BWBMC's Updated 2012 Spring Class Schedule (includes many new events!)
25 views
Skip to first unread message
Tellur Fenner
Mar 9, 2012, 1:37:12 PM3/9/12
to Blue Wind Botanical Medicine Clinic's Mailing List
Hello Everyone!
So I'm finally unveiling my upcoming schedule for spring 2012. You'll
recognize some of the classes as ole' seasonal stand-bys...while
others are new (and excitingly unique). One of the new upcoming
classes is being hosted by the Regenerative Design Institute in
Bolinas, CA. It's titled: MEDICINAL BOTANY, and it is a 3 part class
series focusing on classroom lecture, field botany, and hands-on
wildcrafting/medicine making activities. A full immersion in other
words! (Keep in mind: the deadline for the advanced pre-registration
discount ends March 9th. Sorry for the short notice). Another new
class to check out is: RARE & ENDANGERED MEDICINAL PLANTS OF
CALIFORNIA: Cultivation Methods and a Look Into Their Many
Uses...which I will be co-teaching with botanist/author Glenn Keator.
The final interesting new addition is: Edible & Medicinal Plants of
Sespe Hot Springs: A Backpacking Field Exploration...a botanical
backpack excursion into the wilds of the Southern California desert
mountains. Should be quite the adventure! Speaking of the desert, I'm
heading out Saturday for a 3 week teaching/research trip to the
Sonoran Desert east of San Diego, CA. Can't wait to get down there, as
it is one of my all time favorite spots.
Hope to see you all at a class upon my return to the Bay Area in late
March!
Take care,
Tellur Fenner
MEDICINAL BOTANY: Marin County Spring Class Series
Situated just a few miles north of downtown San Francisco across the
Golden Gate, Marin County encompasses the largest and
most diverse tract of contiguous wilderness to be found in such close
proximity to the cities of the Bay Area. The botanical diversity of
the region is owed to its varied landscapes, including: coastal
bluffs, chaparral, dunes, deep forests of Douglas-fir and Bishop
pines, grasslands, both fresh water and salt water marshes...to name
just a few. Join us in this 3-part class series as we explore a number
of these habitats while learning about the many amazing and useful
plants which grow there. This interdisciplinary program will engage
students on all levels through a combination of classroom lecture,
field explortion, and a variety of hands-on exercises. Topics/
activities to be covered include: botany basics taught from a plant
family perspective (including microscope sessions), plant
identification in the field, medicinal/edible/utilitarian uses,
California ethnobotany, ethical harvesting guidelines and information
about at-risk medicinal plants, safety issues and tips on how to avoid
toxic/poisonous plants, medicine making techniques and activities,
sampling of a variety of edible/medicinal plant preparations, and
more!
Session I (March 31): Botany Skills for the Edible/Medicinal Plant
Enthusiast
-During this interactive lecture/slideshow/workshop we will explore
the science of botany while learning the fundamental methods necessary
to accurately and confidently ID a variety of local plants.
Session II (April 14): Marin County Bioregional Field Exploration
-In order to put theory into practice, we'll spend the day hiking
through a
number of different plant habitats while identifying and discussing
many of the useful plants found along the way. Our study will
emphasize a dynamic sensory awareness of the plants via close
observation, touching, tasting, and smelling.
Session III (May 5): Wildcrafting and Plant Prepartion Methods
-Our program culminates with a day spent learning the principles of
plant harvesting, processing, and botanical pharmacy work. After a
short lecture/slideshow, students will harvest a number of useful
medicinals from Commonweal Garden and environs. The remainder of our
time will be spent preparing a number of different herbal products
with our bountiful harvest.
Instructor: Tellur Fenner
Location: Regenerative Design Institute. Bolinas, CA
Class Fee:
$195 Early bird discount, registered & PAID BY MARCH 9TH
$225 per person for the 3-part series, after March 9th
Website/Online Registration: http://www.regenerativedesign.org/medicinal-botany
Phone: 415-868-9681
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
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
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.
-SPRING SESSION-
Black Diamond Mines Regional Preserve (near Antioch, CA). Saturday,
April 21. 10am-4pm. $40.
Redwood Regional Park (Oakland, CA). Saturday, April 28. 10am-4pm. $40
Montara Mountain (near Pacifica, CA). Sunday, May 20. 10am-4pm. $40.
San Francisco Presidio. Saturday, June 2. 10am-4pm. $40.
Mt. Tamalpais (Marin County). June 10. 10am-4pm. $40
CLASS SERIES DISCOUNT: Pre-register for all 5 walks (30 hours of
instruction) for only $180!
Instructor: Tellur Fenner
Make sure to bring: Water, lunch, notebook, hat/sunscreen, rain gear,
and a camera.
All walks will occur RAIN OR SHINE! :)
Registration: Email (preferred): bluew...@gmail.com
Phone: 510-428-1810
Interested but don't have a car? Inquire about carpooling options.
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 22. 10am-4pm
Location: Blue Wind Botanical Medicine Clinic & Education Center.
Oakland, CA.
Instructor: Tellur Fenner
Fee: $50
Make sure to bring: Water, lunch, notebook, and a camera.
Registration: Email (prefered): bluew...@gmail.com
Phone: 510-428-1810
EDIBLE AND MEDICINAL PLANTS OF MT. DIABLO:
(Weekend Campout and Field Exploration)
With its seasonal waterfalls, high elevation peaks, and glorious
spring wildflower displays, Mt. Diablo is one of the Bay Area’s
premier natural destinations. Because of the diversity of the varied
environments on the mountain, there is a corresponding cornucopia of
beautiful and useful native plants in several different plant
communities. Highlights include oak woodlands, chaparral, grasslands,
riparian corridors, and rock outcrops, with a wide array of unique
wildflowers, shrubs, and trees (some endemic to the region). Join us
on this weekend intensive as we explore many of these habitats while
learning about the plants which inhabit them. We will spend the
morning and afternoon hiking and botanizing, while engaging in a
variety of hand-on activities during the evening hours. Topics/
activities to be covered include: plant identification, medicinal/
edible/utilitarian uses, plant family characteristics, legal/ethical
harvesting guidelines and information about at-risk medicinal plants
(no plants will be picked within the park’s boundaries), safety issues
and tips on how to avoid toxic/poisonous plants, medicine making
techniques, microscope sessions for closely observing plant features,
natural fibers, primitive fire making techniques, sampling of a
variety of edible/medicinal plant preparations, and more!
Dates: May 11-13 (7:30pm Friday night through 6pm Sunday night)
Fee:
Advanced pre-registration (before April 23rd): $125 (Plus camping fee
of $7 to $15 total, depending on number of students. Meals not
included). (after April 23rd): $150
(Partial attendance possible)
Location: Mt. Diablo Region (approx. 15 miles east of Oakland, CA)
Instructor: Tellur Fenner
Registration: Email (prefered): bluew...@gmail.com
Phone: 510-428-1810
(Pre-registration required!)
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, Hiking Boots, Hat/Sunscreen, Daypack, Food/Snacks
(class fee does not include meals), Camp Stove, Camping Chair, Camping
Pad, Flashlight, Water Bottles, Firewood/Charcoal, and most
importantly...a sense of adventure!
Optional (yet recommended): Notebook, Camera, and a 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
Botany in a Day by Thomas Elpel
California Plant Families by Glenn Keator
Poisonous Plants of California by Fuller and McClintock
The Flowering Plants and Ferns of Mount Diablo California by Ertter
and Bowerman
*Interested, but don’t have a car? Inquire about carpooling options.
EDIBLE AND MEDICINAL “WEEDS” OF THE BAY AREA
Non-native invasive plant species are the bane to many gardeners,
landscapers, and other such plant enthusiasts...but not to those who
know better! In fact, many so called “weeds” are actually quite useful
as either wild foods or medicines. Because they thrive on disturbed
soils, these plants abound in areas of high population density and can
be found in great abundance in and around the cities of the San
Francisco Bay Area. Due to their damaging effects on native plant
habitats, their harvest and use makes practical sense and should
always be encouraged over the use of our own native species. In this
way, we help to restore and preserve our native plant communities at
the same time as restoring and preserving our own health! Come join us
as we learn how to better utilize these vilified urban renegades that
are so often needlessly wasted. This class includes a lecture/
slideshow, a large selection of live plant samples, edible/medicinal
plant tasting, and botanical I.D lessons at a nearby urban garden.
Date/Time: Saturday, May 19. 10am-5pm
Location: Blue Wind Botancal Medicine Clinic & Education Center.
Oakland, CA
Instructor: Tellur Fenner
Registration: Email (prefered): bluew...@gmail.com
Phone: 510-4281810
Fee: $50
Make sure to bring: Water, lunch, notebook, hat/sunscreen, rain gear,
and a camera.
Edible & Medicinal Plants of Sespe Hot Springs:
A Backpacking Field Exploration
Situated just outside the southwest border of the Mojave Desert, this
remote, rugged, and arid landscape is part of a vast mountainous
wilderness complex (the 4th largest roadless region in the continental
U.S) with elevation ranges from 2500’ to 7500’. The area is best known
for its magnificent colored sandstone canyons and the wild and scenic
Sespe River (the last remaining undammed river in Southern
California). The area is also home to some of the HOTTEST and most
isolated hot springs to be found in the state! Sespe is rich in
botanical diversity, many useful plants being found in the region,
such as: White Sage, Yerba Santa, Flannel Bush, Lobelia, Stream
Orchid, Prince's Plume, Matilija Poppy, and many others! Topics to be
covered during our journey include: field botany/ID, plant family
characteristics, medicinal/edible/utilitarian uses, regional
ethnobotany, 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 campfire conversation, relaxing with
friends, and soaking in the springs.
The round-trip backpack is approx. 14 miles (7.5 miles each way) on
steep terrain. If you are not already in decent shape, you may want to
consider training in preparation for this trip.
Dates: May 25-28 (Fri-Mon. Memorial Day Weekend. 8pm Friday night
through 6pm Monday night)
Location: Sespe Wilderness (near Frazier Park, CA. Approx. 1 hour NW
of Los Angeles, CA)
Instructor/Trip leader: Tellur Fenner
Fee: Advanced pre-registration: $150 (before May 4th).
(After May 4th): $175
Registration: Email (preferred): bluew...@gmail.com
Phone: 510.428.1810
(Pre-registration required!)
To Bring:
Things that are necessary are: Tent, Sleeping Bag, Rain Gear, Warm
Clothes, Hiking Boots, Sandals, Hat/Sunscreen, Backpack, Food/Snacks
(class fee does not include meals), Camp Stove, Camping Pad, Headlamp,
Water Bottles, and most importantly...a sense of adventure!
Optional (yet recommended): Notebook, Camera, and a 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
A Flora of the Santa Barbara Region, CA by Clifton Smith
A Key to the Vascular Plant Species of & Flora of Kern County
California by Moe and Twisselmann
*Interested, but don’t have a car? Inquire about carpooling options.
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: Sunday, June 3. 10am-4pm.
Location: Point Reyes National Seashore Association.
Instructor: Tellur Fenner
Fee: $40
To Bring: Notebook, camera, water, lunch.
Registration link:
http://www.ptreyes.org/fieldinstitute/classlistnaturalworld.shtml
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: Near Bishop, CA
Instructor: Tellur Fenner
Class Fee: Pre-registration discount- $200/ entire session. $150/ 3
days. $100/ 2 days (expires June 13th). After June 13th: $240/ entire
session. $180/ 3 days. $120/ 2 days
Registration: Email (preferred): bluew...@gmail.com Phone:
510-428-1810
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 I'm finally unveiling my upcoming schedule for spring 2012. You'll
recognize some of the classes as ole' seasonal stand-bys...while
others are new (and excitingly unique). One of the new upcoming
classes is being hosted by the Regenerative Design Institute in
Bolinas, CA. It's titled: MEDICINAL BOTANY, and it is a 3 part class
series focusing on classroom lecture, field botany, and hands-on
wildcrafting/medicine making activities. A full immersion in other
words! (Keep in mind: the deadline for the advanced pre-registration
discount ends March 9th. Sorry for the short notice). Another new
class to check out is: RARE & ENDANGERED MEDICINAL PLANTS OF
CALIFORNIA: Cultivation Methods and a Look Into Their Many
Uses...which I will be co-teaching with botanist/author Glenn Keator.
The final interesting new addition is: Edible & Medicinal Plants of
Sespe Hot Springs: A Backpacking Field Exploration...a botanical
backpack excursion into the wilds of the Southern California desert
mountains. Should be quite the adventure! Speaking of the desert, I'm
heading out Saturday for a 3 week teaching/research trip to the
Sonoran Desert east of San Diego, CA. Can't wait to get down there, as
it is one of my all time favorite spots.
Hope to see you all at a class upon my return to the Bay Area in late
March!
Take care,
Tellur Fenner
MEDICINAL BOTANY: Marin County Spring Class Series
Situated just a few miles north of downtown San Francisco across the
Golden Gate, Marin County encompasses the largest and
most diverse tract of contiguous wilderness to be found in such close
proximity to the cities of the Bay Area. The botanical diversity of
the region is owed to its varied landscapes, including: coastal
bluffs, chaparral, dunes, deep forests of Douglas-fir and Bishop
pines, grasslands, both fresh water and salt water marshes...to name
just a few. Join us in this 3-part class series as we explore a number
of these habitats while learning about the many amazing and useful
plants which grow there. This interdisciplinary program will engage
students on all levels through a combination of classroom lecture,
field explortion, and a variety of hands-on exercises. Topics/
activities to be covered include: botany basics taught from a plant
family perspective (including microscope sessions), plant
identification in the field, medicinal/edible/utilitarian uses,
California ethnobotany, ethical harvesting guidelines and information
about at-risk medicinal plants, safety issues and tips on how to avoid
toxic/poisonous plants, medicine making techniques and activities,
sampling of a variety of edible/medicinal plant preparations, and
more!
Session I (March 31): Botany Skills for the Edible/Medicinal Plant
Enthusiast
-During this interactive lecture/slideshow/workshop we will explore
the science of botany while learning the fundamental methods necessary
to accurately and confidently ID a variety of local plants.
Session II (April 14): Marin County Bioregional Field Exploration
-In order to put theory into practice, we'll spend the day hiking
through a
number of different plant habitats while identifying and discussing
many of the useful plants found along the way. Our study will
emphasize a dynamic sensory awareness of the plants via close
observation, touching, tasting, and smelling.
Session III (May 5): Wildcrafting and Plant Prepartion Methods
-Our program culminates with a day spent learning the principles of
plant harvesting, processing, and botanical pharmacy work. After a
short lecture/slideshow, students will harvest a number of useful
medicinals from Commonweal Garden and environs. The remainder of our
time will be spent preparing a number of different herbal products
with our bountiful harvest.
Instructor: Tellur Fenner
Location: Regenerative Design Institute. Bolinas, CA
Class Fee:
$195 Early bird discount, registered & PAID BY MARCH 9TH
$225 per person for the 3-part series, after March 9th
Website/Online Registration: http://www.regenerativedesign.org/medicinal-botany
Phone: 415-868-9681
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
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
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.
-SPRING SESSION-
Black Diamond Mines Regional Preserve (near Antioch, CA). Saturday,
April 21. 10am-4pm. $40.
Redwood Regional Park (Oakland, CA). Saturday, April 28. 10am-4pm. $40
Montara Mountain (near Pacifica, CA). Sunday, May 20. 10am-4pm. $40.
San Francisco Presidio. Saturday, June 2. 10am-4pm. $40.
Mt. Tamalpais (Marin County). June 10. 10am-4pm. $40
CLASS SERIES DISCOUNT: Pre-register for all 5 walks (30 hours of
instruction) for only $180!
Instructor: Tellur Fenner
Make sure to bring: Water, lunch, notebook, hat/sunscreen, rain gear,
and a camera.
All walks will occur RAIN OR SHINE! :)
Registration: Email (preferred): bluew...@gmail.com
Phone: 510-428-1810
Interested but don't have a car? Inquire about carpooling options.
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 22. 10am-4pm
Location: Blue Wind Botanical Medicine Clinic & Education Center.
Oakland, CA.
Instructor: Tellur Fenner
Fee: $50
Make sure to bring: Water, lunch, notebook, and a camera.
Registration: Email (prefered): bluew...@gmail.com
Phone: 510-428-1810
EDIBLE AND MEDICINAL PLANTS OF MT. DIABLO:
(Weekend Campout and Field Exploration)
With its seasonal waterfalls, high elevation peaks, and glorious
spring wildflower displays, Mt. Diablo is one of the Bay Area’s
premier natural destinations. Because of the diversity of the varied
environments on the mountain, there is a corresponding cornucopia of
beautiful and useful native plants in several different plant
communities. Highlights include oak woodlands, chaparral, grasslands,
riparian corridors, and rock outcrops, with a wide array of unique
wildflowers, shrubs, and trees (some endemic to the region). Join us
on this weekend intensive as we explore many of these habitats while
learning about the plants which inhabit them. We will spend the
morning and afternoon hiking and botanizing, while engaging in a
variety of hand-on activities during the evening hours. Topics/
activities to be covered include: plant identification, medicinal/
edible/utilitarian uses, plant family characteristics, legal/ethical
harvesting guidelines and information about at-risk medicinal plants
(no plants will be picked within the park’s boundaries), safety issues
and tips on how to avoid toxic/poisonous plants, medicine making
techniques, microscope sessions for closely observing plant features,
natural fibers, primitive fire making techniques, sampling of a
variety of edible/medicinal plant preparations, and more!
Dates: May 11-13 (7:30pm Friday night through 6pm Sunday night)
Fee:
Advanced pre-registration (before April 23rd): $125 (Plus camping fee
of $7 to $15 total, depending on number of students. Meals not
included). (after April 23rd): $150
(Partial attendance possible)
Location: Mt. Diablo Region (approx. 15 miles east of Oakland, CA)
Instructor: Tellur Fenner
Registration: Email (prefered): bluew...@gmail.com
Phone: 510-428-1810
(Pre-registration required!)
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, Hiking Boots, Hat/Sunscreen, Daypack, Food/Snacks
(class fee does not include meals), Camp Stove, Camping Chair, Camping
Pad, Flashlight, Water Bottles, Firewood/Charcoal, and most
importantly...a sense of adventure!
Optional (yet recommended): Notebook, Camera, and a 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
Botany in a Day by Thomas Elpel
California Plant Families by Glenn Keator
Poisonous Plants of California by Fuller and McClintock
The Flowering Plants and Ferns of Mount Diablo California by Ertter
and Bowerman
*Interested, but don’t have a car? Inquire about carpooling options.
EDIBLE AND MEDICINAL “WEEDS” OF THE BAY AREA
Non-native invasive plant species are the bane to many gardeners,
landscapers, and other such plant enthusiasts...but not to those who
know better! In fact, many so called “weeds” are actually quite useful
as either wild foods or medicines. Because they thrive on disturbed
soils, these plants abound in areas of high population density and can
be found in great abundance in and around the cities of the San
Francisco Bay Area. Due to their damaging effects on native plant
habitats, their harvest and use makes practical sense and should
always be encouraged over the use of our own native species. In this
way, we help to restore and preserve our native plant communities at
the same time as restoring and preserving our own health! Come join us
as we learn how to better utilize these vilified urban renegades that
are so often needlessly wasted. This class includes a lecture/
slideshow, a large selection of live plant samples, edible/medicinal
plant tasting, and botanical I.D lessons at a nearby urban garden.
Date/Time: Saturday, May 19. 10am-5pm
Location: Blue Wind Botancal Medicine Clinic & Education Center.
Oakland, CA
Instructor: Tellur Fenner
Registration: Email (prefered): bluew...@gmail.com
Phone: 510-4281810
Fee: $50
Make sure to bring: Water, lunch, notebook, hat/sunscreen, rain gear,
and a camera.
Edible & Medicinal Plants of Sespe Hot Springs:
A Backpacking Field Exploration
Situated just outside the southwest border of the Mojave Desert, this
remote, rugged, and arid landscape is part of a vast mountainous
wilderness complex (the 4th largest roadless region in the continental
U.S) with elevation ranges from 2500’ to 7500’. The area is best known
for its magnificent colored sandstone canyons and the wild and scenic
Sespe River (the last remaining undammed river in Southern
California). The area is also home to some of the HOTTEST and most
isolated hot springs to be found in the state! Sespe is rich in
botanical diversity, many useful plants being found in the region,
such as: White Sage, Yerba Santa, Flannel Bush, Lobelia, Stream
Orchid, Prince's Plume, Matilija Poppy, and many others! Topics to be
covered during our journey include: field botany/ID, plant family
characteristics, medicinal/edible/utilitarian uses, regional
ethnobotany, 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 campfire conversation, relaxing with
friends, and soaking in the springs.
The round-trip backpack is approx. 14 miles (7.5 miles each way) on
steep terrain. If you are not already in decent shape, you may want to
consider training in preparation for this trip.
Dates: May 25-28 (Fri-Mon. Memorial Day Weekend. 8pm Friday night
through 6pm Monday night)
Location: Sespe Wilderness (near Frazier Park, CA. Approx. 1 hour NW
of Los Angeles, CA)
Instructor/Trip leader: Tellur Fenner
Fee: Advanced pre-registration: $150 (before May 4th).
(After May 4th): $175
Registration: Email (preferred): bluew...@gmail.com
Phone: 510.428.1810
(Pre-registration required!)
To Bring:
Things that are necessary are: Tent, Sleeping Bag, Rain Gear, Warm
Clothes, Hiking Boots, Sandals, Hat/Sunscreen, Backpack, Food/Snacks
(class fee does not include meals), Camp Stove, Camping Pad, Headlamp,
Water Bottles, and most importantly...a sense of adventure!
Optional (yet recommended): Notebook, Camera, and a 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
A Flora of the Santa Barbara Region, CA by Clifton Smith
A Key to the Vascular Plant Species of & Flora of Kern County
California by Moe and Twisselmann
*Interested, but don’t have a car? Inquire about carpooling options.
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: Sunday, June 3. 10am-4pm.
Location: Point Reyes National Seashore Association.
Instructor: Tellur Fenner
Fee: $40
To Bring: Notebook, camera, water, lunch.
Registration link:
http://www.ptreyes.org/fieldinstitute/classlistnaturalworld.shtml
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: Near Bishop, CA
Instructor: Tellur Fenner
Class Fee: Pre-registration discount- $200/ entire session. $150/ 3
days. $100/ 2 days (expires June 13th). After June 13th: $240/ entire
session. $180/ 3 days. $120/ 2 days
Registration: Email (preferred): bluew...@gmail.com Phone:
510-428-1810
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
Reply all
Reply to author
Forward
0 new messages