MEDICINAL PLANTS OF THE EASTERN SIERRA AND GREAT BASIN REGION

MEDICINAL PLANTS OF THE EASTERN SIERRA AND GREAT BASIN REGION: A Summertime Field Exploration

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
* herbal medicine making activities
* coverage of edible, medicinal, and utilitarian uses
* ethical harvesting guidelines
* tips on how to identify and avoid poisonous plants
* safety issues
* natural history
* microscope sessions (for up-close plant observation)

Date: July 1 - July 5. Partial attendance possible

Meet-up/Departure Time: We will meet at a designated camping area between 5pm-7pm on Thursday July 1. Class ends at 5pm on Monday July 5.

Location: Bishop, CA

*Interested, but don’t have a car? Inquire about carpooling options.

Instructor: Tellur Fenner

Registration:

Phone: 510-428-1810

Email: bluewindbmc [at] gmail.com

Website: http://www.bluewindbmc.com