discover together
the diverse array of both edible and medicinal plants found growing
within these contrasting yet closely interconnected micro-climates.
Historical and modern medicinal applications will be covered along
with any edible and/or utilitarian potential. Tips on basic plant
identification will be offered, with an emphasis on how to
differentiate poisonous look-alike plants from their beneficial
counterparts. Plant family characteristics will be discussed as well.
-WINTER SESSION-
Glenn Canyon Park (San Francisco, CA). Saturday, January 28. 10am-2pm.
$30.
Sibley Volcanic Regional Preserve (Oakland, CA). Sunday, February 5.
10am-2pm. $30.
Samuel P. Taylor State Park (Lagunitas, CA). Sunday, February 26.
10am-4pm. $40.
Butano State Park (Pescadero, CA). Sunday, March 4. 10am-4pm. $40.
CLASS SERIES DISCOUNT: Preregister for all 4 walks (20 hours of
instruction) for only $125
Instructor: Tellur Fenner
Make sure to bring: Water, lunch, notebook, hat/sunscreen, rain gear,
and a camera.
Registration: Email (preferred): bluew...@gmail.com Phone:
510-428-1810
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/bluewindbmc
Website: www.bluewindbmc.com
PLANT FAMILIES OF CALIFORNIA: AN EDIBLE & MEDICINAL PERSPECTIVE
Learning to recognize plants by their family characteristics is a
great way to begin making sense of the “wall of green” you might be
accustomed to seeing on your hikes in the outdoors. Like members of
your own immediate family, closely related plants generally share
similar physical features. In addition, these plants often share
similar chemical traits and thus related medicinal attributes as well.
For these reasons it is a worthwhile endeavor to devote time to
learning about such plant groupings. Class will consist of a lecture/
slideshow highlighting the basic taxonomic and chemical
characteristics of selected edible/medicinal plant families. Edible/
medicinal uses, harvesting ethics, at-risk plants, preparation
methods, and botanical safety issues are a few of the topics which
will be discussed. Hands-on activities will include: microscope
sessions, sensory learning: smelling/touching/tasting a variety of
different plant samples, as well as interactive tips on how to
successfully identify plants using regional plant floras.
Date/Time: Sunday, January 29. 10am-4pm.
Location: Blue Wind Botanical Medicine Clinic & Education Center.
Oakland, CA.
Instructor: Tellur Fenner
Fee: $40
To Bring: Notebook, camera, water, lunch.
Registration: Email (preferred): bluew...@gmail.com Phone:
510-428-1810
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/bluewindbmc
Website: www.bluewindbmc.com
CALIFORNIA ETHNOBOTANY: EDIBLE & MEDICINAL PLANT USES
As one of the most ethnically and botanically diverse areas in North
America, indigenous plant use in California (both past & present) is
astounding in its scope and complexity. Class will begin with a brief
lecture aiming to historically contextualize the vast field of
California ethnobotany. The strengths and weaknesses of ethnobotanical
scholarship will be discussed and a large variety of books will be
available for viewing. The remainder of the class will consist of a
powerpoint slideshow detailing the historic and present-day use of a
number of native California edible/medicinal plants. Ethical
harvesting/processing methods will be covered in addition to any
potential hazards and safety issues. Hands-on activities and a large
selection of plant samples will also be incorporated into the class.
Date/Time: Saturday, February 4. 10am-4pm.
Location: Blue Wind Botanical Medicine Clinic & Education Center.
Oakland, CA.
Instructor: Tellur Fenner
Fee: $40
To Bring: Notebook, camera, water, lunch.
Registration: Email (preferred): bluew...@gmail.com Phone:
510-428-1810
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/bluewindbmc
Website: www.bluewindbmc.com
HERBAL FIRST AID WORKSHOP
In former times, many Americans knew at least a handful of local wild
medicinal plants used to treat minor self limiting ailments. This is
no longer the case. Whether you are hiking, camping, traveling
overseas, or just working in the garden...a little plant knowledge can
go a long way in protecting you and your family's health...and at
little to no cost! In this class we will cover a number of medicinal
first aid plants found growing across the Bay Area (and beyond),
including natives, non-native "weeds", and commonly found ornamentals.
Identification tips, medicinal uses, ethical harvesting/prepartion
methods, and safety issues will all be addressed. Herbal treatment
topics will include: wounds, sprains, burns, insect bites, poison oak
dermatitis, colds/flus, fever, intestinal infections, allergies, and
more. Class will consist of an interactive lecture (with plant samples
& preparation demos).
Date/Time: Saturday, February 19. 10am-4pm.
Location: Blue Wind Botanical Medicine Clinic & Education Center.
Oakland, CA.
Instructor: Tellur Fenner
Fee: $40
To Bring: Notebook, camera, water, lunch.
Registration: Email (preferred): bluew...@gmail.com Phone:
510-428-1810
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/bluewindbmc
Website: www.bluewindbmc.com
MEDICINAL PLANTS OF CALIFORNIA:
PROPAGATION, CULTIVATION, AND PREPARATION METHODS
With the popularity of herbal medicine increasing at an exponential
rate in the U.S, real concerns arise with regard to the sustainability
of the practice. Back east, sustained high demand for industry
favorites such as Goldenseal, Black Cohosh, American Ginseng, and
Echinacea have left once thriving plant communities on the brink of
extinction. Unethical harvesting practices in conjunction with ever
increasing urban and agricultural expansion are the main culprits in
this tragedy. Here in the west, we are starting to see some of these
same impacts on our own unique medicinal plant communities. Obviously,
in a liberal minded urban center such as the Bay Area we would be in
serious trouble if all those interested in plant medicine traveled to
the outlying areas to harvest. To remedy this dilemma it is imperative
that we begin to expand our cultivation of such useful plants in
yards, gardens, and other areas around the cities where we live. The
morning session will consist of an interactive lecture/slideshow,
while the afternoon session will take place outside on a “converted”
urban plot which has undergone such a transformation. Many of the more
popular (and lesser known) medicinal plants of California will be
covered in the class including both natives and "weeds". Each student
will take home a medicinal plant cutting from the garden.
Date/Time: Saturday, February 25. 10am-4pm.
Location: Berkeley, CA
Instructors: Tellur Fenner and Glenn Keator
Fee: $95 ($75 members)
To Bring: Notebook, camera, water, lunch, warm clothes/rain gear.
Registration: http://www.ptreyes.org/fieldinstitute/classlistnaturalworld.shtml
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/bluewindbmc
Website: www.bluewindbmc.com
EDIBLE & MEDICINAL PLANTS OF THE ANZA-BORREGO DESERT REGION:
A SPRING BLOOM FIELD EXPLORATION
Anza-Borrego lies within the Colorado Desert of Southern California,
which in turn comprises the western-most extension of the larger
Sonoran Desert. Of the four U.S. deserts, the Sonoran is by far the
most botanically diverse, and is home to a large number of medicinal,
edible, and other such useful plants. Come join us as we explore this
vast and tranquil landscape in search of many of these colorful
treasures of spring. Topics to be covered include: field botany/ID,
plant family characteristics, medicinal/edible/utilitarian uses,
medicine making techniques, ethical harvesting practices, safety
issues, natural history, and more. Days will be spent hiking and
exploring trails which wind through the various plant communities in
the area. Nights will include interactive hands-on workshops, relaxing
with friends, not to mention camping under a blanket of stars,
and....hot springs.
To Bring:
Since this is a car-camping trip, no serious backpacking gear is
necessary. Things that are necessary are: Tent, Sleeping Bag, Rain
Gear, Warm Clothes (the desert can be chilly at night!), Hiking Boots,
Hat/Sunscreen, Daypack, Food/Snacks (class fee does not include
meals), Camp Stove, Camping Chair, Camping Pad, Swimming Suit (for hot
springs), Flashlight, Water Bottles (at least 5 gallons per person),
Firewood, and most importantly...a sense of adventure!
Optional (yet recommended):
Notebook, Camera, Hand-lens, “The Jepson Desert Manual” and/or “A
Flora of San Diego County, California”, “Sonoran Desert Wildflowers”
by Spellenberg, and “Medicinal Plants of the Desert and Canyon West”
by Moore.
Meet-up/Departure Time:
We will meet near the park at a designated camping area between
4pm-7pm (traffic may be tricky) on Thursday March 15. Class ends after
breakfast (around 9am) on Tuesday March 20.
Interested, but don’t have a car? Inquire about carpooling options.
When: Thu, March 15, 2012, 4pm – Tue, March 20, 2012, 9am (Partial
attendance possible)
Where: Near Anza-Borrego Desert State Park. Approximately 90 miles
east of San Diego, CA.
Class Fee: $200/ entire session. $150/ 3 days. $100/ 2 days.
Instructor: Tellur Fenner
Registration: Email (preferred): bluew...@gmail.com Phone:
510-428-1810
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/bluewindbmc
Website: www.bluewindbmc.com
RARE & ENDANGERED MEDICINAL PLANTS OF CALIFORNIA:
Cultivation Methods and a Look Into Their Many Uses
Habitat loss due to urban development & expansion, commercial
agriculture, ranching, logging, and other human activities has
stressed many sensitive California plant habitats to the breaking
point. A number of native plants which have been used for literally
thousands of years by indigenous peoples of the territory now face the
threat of extinction due to activities of just the past 300 years. The
goal of this class is to help initiate “protection through education”
by raising awareness about the importance of such plants that the
California Native Plant Society has listed as “Rare, Threatened, or
Endangered”. Cultivation techniques and strategies will be discussed
along with information about the ethical use of more ubiquitous
“analog” species. Class will consist of a lecture/slideshow, a large
array of plant samples, and a walking tour of the nearby Regional
Parks Botanic Garden.
Date/Time: Saturday, April 7. 10am-5pm.
Location: Berkeley, CA
Instructors: Tellur Fenner and Glenn Keator
Fee: $70
To Bring: Notebook, camera, water, lunch, warm clothes/rain gear.
Registration: Email (preferred): bluew...@gmail.com Phone:
510-428-1810
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/bluewindbmc
Website: www.bluewindbmc.com
Plants of Point Reyes National Seashore: An Ethnobotanical Field
Exploration
Situated just 30 miles north of downtown San Francisco, Point Reyes
National Seashore is the largest and most diverse tract of contiguous
wilderness to be found so close to the cities of the Bay Area. The
botanical diversity of the region is due to its varied landscapes,
including: coastal bluffs, chaparral, dunes, deep forests of Douglas-
fir and Bishop pines, grasslands, and both fresh water and salt water
marshes. Join us on this day-long field class as we explore many of
these habitats while learning about the many amazing and useful plants
which grow there. We will spend our time hiking and botanizing from a
variety of different locations within the park reached via car
shuttle. Topics/activities to be covered include: plant
identification, medicinal/edible/utilitarian uses, plant family
characteristics, ethical harvesting guidelines and information about
at-risk medicinal plants (no plants will be picked during the course
as they are protected within the park’s boundaries), safety issues and
tips on how to avoid toxic/poisonous plants, medicine making
techniques, natural fibers, sampling of a variety of edible/medicinal
plant preparations, and more!
Date/Time: Sunday, April 15. 10am-5pm.
Location: Point Reyes National Seashore
Instructors: Tellur Fenner
Fee: $80 ($60 members)
To Bring: Notebook, camera, water, lunch, warm clothes/rain gear.
Registration: http://www.ptreyes.org/fieldinstitute/classlistnaturalworld.shtml
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/bluewindbmc
Website: www.bluewindbmc.com
EDIBLE PLANTS OF THE BAY AREA:
(Spring Session: Roots and Greens)
The indigenous peoples of California knew more than a little about
utilizing the abundance of food resources around them, both plant and
animal. Happily, some of this knowledge has been retained, and with a
little effort there are many ways of utilizing native foods that will
appeal to our modern palates! The first part of the day will consist
of a lecture/slideshow highlighting many of the more common (and
lesser known) wild edible plants of the region. Unique identification
characteristics of the chosen plants will be highlighted in order to
eliminate any confusion with less savory/toxic look-alikes. Plant
family characteristics, harvesting/preparation methods, wildcrafting
ethics, and basic nutritional profiles of the plants will be covered
as well. The later half of class will be spent preparing and sampling
a number of tasty wild food dishes. Although certainly not fast food,
wild edibles are nutrient dense and are found in surprising abundance
around the cities of the bay area.
Date/Time: Sunday, April 29. 10am-4pm
Location: Point Reyes National Seashore
Instructor: Tellur Fenner
Fee: $65 members/ $85 non-members
Make sure to bring: Water, lunch, notebook, hat/sunscreen, rain gear,
and a camera.
Registration: http://www.ptreyes.org/fieldinstitute/classlistnaturalworld.shtml
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/bluewindbmc
Website: www.bluewindbmc.com
EDIBLE & MEDICINAL PLANTS
OF THE EASTERN SIERRA AND GREAT BASIN REGION
The Eastern Sierra/Great Basin region is a land of extremes; with the
highest peak in the continental U.S (Mt. Whitney 14,494’) towering
over the lowest point (Badwater Basin -282’). The convergence ...of
high mountain peaks which abruptly descend down to the Great Basin and
Mohave Deserts makes for one of the most visually stunning and
botanically diverse landscapes to be found in the Western U.S. Sub-
alpine meadows, riparian woodlands, pinyon-juniper woodlands,
sagebrush scrub, and desert marshlands are a few of the habitats to
expect on our outings as we search for Yerba Manza, American Licorice,
Fireweed, Stream Orchid, Arnica, and many other notable medicinals.
We’ll spend our days hiking and botanizing while reserving evenings
for interactive hands-on workshops, relaxing with friends, not to
mention camping under a blanket of stars. Keep in mind that hot
springs and cool mountain streams/lakes will be worked into the
curriculum as well! This full immersion field outing should prove to
be insightful and rewarding for anyone interested in knowing more
about the unique flora of the region.
Topics to be covered/ hands-on activities include:
•field botany/plant ID lessons
•study of plant family characteristics (appearance and basic chemical
traits)
•herbal medicine making activities
•coverage of edible, medicinal, and utilitarian uses
•ethical harvesting guidelines and information about at-risk medicinal
plants
•tips on how to identify and avoid poisonous plants
•safety issues
•natural history
•microscope sessions (for up-close plant observation)
Date: July 4 - July 8. Partial attendance possible
Meet-up/Departure Time:
We will meet at a designated camping area between 5pm-7pm on Wed. July
4. Class ends at 5pm on Sun. July 8.
Location: Bishop, CA
Instructor: Tellur Fenner
Class fee: $200/ entire session $150/ 3 days $100/ 2 days
Registration: Email (preferred): bluew...@gmail.com Phone:
510-428-1810
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/bluewindbmc
Website: www.bluewindbmc.com
Interested, but don’t have a car? Inquire about carpooling options.
To Bring:
Since this is a car-camping trip, no serious backpacking gear is
necessary. Things that are necessary are: Tent, Sleeping Bag, Rain
Gear, Clothes (for hot/cold weather) , Hiking Boots, Hat/Sunscreen,
Daypack, Food/Snacks (class fee does not include meals), Camp Stove,
Camping Chair, Camping Pad, Swimming Suit (for hot springs),
Flashlight, Water Bottles, Firewood, and most importantly...a sense of
adventure!
Optional (yet recommended): Notebook, Camera, Hand lens.
Recommended (but not required) Texts:
Medicinal Plants of the Pacific West by Michael Moore
Medicinal Plants of the Mountain West by Michael Moore
Medicinal Plants of the Desert and Canyon West by Michael Moore
The Jepson Manual by Hickman
Botany in a Day by Thomas Elpel
California Plant Families by Glenn Keator
Poisonous Plants of California by Fuller and McClintock
So 2012 is finally here...and with it a whole new line up of edible &
medicinal plant classes/workshops/field trips. First though, I'd like
to thank everyone who came out to support my work in 2011. It's not
easy for a small business in this current economy, so I'd like you all
to know how much your business means to me. Without it I certainly
wouldn't be able to continue the much needed (and unfortunately, quite
marginalized) work that I do.
Despite the unusually dry winter we are having in the Bay Area, there
are still a number of plants to observe this time of year in the
surrounding parks and natural areas. Now is a good time to get outside
and witness the unfolding of the "green season", a sort of pre-spring
that comes early to the central California coast. In addition to my
regular seasonal herb walk series I will be offering a number of new
classes this winter, including classes on: Herbal First Aid,
California Ethnobotany, Edible/Medicinal Plant Families of California,
Poisonous Plants of the Bay Area, Rare & Endangered Medicinal Plants
of California: Cultivation Methods and Uses, and others. In addition,
this spring and summer I will be leading overnight field excursions to
both the Sonoran Desert of Southern California and the Eastern Sierra/
Great Basin region. Since such multi-day trips require advanced
planning I decided to include them in this season's email update.
Due to extensive work related travel this past year, my website has
fallen into an abysmal state. Currently I am relying more on my
Facebook business page for class postings and other updates. If you
haven't yet checked it out I recommend that you do. I've uploaded more
than 1,000 class/plant/habitat photos to the page...with more to come
in the weeks ahead. I've also been using the page as a sort of blog,
updating it periodically with information related to: ethnobotany,
botany/taxonomy, plant toxicology, book reviews, environmental
politics, local events, and other info. You can check out the page and
"like" it here:
https://www.facebook.com/bluewindbmc#!/bluewindbmc
I also recently updated the Blue Wind Botanical Medicine Clinic herbal
pharmacy list with a number of new plant extracts. The plants were
gathered over the course of this past year in an area spanning from
Arizona to the Pacific Northwest. The clinic now has over 200 extracts
in stock...complete with revised scientific nomenclature (latin names
taken from the Jepson Manual: 2nd Edition). You can view the pharmacy
list here: http://www.bluewindbmc.com/products.php
And last but not least, for those that haven't heard yet...the Jepson
Manual: Higher Plants of California 2nd Edition has FINALLY been
released! The first edition was published way back in 1993...so the
current edition (with all its many changes) has been a long time
coming. To take a gander at the online version check out the following
link: http://ucjeps.berkeley.edu/IJM.html
In my upcoming class: Edible & Medicinal Plant Families of California
on January 29th I will be discussing many of the new taxonomical
revisions and nomenclature changes that have recently taken effect.
Well, I believe I've gone on long enough.
May 2012 bring you all much health, happiness, and prosperity!
Tellur Fenner
THE HAZARDS: POISONOUS PLANTS OF THE BAY AREA
Whether you endeavor to harvest, prepare, and use plant foods/
medicines or simply wish to embark on leisurely strolls through the
woods, it is CRITICAL that you learn about those plants which can harm
or even kill you. Knowledge is power, and the goal of this class is to
raise students’ awareness about the more commonly encountered
poisonous plants found growing in and around the San Francisco Bay
Area. Toxic ornamentals, invasives, and native plant representatives
will all be covered. Special emphasis will be placed on
differentiating poisonous plants from their beneficial edible/
medicinal counterparts. Participants will not only be protecting
themselves, but will be ensuring the safety of their families,
friends, and pets as well. Class will consist of a lecture/slideshow
along with a large selection of live plant samples.
Date/Time: Saturday, January 21. 10am-4pm.
Location: Blue Wind Botanical Medicine Clinic & Education Center.
Oakland, CA.
Instructor: Tellur Fenner
Fee: $40
To Bring: Notebook, camera, water, lunch.
Registration: Email (preferred): bluew...@gmail.com Phone:
510-428-1810
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/bluewindbmc
Website: www.bluewindbmc.com
NATURE'S PHARMACY: HERBAL TINCTURE MAKING WORKSHOP
Herbal tinctures (alcohol extracts) are a convenient and efficient way
to prepare, formulate, and administer botanical medicines. Tincture
making is both an art and a science, with a wide variety of techniques
involved in the process. Come join us in this weekend workshop as we
explore many of these methods while using a number of different plants
and fungi. Topics to be covered include: fresh plant tincturing, dry
plant maceration, dry plant percolation, fluid extracts, glycerites,
liniments, acetums, and hydro-alcohol double extractions. This is an
interactive hands-on class so come ready to get your hands dirty while
having a lot of fun! Each student will leave with a medicine that s/he
helped prepare.
Date/Time: Sunday, January 22. 10am-4pm.
Location: Point Reyes National Seashore
Instructor: Tellur Fenner
Fee: $95 ($75 Members) Includes materials fee.
To Bring: Notebook, camera, water, lunch.
Registration link:
http://www.ptreyes.org/fieldinstitute/classlistnaturalworld.shtml
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/bluewindbmc
Website: www.bluewindbmc.com
EDIBLE & MEDICINAL PLANTS OF THE BAY AREA: A BIOREGIONAL EXPLORATION
(Seasonal Herb Walk Series)
From the mist shrouded sea cliffs to the sun-baked arid expanse of its
eastern most regions, the San Francisco Bay area provides us with a
chance to view a large variety of botanical specimens all within a
relatively small geographical range. Join us as we discover together
the diverse array of both edible and medicinal plants found growing
within these contrasting yet closely interconnected micro-climates.
Historical and modern medicinal applications will be covered along
with any edible and/or utilitarian potential. Tips on basic plant
identification will be offered, with an emphasis on how to
differentiate poisonous look-alike plants from their beneficial
counterparts. Plant family characteristics will be discussed as well.
-WINTER SESSION-
Glenn Canyon Park (San Francisco, CA). Saturday, January 28. 10am-2pm.
$30.
Sibley Volcanic Regional Preserve (Oakland, CA). Sunday, February 5.
10am-2pm. $30.
Samuel P. Taylor State Park (Lagunitas, CA). Sunday, February 26.
10am-4pm. $40.
Butano State Park (Pescadero, CA). Sunday, March 4. 10am-4pm. $40.
CLASS SERIES DISCOUNT: Preregister for all 4 walks (20 hours of
instruction) for only $125
Instructor: Tellur Fenner
Make sure to bring: Water, lunch, notebook, hat/sunscreen, rain gear,
and a camera.
Registration: Email (preferred): bluew...@gmail.com Phone:
510-428-1810
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/bluewindbmc
Website: www.bluewindbmc.com
PLANT FAMILIES OF CALIFORNIA: AN EDIBLE & MEDICINAL PERSPECTIVE
Learning to recognize plants by their family characteristics is a
great way to begin making sense of the “wall of green” you might be
accustomed to seeing on your hikes in the outdoors. Like members of
your own immediate family, closely related plants generally share
similar physical features. In addition, these plants often share
similar chemical traits and thus related medicinal attributes as well.
For these reasons it is a worthwhile endeavor to devote time to
learning about such plant groupings. Class will consist of a lecture/
slideshow highlighting the basic taxonomic and chemical
characteristics of selected edible/medicinal plant families. Edible/
medicinal uses, harvesting ethics, at-risk plants, preparation
methods, and botanical safety issues are a few of the topics which
will be discussed. Hands-on activities will include: microscope
sessions, sensory learning: smelling/touching/tasting a variety of
different plant samples, as well as interactive tips on how to
successfully identify plants using regional plant floras.
Date/Time: Sunday, January 29. 10am-4pm.
Location: Blue Wind Botanical Medicine Clinic & Education Center.
Oakland, CA.
Instructor: Tellur Fenner
Fee: $40
To Bring: Notebook, camera, water, lunch.
Registration: Email (preferred): bluew...@gmail.com Phone:
510-428-1810
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/bluewindbmc
Website: www.bluewindbmc.com
CALIFORNIA ETHNOBOTANY: EDIBLE & MEDICINAL PLANT USES
As one of the most ethnically and botanically diverse areas in North
America, indigenous plant use in California (both past & present) is
astounding in its scope and complexity. Class will begin with a brief
lecture aiming to historically contextualize the vast field of
California ethnobotany. The strengths and weaknesses of ethnobotanical
scholarship will be discussed and a large variety of books will be
available for viewing. The remainder of the class will consist of a
powerpoint slideshow detailing the historic and present-day use of a
number of native California edible/medicinal plants. Ethical
harvesting/processing methods will be covered in addition to any
potential hazards and safety issues. Hands-on activities and a large
selection of plant samples will also be incorporated into the class.
Date/Time: Saturday, February 4. 10am-4pm.
Location: Blue Wind Botanical Medicine Clinic & Education Center.
Oakland, CA.
Instructor: Tellur Fenner
Fee: $40
To Bring: Notebook, camera, water, lunch.
Registration: Email (preferred): bluew...@gmail.com Phone:
510-428-1810
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/bluewindbmc
Website: www.bluewindbmc.com
HERBAL FIRST AID WORKSHOP
In former times, many Americans knew at least a handful of local wild
medicinal plants used to treat minor self limiting ailments. This is
no longer the case. Whether you are hiking, camping, traveling
overseas, or just working in the garden...a little plant knowledge can
go a long way in protecting you and your family's health...and at
little to no cost! In this class we will cover a number of medicinal
first aid plants found growing across the Bay Area (and beyond),
including natives, non-native "weeds", and commonly found ornamentals.
Identification tips, medicinal uses, ethical harvesting/prepartion
methods, and safety issues will all be addressed. Herbal treatment
topics will include: wounds, sprains, burns, insect bites, poison oak
dermatitis, colds/flus, fever, intestinal infections, allergies, and
more. Class will consist of an interactive lecture (with plant samples
& preparation demos).
Date/Time: Saturday, February 19. 10am-4pm.
Location: Blue Wind Botanical Medicine Clinic & Education Center.
Oakland, CA.
Instructor: Tellur Fenner
Fee: $40
To Bring: Notebook, camera, water, lunch.
Registration: Email (preferred): bluew...@gmail.com Phone:
510-428-1810
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/bluewindbmc
Website: www.bluewindbmc.com
MEDICINAL PLANTS OF CALIFORNIA:
PROPAGATION, CULTIVATION, AND PREPARATION METHODS
With the popularity of herbal medicine increasing at an exponential
rate in the U.S, real concerns arise with regard to the sustainability
of the practice. Back east, sustained high demand for industry
favorites such as Goldenseal, Black Cohosh, American Ginseng, and
Echinacea have left once thriving plant communities on the brink of
extinction. Unethical harvesting practices in conjunction with ever
increasing urban and agricultural expansion are the main culprits in
this tragedy. Here in the west, we are starting to see some of these
same impacts on our own unique medicinal plant communities. Obviously,
in a liberal minded urban center such as the Bay Area we would be in
serious trouble if all those interested in plant medicine traveled to
the outlying areas to harvest. To remedy this dilemma it is imperative
that we begin to expand our cultivation of such useful plants in
yards, gardens, and other areas around the cities where we live. The
morning session will consist of an interactive lecture/slideshow,
while the afternoon session will take place outside on a “converted”
urban plot which has undergone such a transformation. Many of the more
popular (and lesser known) medicinal plants of California will be
covered in the class including both natives and "weeds". Each student
will take home a medicinal plant cutting from the garden.
Date/Time: Saturday, February 25. 10am-4pm.
Location: Berkeley, CA
Instructors: Tellur Fenner and Glenn Keator
Fee: $95 ($75 members)
To Bring: Notebook, camera, water, lunch, warm clothes/rain gear.
Registration: http://www.ptreyes.org/fieldinstitute/classlistnaturalworld.shtml
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/bluewindbmc
Website: www.bluewindbmc.com
EDIBLE & MEDICINAL PLANTS OF THE ANZA-BORREGO DESERT REGION:
A SPRING BLOOM FIELD EXPLORATION
Anza-Borrego lies within the Colorado Desert of Southern California,
which in turn comprises the western-most extension of the larger
Sonoran Desert. Of the four U.S. deserts, the Sonoran is by far the
most botanically diverse, and is home to a large number of medicinal,
edible, and other such useful plants. Come join us as we explore this
vast and tranquil landscape in search of many of these colorful
treasures of spring. Topics to be covered include: field botany/ID,
plant family characteristics, medicinal/edible/utilitarian uses,
medicine making techniques, ethical harvesting practices, safety
issues, natural history, and more. Days will be spent hiking and
exploring trails which wind through the various plant communities in
the area. Nights will include interactive hands-on workshops, relaxing
with friends, not to mention camping under a blanket of stars,
and....hot springs.
To Bring:
Since this is a car-camping trip, no serious backpacking gear is
necessary. Things that are necessary are: Tent, Sleeping Bag, Rain
Gear, Warm Clothes (the desert can be chilly at night!), Hiking Boots,
Hat/Sunscreen, Daypack, Food/Snacks (class fee does not include
meals), Camp Stove, Camping Chair, Camping Pad, Swimming Suit (for hot
springs), Flashlight, Water Bottles (at least 5 gallons per person),
Firewood, and most importantly...a sense of adventure!
Optional (yet recommended):
Notebook, Camera, Hand-lens, “The Jepson Desert Manual” and/or “A
Flora of San Diego County, California”, “Sonoran Desert Wildflowers”
by Spellenberg, and “Medicinal Plants of the Desert and Canyon West”
by Moore.
Meet-up/Departure Time:
We will meet near the park at a designated camping area between
4pm-7pm (traffic may be tricky) on Thursday March 15. Class ends after
breakfast (around 9am) on Tuesday March 20.
Interested, but don’t have a car? Inquire about carpooling options.
When: Thu, March 15, 2012, 4pm – Tue, March 20, 2012, 9am (Partial
attendance possible)
Where: Near Anza-Borrego Desert State Park. Approximately 90 miles
east of San Diego, CA.
Class Fee: $200/ entire session. $150/ 3 days. $100/ 2 days.
Instructor: Tellur Fenner
Registration: Email (preferred): bluew...@gmail.com Phone:
510-428-1810
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/bluewindbmc
Website: www.bluewindbmc.com
RARE & ENDANGERED MEDICINAL PLANTS OF CALIFORNIA:
Cultivation Methods and a Look Into Their Many Uses
Habitat loss due to urban development & expansion, commercial
agriculture, ranching, logging, and other human activities has
stressed many sensitive California plant habitats to the breaking
point. A number of native plants which have been used for literally
thousands of years by indigenous peoples of the territory now face the
threat of extinction due to activities of just the past 300 years. The
goal of this class is to help initiate “protection through education”
by raising awareness about the importance of such plants that the
California Native Plant Society has listed as “Rare, Threatened, or
Endangered”. Cultivation techniques and strategies will be discussed
along with information about the ethical use of more ubiquitous
“analog” species. Class will consist of a lecture/slideshow, a large
array of plant samples, and a walking tour of the nearby Regional
Parks Botanic Garden.
Date/Time: Saturday, April 7. 10am-5pm.
Location: Berkeley, CA
Instructors: Tellur Fenner and Glenn Keator
Fee: $70
To Bring: Notebook, camera, water, lunch, warm clothes/rain gear.
Registration: Email (preferred): bluew...@gmail.com Phone:
510-428-1810
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/bluewindbmc
Website: www.bluewindbmc.com
Plants of Point Reyes National Seashore: An Ethnobotanical Field
Exploration
Situated just 30 miles north of downtown San Francisco, Point Reyes
National Seashore is the largest and most diverse tract of contiguous
wilderness to be found so close to the cities of the Bay Area. The
botanical diversity of the region is due to its varied landscapes,
including: coastal bluffs, chaparral, dunes, deep forests of Douglas-
fir and Bishop pines, grasslands, and both fresh water and salt water
marshes. Join us on this day-long field class as we explore many of
these habitats while learning about the many amazing and useful plants
which grow there. We will spend our time hiking and botanizing from a
variety of different locations within the park reached via car
shuttle. Topics/activities to be covered include: plant
identification, medicinal/edible/utilitarian uses, plant family
characteristics, ethical harvesting guidelines and information about
at-risk medicinal plants (no plants will be picked during the course
as they are protected within the park’s boundaries), safety issues and
tips on how to avoid toxic/poisonous plants, medicine making
techniques, natural fibers, sampling of a variety of edible/medicinal
plant preparations, and more!
Date/Time: Sunday, April 15. 10am-5pm.
Location: Point Reyes National Seashore
Instructors: Tellur Fenner
Fee: $80 ($60 members)
To Bring: Notebook, camera, water, lunch, warm clothes/rain gear.
Registration: http://www.ptreyes.org/fieldinstitute/classlistnaturalworld.shtml
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/bluewindbmc
Website: www.bluewindbmc.com
EDIBLE PLANTS OF THE BAY AREA:
(Spring Session: Roots and Greens)
The indigenous peoples of California knew more than a little about
utilizing the abundance of food resources around them, both plant and
animal. Happily, some of this knowledge has been retained, and with a
little effort there are many ways of utilizing native foods that will
appeal to our modern palates! The first part of the day will consist
of a lecture/slideshow highlighting many of the more common (and
lesser known) wild edible plants of the region. Unique identification
characteristics of the chosen plants will be highlighted in order to
eliminate any confusion with less savory/toxic look-alikes. Plant
family characteristics, harvesting/preparation methods, wildcrafting
ethics, and basic nutritional profiles of the plants will be covered
as well. The later half of class will be spent preparing and sampling
a number of tasty wild food dishes. Although certainly not fast food,
wild edibles are nutrient dense and are found in surprising abundance
around the cities of the bay area.
Date/Time: Sunday, April 29. 10am-4pm
Location: Point Reyes National Seashore
Instructor: Tellur Fenner
Fee: $65 members/ $85 non-members
Make sure to bring: Water, lunch, notebook, hat/sunscreen, rain gear,
and a camera.
Registration: http://www.ptreyes.org/fieldinstitute/classlistnaturalworld.shtml
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/bluewindbmc
Website: www.bluewindbmc.com
EDIBLE & MEDICINAL PLANTS
OF THE EASTERN SIERRA AND GREAT BASIN REGION
The Eastern Sierra/Great Basin region is a land of extremes; with the
highest peak in the continental U.S (Mt. Whitney 14,494’) towering
over the lowest point (Badwater Basin -282’). The convergence ...of
high mountain peaks which abruptly descend down to the Great Basin and
Mohave Deserts makes for one of the most visually stunning and
botanically diverse landscapes to be found in the Western U.S. Sub-
alpine meadows, riparian woodlands, pinyon-juniper woodlands,
sagebrush scrub, and desert marshlands are a few of the habitats to
expect on our outings as we search for Yerba Manza, American Licorice,
Fireweed, Stream Orchid, Arnica, and many other notable medicinals.
We’ll spend our days hiking and botanizing while reserving evenings
for interactive hands-on workshops, relaxing with friends, not to
mention camping under a blanket of stars. Keep in mind that hot
springs and cool mountain streams/lakes will be worked into the
curriculum as well! This full immersion field outing should prove to
be insightful and rewarding for anyone interested in knowing more
about the unique flora of the region.
Topics to be covered/ hands-on activities include:
•field botany/plant ID lessons
•study of plant family characteristics (appearance and basic chemical
traits)
•herbal medicine making activities
•coverage of edible, medicinal, and utilitarian uses
•ethical harvesting guidelines and information about at-risk medicinal
plants
•tips on how to identify and avoid poisonous plants
•safety issues
•natural history
•microscope sessions (for up-close plant observation)
Date: July 4 - July 8. Partial attendance possible
Meet-up/Departure Time:
We will meet at a designated camping area between 5pm-7pm on Wed. July
4. Class ends at 5pm on Sun. July 8.
Location: Bishop, CA
Instructor: Tellur Fenner
Class fee: $200/ entire session $150/ 3 days $100/ 2 days
Registration: Email (preferred): bluew...@gmail.com Phone:
510-428-1810
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/bluewindbmc
Website: www.bluewindbmc.com
Interested, but don’t have a car? Inquire about carpooling options.
To Bring:
Since this is a car-camping trip, no serious backpacking gear is
necessary. Things that are necessary are: Tent, Sleeping Bag, Rain
Gear, Clothes (for hot/cold weather) , Hiking Boots, Hat/Sunscreen,
Daypack, Food/Snacks (class fee does not include meals), Camp Stove,
Camping Chair, Camping Pad, Swimming Suit (for hot springs),
Flashlight, Water Bottles, Firewood, and most importantly...a sense of
adventure!
Optional (yet recommended): Notebook, Camera, Hand lens.
Recommended (but not required) Texts:
Medicinal Plants of the Pacific West by Michael Moore
Medicinal Plants of the Mountain West by Michael Moore
Medicinal Plants of the Desert and Canyon West by Michael Moore
The Jepson Manual by Hickman
Botany in a Day by Thomas Elpel
California Plant Families by Glenn Keator
Poisonous Plants of California by Fuller and McClintock
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