MEDICINAL BOTANY: Marin County Spring Class Series

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

Website/Online Registration: http://www.regenerativedesign.org/medicinal-botany

Phone: 415-868-9681