Classes 2022
Basic Faire Schedule
Friday
Intensives 9:30am-1:30pm (This can be purchased separately- you do not need to attend the whole Faire to attend an intensive) General Faire Registration 1:00pm-3:50pm Marketplace opens 3:00pm Opening Ceremony 4:00pm-5:15pm Keynote 5:15pm-6:00pm Dinner 6:30pm-7:45pm Friday night classes 8:00pm-9:30pm |
Saturday
Sunrise class 7:30am- 8:15am Breakfast 7:30am-8:45am Keynote 9:15am-10:15am Marketplace/ Silent auction/Mingling Session 1 classes 11:00am-12:30pm Lunch 12:45-2:15pm Session 2 classes 2:45pm-4:15pm Session 3 classes 4:45pm-6:15pm Dinner 6:30pm-8:00pm Performance 8:30pm-10:00pm |
Sunday
Sunrise classes 7:30am- 8:15am Breakfast 7:30am-8:45am Session 4 classes 9:00am-10:30am Session 5 classes 11:00am-12:30pm Lunch 12:45pm-2:00pm Session 6 classes 2:15pm- 3:45 pm Closing Ceremony 4:00 pm – 4:30 pm |
Intensives
Botany Intensive
with Cal Janae Wolfpack
Botany is the scientific study of plants and has many different facets that can be of benefit to herbalists of all skill levels. The skills and perspectives of Botany provide herbalists with a deeper insight into understanding plants, working with plants and what they have to offer in terms of food and medicine. This class will provide a broad look at many botanical ideas including plant evolution & naming, anatomy & physiology, terminology, plant identification basics, major groupings of plants & recognition of common plant families important to herbal medicine. It is understood that botany is a challenging topic full of technical jargon & endless details. This class is taught in a manner that seeks to make botany accessible and understandable with practical application. Attendees will have the opportunity to key out plants using the Field Manual of Michigan Flora. Several plant specimens will be provided and identified throughout the class. These plant specimens along with their identities will be kept on display throughout the Faire in order that Faire attendees can observe & learn these plants. Time and weather permitting this class will include a plant walk to put concepts & skills learned in class to the test.
The Joy and Curse of Reading the Body
with Margi Flint
Humans! We are so easy to read. The Indications: Lines, Colors, Locations on the face and tongue which correspond to organs, the Fingernail ridges, spots and clouds, the Tongue coatings and crevasses, the famous B12 deficiencies are worn for all to see. Come learn the generalities of all those faces we get to see unmasked. Do I need to say “No make up or fingernail polish.” To you?
with Cal Janae Wolfpack
Botany is the scientific study of plants and has many different facets that can be of benefit to herbalists of all skill levels. The skills and perspectives of Botany provide herbalists with a deeper insight into understanding plants, working with plants and what they have to offer in terms of food and medicine. This class will provide a broad look at many botanical ideas including plant evolution & naming, anatomy & physiology, terminology, plant identification basics, major groupings of plants & recognition of common plant families important to herbal medicine. It is understood that botany is a challenging topic full of technical jargon & endless details. This class is taught in a manner that seeks to make botany accessible and understandable with practical application. Attendees will have the opportunity to key out plants using the Field Manual of Michigan Flora. Several plant specimens will be provided and identified throughout the class. These plant specimens along with their identities will be kept on display throughout the Faire in order that Faire attendees can observe & learn these plants. Time and weather permitting this class will include a plant walk to put concepts & skills learned in class to the test.
The Joy and Curse of Reading the Body
with Margi Flint
Humans! We are so easy to read. The Indications: Lines, Colors, Locations on the face and tongue which correspond to organs, the Fingernail ridges, spots and clouds, the Tongue coatings and crevasses, the famous B12 deficiencies are worn for all to see. Come learn the generalities of all those faces we get to see unmasked. Do I need to say “No make up or fingernail polish.” To you?
Adult Classes
Friday Evening Through Sunday
For kids classes please view the Kid's Tent page (link coming soon!)
For kids classes please view the Kid's Tent page (link coming soon!)
Keynote Speakers
Catherine Hunziker
Confessions of a Radical Herbalist Share in the motivating stories, insights, philosophy and formulating strategy of an activist turned herbalist, turned entrepreneur, turned activist again. Herbalism has come a long way in the years since the beginning of the herbal renaissance in the 70’s & 80’s. Take a fresh look at the difference between pharmaceuticals and ‘whole herb’ extracts, and why that matters. Help people rediscover the formidable strength, safety and beauty of whole plant medicine as it contributes towards a more sustainable future for generations to come. |
Main Conference Classes
(Listed Alphabetically by Teachers Last Name )
Plant Walk Classes Are Listed At The Bottom Of This Page
Classes are still evolving so please check back!
(Listed Alphabetically by Teachers Last Name )
Plant Walk Classes Are Listed At The Bottom Of This Page
Classes are still evolving so please check back!
Friday Evening Classes
Friday evenings we have historically held a session of classes that have some fun and flare to them and people have really enjoyed them.
We plan to continue this tradition in 2022.
Friday evenings we have historically held a session of classes that have some fun and flare to them and people have really enjoyed them.
We plan to continue this tradition in 2022.
Plants and Myths
Lindsey Feldpausch
Join us for a glimpse into the world of plants in story and mythology. This class will entail a discussion of the importance of myths and stories, with a focus on common plant allies in our materia medica. Story telling will bring these tales alive, bringing you closer to the plants through connection to myths.
Spirit Walk with Plants
Stacey Quade
Included in this experience will be a voice guided meditation; a recording of plants singing; interactive experiencing of our individual and group bio-fields; and practicing with sensing different individual plant bio-fields.
Fun with Cordials
Lynn Zukowski
Cordials originated in 14 th century Europe and were brought to America by the early settlers. They are creative medicinals that are a lot of fun and can be delicious. They are alcohol infused beverages often used as digestive aids, sleep remedies and tonics of various kinds. We will talk about their interesting history and the variety of herbs, alcohols and sweeteners that you can use to make your own cordials. There are endless possibilities. You will have the opportunity to try 4 different cordials during the presentation and recipes will be shared.
Walking the Edge: Exploring Liminal Space through Herbal Practice
Celena Chavez and Leah Wolfe
Edgewalkers are beings who walk the edge between two worlds, visiting both worlds but always returning to that edge. In the old stories, the edge is often a shoreline between Earth and Water: Earth being the world of the day-to-day living and Water being the Underworld. The edge is the liminal space where unusual things can happen: evolution, revolution, revitalization, transformation, and sometimes moments of insanity. Edgewalkers seek the mystical experiences of the Underworld, hoping for inspiration and transformation with the desire to bring the mysterious into the daily Earth life.
Folklore speaks of many trees who dig their roots in both worlds, those Water Seekers standing at the edge. Mighty Cottonwood, wispy Willow, and ardent Alder are some that stand along the edge of the Great Lakes. Old tales of these trees and personal stories from herbalists, Celena Chavez and Leah Wolfe will weave together an experience of liminal understanding and how they walk the edge even when it seems like the drudgeries of daily life loom larger than life itself.
Lindsey Feldpausch
Join us for a glimpse into the world of plants in story and mythology. This class will entail a discussion of the importance of myths and stories, with a focus on common plant allies in our materia medica. Story telling will bring these tales alive, bringing you closer to the plants through connection to myths.
Spirit Walk with Plants
Stacey Quade
Included in this experience will be a voice guided meditation; a recording of plants singing; interactive experiencing of our individual and group bio-fields; and practicing with sensing different individual plant bio-fields.
Fun with Cordials
Lynn Zukowski
Cordials originated in 14 th century Europe and were brought to America by the early settlers. They are creative medicinals that are a lot of fun and can be delicious. They are alcohol infused beverages often used as digestive aids, sleep remedies and tonics of various kinds. We will talk about their interesting history and the variety of herbs, alcohols and sweeteners that you can use to make your own cordials. There are endless possibilities. You will have the opportunity to try 4 different cordials during the presentation and recipes will be shared.
Walking the Edge: Exploring Liminal Space through Herbal Practice
Celena Chavez and Leah Wolfe
Edgewalkers are beings who walk the edge between two worlds, visiting both worlds but always returning to that edge. In the old stories, the edge is often a shoreline between Earth and Water: Earth being the world of the day-to-day living and Water being the Underworld. The edge is the liminal space where unusual things can happen: evolution, revolution, revitalization, transformation, and sometimes moments of insanity. Edgewalkers seek the mystical experiences of the Underworld, hoping for inspiration and transformation with the desire to bring the mysterious into the daily Earth life.
Folklore speaks of many trees who dig their roots in both worlds, those Water Seekers standing at the edge. Mighty Cottonwood, wispy Willow, and ardent Alder are some that stand along the edge of the Great Lakes. Old tales of these trees and personal stories from herbalists, Celena Chavez and Leah Wolfe will weave together an experience of liminal understanding and how they walk the edge even when it seems like the drudgeries of daily life loom larger than life itself.
Saturday and Sunday Classes
Ka-Ton-Ka: The Oregon Indian Medicine Company
Leslie Alexander
Near the shores of Presque Isle Bay of Lake Erie, in the wee town of Corry, Ka-Ton-Ka: The Oregon Indian Medicine Company thrived. From pills to elixirs to oils, these medicines brought about “miracles”. In this workshop we’ll discuss the history of Ka-Ton-Ka of course and then take a look at formulation ingredients, therapeutic actions and more.
Detox & Herbal Support
Yuma "Dr. Yew" Bellomee
Detox! Many of us hear this term, but what does it mean, and how do we do it? In this presentation, we will explore the detoxification process(es) from a holistic standpoint; their associations, benefits, and expectations; along with supportive herbs and how they may assist for overall well being.
Power of the Mind
Yuma "Dr. Yew" Bellomee
This presentation is a wholistic wellness-centered approach to the lifestyle factors, foods, and practices that can affect healthy brain function, and how that translates to how we may feel on a practical level.
Clients in Crisis
Mary Colvin
How to determine your client is in a mental health crisis and valuable resources for them. This class will step the clinician/herbalist through a series of questions for the client to determine if they are currently in a mental health crisis and what to do if they are. I will use different mental health situations to demonstrate how each should be handled and offer additional resources.
Herbal Care for Abortion and Pregnancy Loss
Alex Crofoot
In this class we will focus on how to support people with herbs through an abortion or pregnacy loss. This class will not discuss herbal abortificants. We will cover a wide range of points including but not limited too: Abortion statistics, current abortion options, trauma informed care, a herbalists role, herbs used pre, and post abortion.
Plant Communication & Meditation
Colleen Donahoe
I will open with a presentation on the science around how and why plants communicate with each other through chemical and electrical signals. Then we will discuss what this means for the relationships between humans and plants and transition into a meditative practice with a plant. I will offer time for a closing discussion on how we may continue this practice to enhance our experience as herbalists.
Ecology Within and Without
Geoffrey Edwards (Geo)
In this class we focus on the ecology of the location/region where the class is taught and explore
the connection between the local plants and landscape with human anatomy and physiology. We
will explore how the outer landscape can teach us valuable lessons about the inner workings of
body, mind and spirit. Students will be also introduced to concepts of the 4/5 Elements, their
related emotions, and what these elements reveal to us about the nature of ourselves as living
reflections of the plants, land, weather, and seasons in our environment. This class has a Part 2 which is an Herb Walk- See below for more information- in the Herb Walk section.
Highlighting Women in Herbal History
Lindsey Feldpausch
A highlight of select women in herbal history who have impacted the Field of plant medicine. Who they were, what they contributed and why we should carry them with us in today’s herbalism.
How to Make Your Own Herbal Lotions and Creams, with a Focus on Oils & Butters
Kara Flowers
An often overlooked area of home bodycare are lotions and creams because they are a bit tricky and have some pitfalls. This class will teach in a hands-on way about the characteristics of different oils and butters and how to use them to your advantage in your products. We will cover the different herbal infusion methods and which herbs are best for each kind. The student will walk away with recipes for lotions and creams, a demonstration, an ingredient sourcing list, and the knowledge to be able to adapt their recipes to suit their needs and herbs.
Stories of Clinical Practice
Margie Flint
Let me wander through the years with anecdotes, some good practice ideas and a hefty dose of laughter. Bring your questions!
Protection with Herbal Friends
Margie Flint
Herbs offer us abundant ways to protect our skin, mucous membranes, and, well, our entire human package. In the era of the everchanging virus, learn which forms and applications of herbal formulas might support you and yours best.
Herbalism as an Alchemical Journey
Erika Galentin
"We could say, without too much exaggeration, that a good half of every treatment that probes at all deeply consists in the doctor’s examining himself, for only what he can put right in himself can he hope to put right in the patient…it is his own hurt that gives the measure of his power to heal. This, and nothing else, is the meaning of the Greek myth of the wounded physician." Carl Jung
Join clinical herbalist, Erika Galentin, MNIMH, RH (AHG) of Sovereignty Herbs for a thought-provoking and self-reflective class on the alchemical journey of the herbalist as the wounded healer. The three principles of alchemy, salt, mercury, and sulfur, will be used to explore herbalism as a journey to embodiment, humility, and Self. This class will provide a framework for deep self-reflection in your clinical work, your formulating, and/or product making, as well as provide inspiration for creating authenticity and demonstrating ethics in your work as an herbalist.
Shame, Inflammation, and our herbal Allies: Unlocking the Inner Pillory
Erika Galentin
Join Clinical Herbalist, Erika Galentin MNIMH, RH (AHG) of Sovereignty Herbs for a research-based exploration of the physiology of shame, what is known about its proinflammatory influence over physical wellbeing, and herbs and aromatics that may support honoring shame and its often treacherous terrain. In this class we will take a brief tour through the historical context of shame within a Western European centered worldview whilst framing the emotions and experiences of shame within the context of one’s perceptions of physical health & wellbeing. We will also explore what is known about the physiology of shame and its proinflammatory influence over the human body including a discussion on the relationship between inflammation & common health problems. Lastly, will learn more about herbs and aromatics as tools to support the physical body, psyche, and spiritual needs of those who are navigating shame.
Wildcrafting Cough Syrup
Greg Monzel
As the seasons change toward cooler weather, herbalists and our clients alike need support for immunity and respiratory health. We will work together to gather wild herbs and barks and make a honey-based infused syrup for this purpose. Participants will each take home a bottle of their own, as well as knowledge of the ingredients and their uses.
Pine Pitch Salve
Greg Monzel
Pine pitch has a multitude of uses from drawing out splinters to opening the respiratory passages. While the raw pitch itself is sticky and messy, the salve we will make is clean, aromatic, and easy to use. Ethical harvesting is an important consideration and will be addressed; attendees also get to take home their own tin of pine pitch salve.
Herbal Care for Birthworkers
Olatokunboh Obasi
Description to come
Indigenous Wisdom in Plant Wisdom
Olatokunboh Obasi
Description to come
Herbs and Fertility
Abigale Ruby
In this workshop I talk about the very important topic of fertility. More and more people are struggling to get pregnant, and we will cover this, but fertility is about more than pregnancy. Fertility is a sign of overall health. In this workshop we will dive into the signs of a healthy cycle and cover ways to support it through an herbalist’s lens.
Polynesian Herbalism
Schantell Puameole Taylor
Description to come
Herbs to Clear the Mind
Shana Weddington
Brain fog is real. This common symptom can occur for multiple reasons and can drastically affect one's quality of life. You might hear someone describe this experience as feeling, mentally sluggish, at a loss for words, cloudy or foggy thinking, or simply poor concentration and memory recall.
We will discuss some of the most common underlying causes of brain fog, simple life hacks to combat brain fog and herbs that can help to clear the mind.
Making Medicine from Trees
Leslie Williams
We will peel bark (I will bring cut branches for each herbalist to practice on). We will
demonstrate trimming twigs and leaves responsibly. We will discuss the abundance of medicine in landscape plants and orchards of the Great Lakes bioregion and specific descriptions of how to use them. This will focus on the forgotten tree medicines – alder, hornbeam, viburnums, ornamental cherry, apple bark, mulberry leaf and so many more! Mention of constituents –tannins, alkaloids, nutrition and how to best honor the worth of trees.
Herbal Safety for Pregnancy
Cal Janae Wolfpack
One of the basic safety considerations most asked by herbalists is the question of herbal safety
for pregnant folks. The class will look at 3 different approaches to the question of herbal safety
in pregnancy. Students will leave class with an understanding of herbs that they can use during
pregnancy as well as understanding when to consider using herbs that may carry some risk and
what these risks entail. Focus will be on herbs commonly used by midwives, birth workers &
pregnant folks as well as herbs used for common discomforts and issues that arise during
pregnancy.
Plant Walks
Ecology Within and Without: Herb Walk
Geoffrey Edwards (Geo)
This plant walk is part 2 of the class Ecology Within and Without noted above. It is a plant walk geared to ground concepts covered in the first class with the opportunity to fully engage our senses in nature with
related qigong exercises and meditations.
Herb Walk
jim mcdonald
Some sort of shenanigans and ramblings about herbs with jim.
Mushroom Walk
Rachel Mifsud
We will walk the site looking for mushrooms. Common mushrooms will be identified and their edible and medicinal properties discussed. Less common mushrooms will be used to teach about the anatomical features that are used in mushroom ID and to discuss the proper use of field guides to assist with mushroom ID, along with pitfalls that may make ID difficult.
Tree Medicine Walk: Learning to See the Medicine of Trees
Leslie Williams
Tips for accurate tree identification, discussion of traditions and uses, history, how to harvest responsibly and sustainably, parts most useful and actions, solvents, plus a bit of magic and non-boring contemporary research. Native trees, non-native and invasive – and the properties of each. We will talk a few minutes before the walk begins. (I will preview the area to best utilize our time and see common, safe, medicinal trees.) When appropriate we will taste and touch trees.
Field to Forest Walk
Sarah Williams
Many species of medicinal plants thrive in sunny fields, shaded woods, and perhaps especially, the places where one becomes the other. We’ll search out these herbs, and discuss the identifying characteristics, harvesting, properties, and lore of some of our abundant autumn allies.
Geoffrey Edwards (Geo)
This plant walk is part 2 of the class Ecology Within and Without noted above. It is a plant walk geared to ground concepts covered in the first class with the opportunity to fully engage our senses in nature with
related qigong exercises and meditations.
Herb Walk
jim mcdonald
Some sort of shenanigans and ramblings about herbs with jim.
Mushroom Walk
Rachel Mifsud
We will walk the site looking for mushrooms. Common mushrooms will be identified and their edible and medicinal properties discussed. Less common mushrooms will be used to teach about the anatomical features that are used in mushroom ID and to discuss the proper use of field guides to assist with mushroom ID, along with pitfalls that may make ID difficult.
Tree Medicine Walk: Learning to See the Medicine of Trees
Leslie Williams
Tips for accurate tree identification, discussion of traditions and uses, history, how to harvest responsibly and sustainably, parts most useful and actions, solvents, plus a bit of magic and non-boring contemporary research. Native trees, non-native and invasive – and the properties of each. We will talk a few minutes before the walk begins. (I will preview the area to best utilize our time and see common, safe, medicinal trees.) When appropriate we will taste and touch trees.
Field to Forest Walk
Sarah Williams
Many species of medicinal plants thrive in sunny fields, shaded woods, and perhaps especially, the places where one becomes the other. We’ll search out these herbs, and discuss the identifying characteristics, harvesting, properties, and lore of some of our abundant autumn allies.
Sunrise Classes
Sunrise Yoga & Meditation
Colleen Donahoe
Yoga and Meditation, enough said.
Early Morning Plant Study
Kristine Brown
Start your day learning about plants through meditation, sensory exploration, and drawing. In this early morning session we will practice sitting with a plant while reflecting on its energy, learn to listen for details while drawing a plant, and spend time focusing on each plant’s botanical uniqueness.
Colleen Donahoe
Yoga and Meditation, enough said.
Early Morning Plant Study
Kristine Brown
Start your day learning about plants through meditation, sensory exploration, and drawing. In this early morning session we will practice sitting with a plant while reflecting on its energy, learn to listen for details while drawing a plant, and spend time focusing on each plant’s botanical uniqueness.