Medicinal and Edible Wild PLants

General Description:

Discover the heritage of our ancestors as we explore the fascinating world of medicinal and edible plants that are a part of the rich diversity of the Sierra Nevada. In this workshop we will participate in the identification, collection and preparation of plants for both medicinal and edible uses. We will explore a range of habitats from the higher reaches of the Sierra Nevada to the western fringes of the Great Basin.

Instructor

Kathi Keville is a renowned herbalist, founder of the American Herb Association and author of numerous books on herbal topics.

Nancy and Bill Harnach live in Sierra Valley and have studied and collected the plants of this region for over 25 years. They have authored the Sierra Valley and Butterfly Valley sections of the California Native Plant Society book “California’s Wild Gardens, A Living Legacy” and led numerous field trips for both the California Native Plant Society and the Nevada Native Plant Society throughout the region.

Class Schedule

Plan to arrive on Sunday evening although the first class meets at 8:30 AM on Monday. Last class finishes at 3:00 PM on Friday.

Supplies and Other Useful Items

Field gear

hand lens
small spiral notebook (6X8 is good)
3-ringed binder with heavy-weight paper
scotch or botany tape
pocket knife
swimming suit
day pack
shoes/boots
water bottle for hiking
plant press (optional)

Be prepared for variable weather. There will be some moderate hiking, but easy, alternative walks will be offered at the same time so anyone can participate.

Camping gear

warm sleeping bag
foam pad
flashlight
bring your own tent or use tents with beds provided at the field campus

Clothing

Although days are generally warm, or even hot at lower elevations, be prepared for temperatures as low as freezing at night. Variable weather clothing that may be layered is best. Long pants and a long-sleeved shirt, warm sweater and jacket, t-shirt and shorts or skirt, tennis shoes or hiking boots, sun hat, rain gear, and a warm hat or gloves for cold weather or night activities. Old sneakers, rubber boots, or hip-waders may come in handy for marsh prowling.

Miscellaneous:

day pack
sunscreen
insect repellant
alarm clock
water bottles