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 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- For most of the country winter brings an end to the annual growth cycle of the plant world but in coastal California it is just the opposite. While it’s true that many plants do recede into a dormant state, it also happens that many others begin coming to life with the first rains of autumn. Grab a raincoat & umbrella and shake off the cabin fever while we trek through the moist woods in search of manzanita, huckleberry, skunk cabbage, Dutchman’s pipe, toothwort, pink flowering current, miner’s lettuce, silk tassel, trillium, calypso orchid, western coltsfoot, hazelnut, (not to mention migrating newts and banana slugs!), and other winter-time bloomers.

San Francisco Presidio (Coastal Trail): January 23, 10am-2pm. $30. Location: San Francisco, CA.
Sibley Volcanic Regional Preserve: February 6, 10am-2pm. $30. Location: Oakland, CA.
Butano State Park: February 26, 10am-4pm. $40. Location: near Pescadero, CA.
Samuel P. Taylor State Park: March 6, 10am-4pm. $40. Location: near Lagunitas, CA.

(Classes Held Rain or Shine!) Make sure to bring: water, snacks/lunch, raingear/umbrella, notebook, and a camera.

Series Discount: $125 for all 4 walks! (20 hours of instruction)

Instructor: Tellur Fenner, clinical herbalist/educator.