Custom Courses
If you would like our instructors to teach a workshop for your group or organization, or speak at your event, please contact us at contemporaryethnobotany(at)yahoo(dot)com. We also offer a variety of ethnobotanical services including botanical inventories and herbal consultations.
2007 Courses
1-3. 1/14 &21 &28 FROM PROTONS TO POLYSACCHARIDES: Basic Concepts in Biochemistry 1-6pm. 50-$150 sliding. The Strawbale at Maitreya Eco-Village, (N. side of Broadway, between Almaden and Chambers). With Tobias Policha & Nome McBride *CONFIRMATION APPRECIATED* This three class series is intended to provide a basic understanding of biochemical concepts and enable students in further learning and research in herbalism, botany, and more. With a grasp of the basics, a wealth of information becomes much more accessible. We will cover molecular structure, chemical reactions, metabolism, solubility, families of compounds, as well as using phytochemicals as the building blocks of whole plant medicine. No prior chemistry experience required.
4. 2/18 WINTER WOODS WALK 1:00-3:30 pm. $5-20 sliding. Meet at the Ridge Line Trailhead on Fox Hollow Dr. (Across from the Cascade Raptor Center) Led by Tobias Policha. Come explore the ecology, evolution, and ethnobotany of the wintery landscape. Learn about the adaptations, and characteristics, as well as the medicinal and cultural uses of the plants that thrive in the winter. We will focus on the conifers, ferns, mosses, and lichens. Come prepared to be outside, it may be cold and wet.
5. 2/27 PLANTS FOR THE PEOPLE –Herbal Actions. 6–9 pm. DONATIONS ACCEPTED. Upstairs at the Growers Market, 454 Willamette St. With Nome & Tobias. This presentation will introduce basic herbal actions as well as locally adapted plants that have medicinal value. Learn when, how and why to use pervasive weeds, native plants, and common garden herbs for health and nutrition. No experience required.
6. 3/3 HERB WALK: PLANTS FOR THE PEOPLE –A Local Materia Medica. 2:00-4:30 pm. DONATIONS ACCEPTED. Location TBA. We will cover some basic botanical terminology, review basic herbal actions & meet plants that can be used for health and healing. Please dress for the weather.
7. 3/4 HERBAL PREPARATIONS: From Field to Pharmacy 12:00 - 6:00 pm. $10-$35 + $10 materials fee. The Straw Bale at Maitreya Eco-Village, (W. Broadway, between Almaden and Chambers). With Nome McBride. This class will teach the many ways we can prepare herbs to increase their efficacy. We will cover harvesting, handling, and storage. We will discuss the specifics of preparing fresh and dried plants in many forms. This class will include demonstrations and hands-on activities. We will make something to take home. There will be a short lunch break (bring your own).
8-9. 4/14 &15 BOTANICAL IDENTIFICATION WORKSHOP. 10:00-3:00. $50. The White Oak Pavilion at Mount Pisgah Arboretum. With Tobias. Pre-registration required; Contact Courtney at 747-1504 or mtpisgj@efn.org. Designed to give participants the skills to identify plants on their own. Will include plant anatomy, family characteristics, and using a botanical key. Recommended supplies: Handbook of Northwest Plants by Gilkey & Dennis (2001) & hand lens. Be prepared to go outside.
9. 4/28 ETHNO-ECOLOGY FIELD TRIP 9:00-6:00ish $15-$45 Meet at Red Barn Natural Grocery, 357 Van Buren St. * This class will require carpool drivers-please call ahead to coordinate* With Tobias & Nome. We will head to the Cascade Mountains, where we will introduce basic botanical concepts and identification. We will also focus on the ecology, edibility, and medicinal value of our native flora. An introduction to basic herbal concepts, uses, and ethics will be included. Come prepared for cold and wet. Don’t forget drinking water, decent footwear, rain gear, and food for lunch and snacks.
10. 5/11-13 NATIVE PLANTS & PERMACULTURE: A Gathering of Plant Lovers. Walks, talks, discussions and activities will explore the roles of native and nonnative plants in our cultivated and noncultivated landscapes and ecosystems. Early registration fee (before April 1) is $75; regular registration fee is $90 for the weekend, or $50 per day. Organic meals and lodging are available. This event is supported in part by the Institute of Contemporary Ethnobotany. Contact Chris Roth, nature(at)lostvalley,org, 541-937-2567 ext. 116. www.lostvalley.org/nature
11. 5/21 PLANTS OF ECUADOR SLIDESHOW; 7-9:30 pm NPSO Mtg. EWEB Plaza. With Tobias. A slide show presentation on a six-week, ecological adventure throughout Ecuador, one of the biologically richest countries on the planet. Highlights will include: amazing orchid diversity, breath-taking Andean views, colorful birds, crazy insects, political graffitti, and more!
12. 6/24 MEDICINAL PLANT WALK. Free. 1:00-3:00 pm. Hendrick’s Park. Led by Tobias Policha. While the spectacular spring bloom may be over there is still much to pay attention to in the plant world this time of year. Bring water and a snack.
13. 9/16 SEED-SAVING FOR SELF RELIANCE12 am – 5 pm. $20 - $80. The Strawbale at the Maitreya eco-village (On N. side of Broadway between Almaden & Chambers). With Tobias Policha and Taylor Ziegler (HOPE Farm). Reproductive biology, harvesting, processing, storage, and breeding techniques, philosophy, and politics. Bring seed to clean!
14. FALL ECOLOGY & HARVEST
An Intergenerational Exploration
October 13 -- 14
Tobias Policha will be leading a workshop at this event.
Sponsored by the Lost Valley Nature Center and NextGEN (the youth branch of the Global Ecovillage Network),
Focus on fall ecology, indigenous tradition, and the harvest season here in the western Cascade foothills.
More info at www.lostvalley.org/fallecology. Contact Chris Roth, nature(at)lostvalley,org, 541-937-2567 ext. 116.
15. 10/20 FALL WOODS WALK
1:00 – 4:00 pm
$5 -- $30
Meet at the Ridge Line Trailhead at Fox Hollow Dr. (Across from the Cascade Raptor Center).
Led by Tobias Policha.
Come explore the ecology, evolution, and ethnobotany of the fall landscape. Learn about the adaptations, and characteristics, as well as the medicinal and cultural uses of the plants that thrive in the winter. We will focus on the conifers, ferns, mosses, and lichens. Come prepared to be outside, it may be cold and wet.
16. 11/1 BIOREGIONAL HERBALISM
6:00 – 9:00 pm.
BY DONATION
Upstairs at the Growers Market, 454 Willamette St.
With Nome McBride & Tobias Policha.
This presentation will introduce basic herbal actions as well as locally adapted plants that have medicinal value. Learn when, how and why to use pervasive weeds, native plants, and common garden herbs for health and nutrition. No experience required.
17. 11/4 9th ANNUAL: FOOD NOT LAWNS SEED SWAP.
1:00 – 5:00 pm
FREE
The Strawbale at the Maitreya eco-village (On N. side of Broadway between Almaden & Chambers)
Bring your seeds, plants, canned goods, brews, tinctures, food, friends, or just yourself!
18. 11/11 HERBAL PREPARATIONS: From Field to Pharmacy
TBA (Nov 11)
12:00 – 6:00 pm
$20 -- $80
The Strawbale at the Maitreya eco-village (On N. side of Broadway between Almaden & Chambers).
With Nome McBride.
This class will teach the many ways we can prepare herbs to increase their efficacy. We will cover harvesting, handling, and storage. We will discuss the specifics of preparing fresh and dried plants in many forms. This class will include demonstrations and hands-on activities. We will make something to take home. There will be a short lunch break.
19. 11/18 BOTNICAL MEDICINE
12:00 – 5:00 pm
$20 -- $80
The Strawbale at the Maitreya eco-village (On N. side of Broadway between Almaden & Chambers)
With Nome McBride & Tobias Policha.
This workshop will introduce herbal actions and when they would be applied to specific symptoms. We will also cover locally adapted plants as examples of the various actions. Basic physiology, botany and plant ID will be introduced. Learn when, how and why to use pervasive weeds, native plants, and common garden herbs for health and nutrition.
20. 12/1 WINTER TWIGS.
Saturday, Nov. 17
1:00 – 4:00 pm
$10 - $50
Meet at Amazon Parkway and 24th.
With Tobias Policha.
Learn to identify your favorite trees and shrubs in the absence of leaves and flowers. Winter identification requires observing many unique characters that are often overlooked, discover hidden beauty while learning a new skill! We will use the book Winter Twigs by Gilkey and Packard. OSU Press, 2001.
21-22. 12/15&22 The Nature of Substance Concepts in Chemistry
9:00 am – 12:30 pm. $40. Camphill Village Kimberton Hills. Serena House, 120 Camphill dr. This class will explore chemical principles and concepts and how they act in our world. We will discuss atomic and molecular structure, chemical reactions, and the major elements important to life. This introductory class is designed for people with no prior background in chemistry and a phenomenological approach to the concepts will be used to encourage their integration into everyday experience.
4. 2/18 WINTER WOODS WALK 1:00-3:30 pm. $5-20 sliding. Meet at the Ridge Line Trailhead on Fox Hollow Dr. (Across from the Cascade Raptor Center) Led by Tobias Policha. Come explore the ecology, evolution, and ethnobotany of the wintery landscape. Learn about the adaptations, and characteristics, as well as the medicinal and cultural uses of the plants that thrive in the winter. We will focus on the conifers, ferns, mosses, and lichens. Come prepared to be outside, it may be cold and wet.
5. 2/27 PLANTS FOR THE PEOPLE –Herbal Actions. 6–9 pm. DONATIONS ACCEPTED. Upstairs at the Growers Market, 454 Willamette St. With Nome & Tobias. This presentation will introduce basic herbal actions as well as locally adapted plants that have medicinal value. Learn when, how and why to use pervasive weeds, native plants, and common garden herbs for health and nutrition. No experience required.
6. 3/3 HERB WALK: PLANTS FOR THE PEOPLE –A Local Materia Medica. 2:00-4:30 pm. DONATIONS ACCEPTED. Location TBA. We will cover some basic botanical terminology, review basic herbal actions & meet plants that can be used for health and healing. Please dress for the weather.
7. 3/4 HERBAL PREPARATIONS: From Field to Pharmacy 12:00 - 6:00 pm. $10-$35 + $10 materials fee. The Straw Bale at Maitreya Eco-Village, (W. Broadway, between Almaden and Chambers). With Nome McBride. This class will teach the many ways we can prepare herbs to increase their efficacy. We will cover harvesting, handling, and storage. We will discuss the specifics of preparing fresh and dried plants in many forms. This class will include demonstrations and hands-on activities. We will make something to take home. There will be a short lunch break (bring your own).
8-9. 4/14 &15 BOTANICAL IDENTIFICATION WORKSHOP. 10:00-3:00. $50. The White Oak Pavilion at Mount Pisgah Arboretum. With Tobias. Pre-registration required; Contact Courtney at 747-1504 or mtpisgj@efn.org. Designed to give participants the skills to identify plants on their own. Will include plant anatomy, family characteristics, and using a botanical key. Recommended supplies: Handbook of Northwest Plants by Gilkey & Dennis (2001) & hand lens. Be prepared to go outside.
9. 4/28 ETHNO-ECOLOGY FIELD TRIP 9:00-6:00ish $15-$45 Meet at Red Barn Natural Grocery, 357 Van Buren St. * This class will require carpool drivers-please call ahead to coordinate* With Tobias & Nome. We will head to the Cascade Mountains, where we will introduce basic botanical concepts and identification. We will also focus on the ecology, edibility, and medicinal value of our native flora. An introduction to basic herbal concepts, uses, and ethics will be included. Come prepared for cold and wet. Don’t forget drinking water, decent footwear, rain gear, and food for lunch and snacks.
10. 5/11-13 NATIVE PLANTS & PERMACULTURE: A Gathering of Plant Lovers. Walks, talks, discussions and activities will explore the roles of native and nonnative plants in our cultivated and noncultivated landscapes and ecosystems. Early registration fee (before April 1) is $75; regular registration fee is $90 for the weekend, or $50 per day. Organic meals and lodging are available. This event is supported in part by the Institute of Contemporary Ethnobotany. Contact Chris Roth, nature(at)lostvalley,org, 541-937-2567 ext. 116. www.lostvalley.org/nature
11. 5/21 PLANTS OF ECUADOR SLIDESHOW; 7-9:30 pm NPSO Mtg. EWEB Plaza. With Tobias. A slide show presentation on a six-week, ecological adventure throughout Ecuador, one of the biologically richest countries on the planet. Highlights will include: amazing orchid diversity, breath-taking Andean views, colorful birds, crazy insects, political graffitti, and more!
12. 6/24 MEDICINAL PLANT WALK. Free. 1:00-3:00 pm. Hendrick’s Park. Led by Tobias Policha. While the spectacular spring bloom may be over there is still much to pay attention to in the plant world this time of year. Bring water and a snack.
13. 9/16 SEED-SAVING FOR SELF RELIANCE12 am – 5 pm. $20 - $80. The Strawbale at the Maitreya eco-village (On N. side of Broadway between Almaden & Chambers). With Tobias Policha and Taylor Ziegler (HOPE Farm). Reproductive biology, harvesting, processing, storage, and breeding techniques, philosophy, and politics. Bring seed to clean!
14. FALL ECOLOGY & HARVEST
An Intergenerational Exploration
October 13 -- 14
Tobias Policha will be leading a workshop at this event.
Sponsored by the Lost Valley Nature Center and NextGEN (the youth branch of the Global Ecovillage Network),
Focus on fall ecology, indigenous tradition, and the harvest season here in the western Cascade foothills.
More info at www.lostvalley.org/fallecology. Contact Chris Roth, nature(at)lostvalley,org, 541-937-2567 ext. 116.
15. 10/20 FALL WOODS WALK
1:00 – 4:00 pm
$5 -- $30
Meet at the Ridge Line Trailhead at Fox Hollow Dr. (Across from the Cascade Raptor Center).
Led by Tobias Policha.
Come explore the ecology, evolution, and ethnobotany of the fall landscape. Learn about the adaptations, and characteristics, as well as the medicinal and cultural uses of the plants that thrive in the winter. We will focus on the conifers, ferns, mosses, and lichens. Come prepared to be outside, it may be cold and wet.
16. 11/1 BIOREGIONAL HERBALISM
6:00 – 9:00 pm.
BY DONATION
Upstairs at the Growers Market, 454 Willamette St.
With Nome McBride & Tobias Policha.
This presentation will introduce basic herbal actions as well as locally adapted plants that have medicinal value. Learn when, how and why to use pervasive weeds, native plants, and common garden herbs for health and nutrition. No experience required.
17. 11/4 9th ANNUAL: FOOD NOT LAWNS SEED SWAP.
1:00 – 5:00 pm
FREE
The Strawbale at the Maitreya eco-village (On N. side of Broadway between Almaden & Chambers)
Bring your seeds, plants, canned goods, brews, tinctures, food, friends, or just yourself!
18. 11/11 HERBAL PREPARATIONS: From Field to Pharmacy
TBA (Nov 11)
12:00 – 6:00 pm
$20 -- $80
The Strawbale at the Maitreya eco-village (On N. side of Broadway between Almaden & Chambers).
With Nome McBride.
This class will teach the many ways we can prepare herbs to increase their efficacy. We will cover harvesting, handling, and storage. We will discuss the specifics of preparing fresh and dried plants in many forms. This class will include demonstrations and hands-on activities. We will make something to take home. There will be a short lunch break.
19. 11/18 BOTNICAL MEDICINE
12:00 – 5:00 pm
$20 -- $80
The Strawbale at the Maitreya eco-village (On N. side of Broadway between Almaden & Chambers)
With Nome McBride & Tobias Policha.
This workshop will introduce herbal actions and when they would be applied to specific symptoms. We will also cover locally adapted plants as examples of the various actions. Basic physiology, botany and plant ID will be introduced. Learn when, how and why to use pervasive weeds, native plants, and common garden herbs for health and nutrition.
20. 12/1 WINTER TWIGS.
Saturday, Nov. 17
1:00 – 4:00 pm
$10 - $50
Meet at Amazon Parkway and 24th.
With Tobias Policha.
Learn to identify your favorite trees and shrubs in the absence of leaves and flowers. Winter identification requires observing many unique characters that are often overlooked, discover hidden beauty while learning a new skill! We will use the book Winter Twigs by Gilkey and Packard. OSU Press, 2001.
21-22. 12/15&22 The Nature of Substance Concepts in Chemistry
9:00 am – 12:30 pm. $40. Camphill Village Kimberton Hills. Serena House, 120 Camphill dr. This class will explore chemical principles and concepts and how they act in our world. We will discuss atomic and molecular structure, chemical reactions, and the major elements important to life. This introductory class is designed for people with no prior background in chemistry and a phenomenological approach to the concepts will be used to encourage their integration into everyday experience.
2006 Course Offerings
1. EARLY SPRING SEEDING AND GREENHOUSE MANAGEMENT Saturday Febuary 4, 10:00 am. - 1:00 pm. FREE. Food for Lane Co. Youth Farm, 705 Flamingo st. (off Game farm rd.) Springfield. With Nick Routledge & Ted Purdy. Contact Nick at 284-3703. Co-sponsored by the Eugene Permaculture Guild. We will explore timing, tactics, and strategies for season extension.
2. MAGIC MOLECULES: Basic Concepts in Biochemistry Sunday Febuary 5, 12:00-5:00pm. $10-$30. The Straw Bale at Maitreya Eco-Village, (W. Broadway, between Almaden and Chambers). With Tobias Policha. This class is intended to provide a basic understanding of biochemical concepts and enable students in further learning and research in herbalism, botany, etc. With a grasp of the basics, a wealth of information becomes much more accessible. We will cover molecular structure, chemical reactions, metabolism, and families of chemical compounds. No prior chemistry experience needed.
3. PRACTICAL PHYTOCHEMISTRY Sunday Febuary 12, 12:00-5:00 pm $10-$30. The Straw Bale at Maitreya Eco-Village. With Nome McBride. This class will explore the practical applications of plant chemistry, using phytochemicals as the building blocks of whole plant medicine. We will learn to recognize constituents by color, taste, and smell as well as explore practical considerations such as solubility. Students are encouraged, but not required to attend the Basic Biochemistry workshop to develop a foundation.
4. WINTER WOODS WALK Saturday Febuary 25, 1:00-3:30 pm. $5-$20. Meet at the Ridge Line Trail Trailhead on Fox Hollow Dr. (Across from the Cascade Raptor Center) Led by Tobias Policha. Come explore the ecology, evolution, and ethnobotany of the wintery landscape. Learn about the adaptations, and characteristics, as well as the medicinal and cultural uses of the plants that thrive in the winter. We will focus on the conifers, ferns, mosses, and lichens. Come prepared to be outside, it may be cold and wet. We will be doing some hiking so don’t forget your drinking water, snacks, decent foot ware and rain attire.
5. HERBAL PREPARATIONS: From Field to Pharmacy Sunday March 12, 10:00 am. - 4:00 pm. $10-$35 + $10 materials fee. The Straw Bale at Maitreya Eco-Village, (W. Broadway, between Almaden and Chambers). With Nome McBride. This class will teach the many ways we can prepare herbs to increase their efficacy. We will cover harvesting, handling, and storage. We will discuss the specifics of preparing fresh and dried plants in many forms. This class will include demonstrations and hands-on activities. We will make something to take home. There will be a short lunch break (bring your own).
6. PLANT MATERIALS BASKETRY Saturday March 25, 1:00-4:00 pm. Donations for materials gratefully accepted. Upstairs at Growers Market, 454 Willamette St. Contact Bonnie Behan at 341-1717. We will explore local plants for basketry, harvesting ethics, design. and weaving techniques. Each participant will weave their own basket out of provided locally gathered materials.
7. HERBAL FORMULAS Sunday March 26, 2:00-5:00 pm. $10-$25. Location TBA, call Eileen Berkley at 689-3672. This workshop will explore the interactions between medicines, and their complimentary effects on the body. We will discuss matching the right herbs with the right person while drawing from a number of herbal traditions. The methods and practical considerations of building formulas will also be covered, including mixing, proportions, dosages, balancing effects, etc.
8. BOTANICAL IDENTIFICATION Sat. & Sun. April 8-9, 10:00-3:00. $50 The White Oak Pavilion at Mount Pisgah Arboretum. With Tobias Policha. Pre-registration required; contact Courtney at 747-1504 or mtpisgj@efn.org. Designed to give participants the skills to identify plants on their own. Will include plant anatomy, family characteristics, and using a botanical key. Recommended supplies: Handbook of Northwest Flowering Plants by Gilkey & Dennis & hand lens. Be prepared to go outside.
9. PLANTS FOR THE PEOPLE –A Local Materia Medica Wednesday April 12, 6:00-9:00 pm. FREE Upstairs at Growers Market, 454 Willamette St. With Nome McBride, Tobias Policha and guests. This informal presentation will introduce basic herbal actions as well as locally adapted plants that have medicinal value. Learn when, how and why to use pervasive weeds, native plants, and common garden herbs for health and nutrition. There will be room for questions. No herbal experience required.
10. 5/7 ETHNO-ECOLOGY FIELD TRIP Meet at 9:00 am for this all day excursion $15-$45 Meet at Red Barn Natural Grocery, 357 Van Buren St. * This class will require carpool drivers-please call ahead to coordinate* With Nome and Tobias. We will head to the Cascade Mountains, where we will introduce basic botanical concepts and identification. We will also focus on the ecology, edibility, and medicinal value of our native flora. An introduction to basic herbal concepts, uses, and ethics will be included. Come prepared for cold and wet. Don’t forget drinking water, decent footwear, rain gear, and food for lunch and snacks.
11. 5/14 INTRODUCTION TO THE CULTIVATION OF MEDICINAL PLANTS 10:00am-4:00pm. $10-$35. Location TBA. With Nome. This class is designed to aid the home gardener as well as the market vegetable grower in understanding the cultivation of medicinal plants. Topics include soil preparation, perennial polycultures, propagation, harvesting, and seed saving. We will be outside rain or shine. Bring a lunch and water.
12. 5/28 BOTANICAL IDENTIFICATION WORKSHOP 12:00-6:00pm $25 - $50 The Strawbale at Maitreya Ecovillage (Broadway & Almaden) With Tobias and Steven. Designed to give participants the skills to identify plants on their own. Will include plant anatomy, family characteristics, and using a botanical key. Recommended supplies: Flora of the Pacific Northwest by Hitchcock and Cronquist & hand lens. Bring a lunch.
13. 5/29 BOTANICAL IDENTIFICATION FIELD TRIP 8:00am-7:30pm $35-$80 Prerequisite: Botanical Identification Workshop (or prior experience). With Tobias and Steven. Emphasis on family recognition and using botanical keys. We will cover the ecology, edibility, and medicinal value of our native flora. An introduction to basic herbal concepts, uses, and ethics will be included. Come prepared for cold and wet. Don’t forget plenty of drinking water, decent footwear, and food for lunch, dinner and snacks. Recommended supplies: Flora of the Pacific Northwest by Hitchcock and Cronquist & hand lens.
14. 6/18 PLANT WALK 1:00-3:30 pm. FREE. Hendrick’s Park. (Meet at the picnic shelter) Sponsored by the City of Eugene. Led by Tobias Policha. While the spectacular spring bloom may be over there is still much to pay attention to in the plant world this time of year. This walk will focus on the identification, ecology, and ethnobotany of our local plants. Bring water and a snack.
15. 9/30 BIODIVERSITY EXPLOSION FROM THE MIDDLE OF THE WORLD: A botanist´s tales from the equator 7-9:30 pm $2 - $10 ``The Strawbale`` at the Maitreya eco-village (Broadway btwn. Almaden & Chambers). By Tobias Plicha. A slide show presentation on a six-week, ecological adventure throughout Ecuador, one of the biologically richest countries on the planet. Highlights will include: amazing orchid diversity, breath-taking Andean views, colorful birds, crazy insects, political graffitti, and more!
16. 10/15 8th Annual FOOD NOT LAWNS SEED SWAP. 3:00-9:00pm. FREE. Maitreya Eco-village (Broadway, btwn. Chambers and Almaden) With a presentation & book sale/signing by by author Heather C. Flores (see 11/21) and performances by Mood Area 52 and the Underscore Orkestra. Bring your seeds, plants, canned goods, brews, tinctures, food, friends, or just yourself!
17. 10/21 (Sat.) FALL WOODS WALK. 1:00-4:00 pm. $3-$20. Meet at the Ridge Line Trailhead at Fox Hollow Dr. (Across from the Cascade Raptor Center) Led by Tobias Policha. Come explore the ecology, evolution, and ethnobotany of the Fall landscape. Learn about the adaptations, and characteristics, as well as the medicinal and cultural uses of the plants that thrive in the autumn. We will focus on the conifers, ferns, mosses, and lichens. Come prepared to be outside, it may be cold and wet.
18. 11/14 (Tues.) PLANTS FOR THE PEOPLE –A Local Materia Medica. 6:00 – 9:00 pm. BY DONATION. Upstairs at the Growers Market, 454 Willamette St. With Nome McBride (Under The Yew Botanicals) & Tobias Policha. This informal presentation will introduce basic herbal actions as well as locally adapted plants that have medicinal value. Learn when, how and why to use pervasive weeds, native plants, and common garden herbs for health and nutrition. There will be room for questions. No herbal experience required.
19. 11/21(Tues.) FOOD NOT LAWNS: How to Turn Your Yard into a Garden and Your Neighborhood into a Community! 6:00 – 9:00pm. $0-50. Walnut Room @ the EMU (UO-13th & University). Sponsored by the Survival Center. Book signing and workshop by Heather C. Flores, author of Food Not Lawns, How to Turn Your…. This interactive presentation will explore the possibilities for self-sufficiency, and community with limited resources. Topics will include: Free the land / free yourself, soil fertility, water stewardship, plant polycultures, seeds, ecological design, community organizing, & gardening w/ children. There will be books available for sale.
20. 12/9 (Sat.) WINTER TWIGS. 1:00 – 4:00. $10 - $30. Meet at Amazon Parkway and 24th. With Tobias Policha. Learn to identify your favorite trees and shrubs in the absence of leaves and flowers. Winter identification requires observing many unique characters that are often overlooked, discover hidden beauty while learning a new skill! We will use the book Winter Twigs by Gilkey and Packard. OSU Press, 2001.
2. MAGIC MOLECULES: Basic Concepts in Biochemistry Sunday Febuary 5, 12:00-5:00pm. $10-$30. The Straw Bale at Maitreya Eco-Village, (W. Broadway, between Almaden and Chambers). With Tobias Policha. This class is intended to provide a basic understanding of biochemical concepts and enable students in further learning and research in herbalism, botany, etc. With a grasp of the basics, a wealth of information becomes much more accessible. We will cover molecular structure, chemical reactions, metabolism, and families of chemical compounds. No prior chemistry experience needed.
3. PRACTICAL PHYTOCHEMISTRY Sunday Febuary 12, 12:00-5:00 pm $10-$30. The Straw Bale at Maitreya Eco-Village. With Nome McBride. This class will explore the practical applications of plant chemistry, using phytochemicals as the building blocks of whole plant medicine. We will learn to recognize constituents by color, taste, and smell as well as explore practical considerations such as solubility. Students are encouraged, but not required to attend the Basic Biochemistry workshop to develop a foundation.
4. WINTER WOODS WALK Saturday Febuary 25, 1:00-3:30 pm. $5-$20. Meet at the Ridge Line Trail Trailhead on Fox Hollow Dr. (Across from the Cascade Raptor Center) Led by Tobias Policha. Come explore the ecology, evolution, and ethnobotany of the wintery landscape. Learn about the adaptations, and characteristics, as well as the medicinal and cultural uses of the plants that thrive in the winter. We will focus on the conifers, ferns, mosses, and lichens. Come prepared to be outside, it may be cold and wet. We will be doing some hiking so don’t forget your drinking water, snacks, decent foot ware and rain attire.
5. HERBAL PREPARATIONS: From Field to Pharmacy Sunday March 12, 10:00 am. - 4:00 pm. $10-$35 + $10 materials fee. The Straw Bale at Maitreya Eco-Village, (W. Broadway, between Almaden and Chambers). With Nome McBride. This class will teach the many ways we can prepare herbs to increase their efficacy. We will cover harvesting, handling, and storage. We will discuss the specifics of preparing fresh and dried plants in many forms. This class will include demonstrations and hands-on activities. We will make something to take home. There will be a short lunch break (bring your own).
6. PLANT MATERIALS BASKETRY Saturday March 25, 1:00-4:00 pm. Donations for materials gratefully accepted. Upstairs at Growers Market, 454 Willamette St. Contact Bonnie Behan at 341-1717. We will explore local plants for basketry, harvesting ethics, design. and weaving techniques. Each participant will weave their own basket out of provided locally gathered materials.
7. HERBAL FORMULAS Sunday March 26, 2:00-5:00 pm. $10-$25. Location TBA, call Eileen Berkley at 689-3672. This workshop will explore the interactions between medicines, and their complimentary effects on the body. We will discuss matching the right herbs with the right person while drawing from a number of herbal traditions. The methods and practical considerations of building formulas will also be covered, including mixing, proportions, dosages, balancing effects, etc.
8. BOTANICAL IDENTIFICATION Sat. & Sun. April 8-9, 10:00-3:00. $50 The White Oak Pavilion at Mount Pisgah Arboretum. With Tobias Policha. Pre-registration required; contact Courtney at 747-1504 or mtpisgj@efn.org. Designed to give participants the skills to identify plants on their own. Will include plant anatomy, family characteristics, and using a botanical key. Recommended supplies: Handbook of Northwest Flowering Plants by Gilkey & Dennis & hand lens. Be prepared to go outside.
9. PLANTS FOR THE PEOPLE –A Local Materia Medica Wednesday April 12, 6:00-9:00 pm. FREE Upstairs at Growers Market, 454 Willamette St. With Nome McBride, Tobias Policha and guests. This informal presentation will introduce basic herbal actions as well as locally adapted plants that have medicinal value. Learn when, how and why to use pervasive weeds, native plants, and common garden herbs for health and nutrition. There will be room for questions. No herbal experience required.
10. 5/7 ETHNO-ECOLOGY FIELD TRIP Meet at 9:00 am for this all day excursion $15-$45 Meet at Red Barn Natural Grocery, 357 Van Buren St. * This class will require carpool drivers-please call ahead to coordinate* With Nome and Tobias. We will head to the Cascade Mountains, where we will introduce basic botanical concepts and identification. We will also focus on the ecology, edibility, and medicinal value of our native flora. An introduction to basic herbal concepts, uses, and ethics will be included. Come prepared for cold and wet. Don’t forget drinking water, decent footwear, rain gear, and food for lunch and snacks.
11. 5/14 INTRODUCTION TO THE CULTIVATION OF MEDICINAL PLANTS 10:00am-4:00pm. $10-$35. Location TBA. With Nome. This class is designed to aid the home gardener as well as the market vegetable grower in understanding the cultivation of medicinal plants. Topics include soil preparation, perennial polycultures, propagation, harvesting, and seed saving. We will be outside rain or shine. Bring a lunch and water.
12. 5/28 BOTANICAL IDENTIFICATION WORKSHOP 12:00-6:00pm $25 - $50 The Strawbale at Maitreya Ecovillage (Broadway & Almaden) With Tobias and Steven. Designed to give participants the skills to identify plants on their own. Will include plant anatomy, family characteristics, and using a botanical key. Recommended supplies: Flora of the Pacific Northwest by Hitchcock and Cronquist & hand lens. Bring a lunch.
13. 5/29 BOTANICAL IDENTIFICATION FIELD TRIP 8:00am-7:30pm $35-$80 Prerequisite: Botanical Identification Workshop (or prior experience). With Tobias and Steven. Emphasis on family recognition and using botanical keys. We will cover the ecology, edibility, and medicinal value of our native flora. An introduction to basic herbal concepts, uses, and ethics will be included. Come prepared for cold and wet. Don’t forget plenty of drinking water, decent footwear, and food for lunch, dinner and snacks. Recommended supplies: Flora of the Pacific Northwest by Hitchcock and Cronquist & hand lens.
14. 6/18 PLANT WALK 1:00-3:30 pm. FREE. Hendrick’s Park. (Meet at the picnic shelter) Sponsored by the City of Eugene. Led by Tobias Policha. While the spectacular spring bloom may be over there is still much to pay attention to in the plant world this time of year. This walk will focus on the identification, ecology, and ethnobotany of our local plants. Bring water and a snack.
15. 9/30 BIODIVERSITY EXPLOSION FROM THE MIDDLE OF THE WORLD: A botanist´s tales from the equator 7-9:30 pm $2 - $10 ``The Strawbale`` at the Maitreya eco-village (Broadway btwn. Almaden & Chambers). By Tobias Plicha. A slide show presentation on a six-week, ecological adventure throughout Ecuador, one of the biologically richest countries on the planet. Highlights will include: amazing orchid diversity, breath-taking Andean views, colorful birds, crazy insects, political graffitti, and more!
16. 10/15 8th Annual FOOD NOT LAWNS SEED SWAP. 3:00-9:00pm. FREE. Maitreya Eco-village (Broadway, btwn. Chambers and Almaden) With a presentation & book sale/signing by by author Heather C. Flores (see 11/21) and performances by Mood Area 52 and the Underscore Orkestra. Bring your seeds, plants, canned goods, brews, tinctures, food, friends, or just yourself!
17. 10/21 (Sat.) FALL WOODS WALK. 1:00-4:00 pm. $3-$20. Meet at the Ridge Line Trailhead at Fox Hollow Dr. (Across from the Cascade Raptor Center) Led by Tobias Policha. Come explore the ecology, evolution, and ethnobotany of the Fall landscape. Learn about the adaptations, and characteristics, as well as the medicinal and cultural uses of the plants that thrive in the autumn. We will focus on the conifers, ferns, mosses, and lichens. Come prepared to be outside, it may be cold and wet.
18. 11/14 (Tues.) PLANTS FOR THE PEOPLE –A Local Materia Medica. 6:00 – 9:00 pm. BY DONATION. Upstairs at the Growers Market, 454 Willamette St. With Nome McBride (Under The Yew Botanicals) & Tobias Policha. This informal presentation will introduce basic herbal actions as well as locally adapted plants that have medicinal value. Learn when, how and why to use pervasive weeds, native plants, and common garden herbs for health and nutrition. There will be room for questions. No herbal experience required.
19. 11/21(Tues.) FOOD NOT LAWNS: How to Turn Your Yard into a Garden and Your Neighborhood into a Community! 6:00 – 9:00pm. $0-50. Walnut Room @ the EMU (UO-13th & University). Sponsored by the Survival Center. Book signing and workshop by Heather C. Flores, author of Food Not Lawns, How to Turn Your…. This interactive presentation will explore the possibilities for self-sufficiency, and community with limited resources. Topics will include: Free the land / free yourself, soil fertility, water stewardship, plant polycultures, seeds, ecological design, community organizing, & gardening w/ children. There will be books available for sale.
20. 12/9 (Sat.) WINTER TWIGS. 1:00 – 4:00. $10 - $30. Meet at Amazon Parkway and 24th. With Tobias Policha. Learn to identify your favorite trees and shrubs in the absence of leaves and flowers. Winter identification requires observing many unique characters that are often overlooked, discover hidden beauty while learning a new skill! We will use the book Winter Twigs by Gilkey and Packard. OSU Press, 2001.
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