Class Description:
Join Westford herbalist Amber Kennedy on a woodland plant walk in the beautiful forests of Westford, Vermont. This private property is home to the Boheme Botanika apothecaries and gardens and a burgeoning botanical sanctuary that supports many thriving plant ecosystems.
During this walk we will be exploring tree medicine. Learn all about trees that are commonly used for medicine making and food. Some of the trees we will discuss are Witch Hazel, Birch, Apple, Hawthorn, Horse Chestnut, several species of evergreens, Sugar Maple and more along with some of the fungi (Chaga, Reishi, Turkey Tail and Birch Polypore Mushrooms) and lichens (Usnea) that depend on the trees to grow. Discover their latin names, how to properly ID them and some ecological facts about them. Discover some of the historical uses for these trees, fungi and lichens as well as their benefit to modern day herbalists. Delve into some interesting tree lore and magic too! And we will also get to sample some ice cold, freshly tapped Maple sap at the end of class!
This is a great time of year to get to know the trees by their bark and tell tale growth patterns so you can practice identifying, learning from them and growing with them all season long!
Who is this class for?
The trails and pace of walking is for casual hikers and walkers. The walk is leisurely and there are frequent stops along the way. Depending on questions and curiosities about what we find, sometimes we don’t get very far at all but we always discover lots! There are a few steep or rocky parts that may be difficult to navigate for folks with low mobility. I’m happy to stay on trails that accommodate most ability levels or offer a separate class to accommodate any special needs. Please just send me an email beforehand.
This specific class is not geared towards children but I encourage children to attend if they are interested and can stay engaged. I find that little folks 9 and up will get the most out of this class, but you know your child best. I do ask that children remain with their adults for the duration of class and if they are loudly playing or otherwise limiting other students ability to hear or pay attention, you kindly plan to step to the back of the group to attend to their needs. Please reach out to me via email to let me know if you plan to bring children: bohemebotanika@gmail.com
Location and parking details:
The trails are located on my home property, Briar Stone Farm in Westford Vermont. Our GPS address 10 Apple Tree Lane in Underhill because our property is located in the Cloverdale area of Westford off of route 15. Follow GPS down Seymour Road until it cuts out several yards before Apple Tree Lane on the right. This private road is my home and location of our walk. Pull into the driveway and there will be signs directing you where to park. We will meet on the lawn before heading onto the trails for our walk.
What do I need to bring?
Water, sun and bug protection if necessary. Wear comfortable shoes and clothes that allow you to walk through tall grass or snow in the woods (long pants and sleeves to prevent ticks is helpful). You may bring a camera, notepad or pen if you’d like to document plants.
Other important information:
There is an indoor restroom available in my home if needed.
Pre-registration is required. Space is limited to keep groups small and ensure the protection of the trails, habitats and land we will be exploring. Please sign up well in advance to ensure a spot.
All information provided during class is for educational purposes only and should not be considered as a recommendation or an endorsement of any particular medical or health treatment. It is Bohème Botanika policy not to advise or recommend herbs for medicinal or health use.
COVID-19 Policies:
Class will be held outdoors and class size kept small to allow for social distancing. Masks are not required but please mask up if you are more comfortable. I am fully vaccinated and will not be wearing a mask to allow for easier communication while teaching. Please respect other people’s space and comfort levels.
Cancellation and Refund Policy:
Outdoor classes are held rain or shine so please dress and plan accordingly. The plants don’t go in when it rains and neither do I. Because Vermont weather is fickle and because I need a minimum number of students to run the class for both safety and planning reasons, I am unable to offer refunds for cancellations at this time. I understand that emergencies happen so if you do need to cancel for any reason, you are welcome to offer your spot to a friend or join us for another class in 2022 instead. I do ask that if at all possible you reach out via email to let me know if you are unable to attend or are running late so we don’t hold the start of class up. I will of course cancel in the case of severe weather and a full refund will be issued or your ticket price can be rolled into another class if you choose.
Please purchase tickets well in advance since I need a headcount and a minimum of 5 people signed up for class to run. If the class is set to run on the day of then I will accept last minute/same day sign ups but please email to make sure there is space. If class is cancelled due to lack of sign ups you will have the option to roll your ticket into another date or receive a refund.