Herbal Autumn Activities 2018

Wintergreen (Gaultheria procumbens) ripe with minty tasting berries. Sprinkle them atop a bowl of yogurt, blend into granolas, or add to batters and doughs. The leaves are rich in methyl-salicylic acid, evidenced in their minty aroma, and effective when prepared as an infusion, in relieving muscular aches and pains.

The Honey Locust tree that shades our little home is releasing its now golden leaves and they lay scattered like confetti after an raucous party on our front porch. And it's true, that the bright heat high energy season of Summer is nearing its end. Although it's always a bit of a let down in these northerly climes, its also in a way, a sigh of relief. With Autumn comes a quieter time, a time for appreciating those persistent sunny flowers of Goldenrod before an end of the year harvest, patiently picking the reddening berries of Wintergreen one by one, and listening to the sound of all those acorns dropping to the forest floor following a strong gust of wind.
It is the perfect time too to take your interest in the plant world deeper. Learn to recognize these plants in their seed and stalk stage to begin plotting your picking for the spring as well as choosing your deeper studies for the winter. I've got a host of classes and walks coming up to help you do just that!   

Crystal Springs Resort, Vernon NJ
Seasonal Foraging Class and Wild Plant Walk recurring throughout the Season
Saturday, September 22nd, 10 - 12 pm
Saturday, September 29th, 10 - 12 pm
Saturday, October 13th, 10 -12 pm
Saturday, October 20th, 10 - 12 pm
Saturday, October 27th, 10 - 12 pm
Join me for a 30 minute class about our seasonal plants followed by a 90 minute walk on the Nature Trail at the Grand Cascades Lodge.
Cost: $10/person, open to the Public (you do not need to be a guest)
Pre-registration required, contact Crystal Springs Resort to reserve your spot:
https://www.crystalgolfresort.com

Milford Readers and Writers Festival, Milford PA
Journeys by Foot and by Word
September 28th, 3:15pm
Join me Under the Tent, in a discussion about the value of journeys. Learn about my long treks on national long-distance trails and my process in researching and writing my two books on edible and medicinal plants. All questions welcome. Books will be available for purchase.
Cost: Free
For more information about the festival please visit: milfordreadersandwriters.com

Tusten Mountain Hike with the Delaware Highlands Conservancy
Narrowsburg, NY
October 6th, 10 - 1 pm
Join me for a guided botanical hike on the Tusten Mountain Trail. We will begin with an easy stroll along the shores of the Delaware River, then wander through an old growth forest of Eastern Hemlock trees and ascend along switchbacks between stone cliffs and heaps of bluestone, finally summiting Tusten Mountain complete with vistas of the River Valley. 
Cost: Free
Pre-registration Required. To register please visit: 
https://delawarehighlands.org/events/fall-hike/

Plant Walks, Herbal Workshops, Long-distance Hiking Presentations
The Lodge at Woodloch, Hawley PA
Wednesdays and Sundays throughout the Season
As Woodloch's Naturalist and Certified Herbalist, I offer an assortment of activities centered around our natural world and holistic health. Book your stay and check out their outdoor activity schedule for list of dates/times at:
https://www.thelodgeatwoodloch.com

Botanical Hike with the Skylands Sierra Club
High Point State Park, New York
Saturday, November 3rd, 10 am - 1 pm
Join me for a hike through the botanically unique niche of the Cedar Swamp in High Point State Park. The trail is well-maintained and winding, complete with boardwalks over wet areas and benches on which to take a rest. We'll discover just what makes this part of the forest so special, especially when it comes to the medicinal plants.
Cost: $20/person, children under 13 years, free of charge
Pre-registration is required. Please contact David Alcock at dwhoob@hotmail.com to register.

Book your next outing with Hike Local
PA/NJ/NY
Do you have a group that would like to learn more about the edible and medicinal plants through a guided hike on a local trail? Perhaps you and your family would like to take a walk on your own property to learn more about your very own plants? Do you have a group that has varying degrees of endurance? We also offer slideshows and workshops. Contact us and allow us to tailor a hike or activity specifically suited to you and your group. Great for children and school groups as well!
Visit: www.Facebook.com/HikeLocal to learn more
Email us at HikeLocal@gmail.com to ask questions or schedule an activity

New hikes and events are still being added to the Autumn schedule so be sure to check out www.Facebook.com/thebotanicalhiker for the latest info as well!

Looking forward to seeing you on the trail this Fall!