Classes

Check back in January for our 2023 classes, but for now,
here are the classes from last year to give you
an idea of what goes on at the faire.
Classes 2022

Basic Faire Schedule

Friday
Intensives 9:00am-1:00pm
(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
Welcome/Announcements/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
Announcements- 9:00am
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 by Kroon (click here for more info on them) 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

2022 Great Lakes Herb Faire Schedule - Subject to change

Friday 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?

Adult Classes

Friday Evening Through Sunday
For kids classes please view the Kid's Tent page.

Opening and Closing Ceremonies will be led by Giizhigad

Keynote Speakers

Olatokunboh Obasi MSc, RH (AHG), CNS

The Way Forward: Community Healing For Our Time

Plants, people and politics converge in a time of climate change, where life on the planet is threatened by drastic changes and shifts. Politics tries to answer and debate these changes as if there is time to do so, cycles of time continue regardless, based on our actions. Various plants including foods will be impacted during this time as well. Diseases will arise as temperatures and climates change many unfamiliar or peculiar to various regions. The hope we have is understanding that there is no other time than now to honor the word community. The unity of coexistence and cohabitation. This will be a message about the necessity of community healing, suggesting healing practices and methods and creating these kind of spaces to pave the way for the future inheritors of the earth.

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 walks are listed at the bottom of the page.

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.

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.

Saturday and Sunday Classes

What a First Consult Holds for Each of Us and Our Clients
Leslie Alexander
When a new client arrives … what do they bring, both literally and metaphorically? Do we ask new clients to complete one or more forms? A journal of a sort? Do we ask that they bring a list, or more? As herbalists, what do we bring? What is our intent? What do we wish to accomplish and glean during an intake? These are some of the questions that we will discuss as we come together in a circle and explore the many and varied ways we work with others, and ourselves.

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.

Designing Medicinal Plant Guilds in Your Garden
Jared Bogdanov-Hanna

Permaculture is a design methodology and philosophy that emphasizes positive, beneficial relationships. This philosophy can be applied to you, your kitchen, your garden, your business and your community. In this class, Jared Bogdanov-Hanna will apply the permaculture system to designing edible and medicinal landscapes that benefit life in all its forms. The hands-on gardening class will demonstrate the permaculture
principles of design and show you how to arrange plants in a variety of landscapes (plant guilds) to maximize beneficial relationships, reducing the time, labor and expenses needed to maintain a healthy, holistic ecosystem. We will be using live potted plants to arrange throughout the immediate landscape.

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 Western Herbal History
Lindsey Feldpausch
A journey through time discussing the roles of women using plants as medicine. Early accounts of women’s roles as healers in their communities and the trials and tribulations they have faced throughout the ages. We will highlight select women in western 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
Margi 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
Margi 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.

The Art of Effective Formulation
Catherine Hunziker
Take your medicine making game to the next level! In this class, master herbalist Catherine Hunziker will share her decades of wisdom on the art & science of tincture formulation. When Catherine bought WishGarden Herbs in 1987, her mission was to introduce herbal remedies to a mainstream audience. In order to convince people to use plants as their first line of defense, she knew her tinctures had to be safe and they had to WORK. Effective formulation goes beyond just knowing general categories or basic functionality; we must take into consideration the way plants complement each other and interact with our unique human physiology. Join us for a fun and functional experience that will invigorate your tincture making.

Returning to the Grandmother’s Cave
Traditional Approaches to Healing; Maintaining the Spirit
Esstin Niganobe
In accordance with the Traditional approaches for the Medicine Wheel teachings, we consist of four individual entities, spiritual, mental, emotional, and physical. Traditional approaches to healing the spirit, using personal smudging, and plant base remedies we can journey through life’s adversity and restore our personal balance. Balance at times is very difficult to attain, “Returning to the Cave of the Grandmothers,” will assist with restoring positive connections to self, reclaiming self-direction and revitalizing our role as healers, counsellors, storytellers, and Spiritualists.
Storytelling and guided meditation will assist the individual to searching out self-awareness to understanding their role as teacher, mother, grandmother, and healer. “Returning to the Grandmother’s Cave,” will create a personal awareness of who we are with instructions to understanding the importance of our journey.

Ask Me About Nervines!
jim mcdonald
Aside from being an issue in and of itself, in so many of the health challenges we face stress is a major factor. The use of nervines, plants that calm, stimulate and/or support our nervous systems, is always an important consideration. These plants, though, are poorly classified as mild, moderate or strong in effect; each has specific indication and presentations for when it is most appropriate. Ask jim anything you want about nervines in general, or specific nervines you want to know more about.

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
Birthing is a sacred act of life carrying and life giving. We all would not be here without being birthed into existence. Space holders during this sacred time are also important to the journey of birth. Supporting and facilitating the path with ease and with empowerment. As a result, supporting these folks is fundamental. We want to ensure strong healthy guides at the door of birth; our doulas and midwives deserve to be cared for. This class will share herbal care that have been useful to birth workers from an experienced birth worker.

Indigenous Wisdom in Plant Wisdom
Olatokunboh Obasi
Plants have been on the planet evolving and transforming microorganisms in nature for millions of years. They are directors of the founding elements of all life supplying food, medicine, shelter and nurturance. With this knowing and this wisdom, plants are truly indigenous to the planet. They are essentially our ancestors, and they teach us the wisdom of the earth and life. Indigenous Wisdom in Plant Wisdom is an opportunity to look at specific plants that allow us to peer into the root of truth so we can find ourselves, ground ourselves and remember ourselves during a time of change.

Herbs and Fertility
Abigail 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.

Grief Through a Polynesian Lens
Schantell Puameole Taylor
Let’s explore the way the Polynesians hold grief through connection to ancestors, ceremony and ritual, and grieving in community. We’ll talk about the year of grieving, kapa cloth made from the wauke (paper mulberry) tree, lau hala baskets to assist in transition, and other herbs and rituals that are part of the grieving process.

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.

Herb Harvesting, Drying, and Storage
Sarah Williams
Growing or foraging herbs is delightful in itself, but how do you make the most of your harvest? The simplest and most traditional method is to dry them, and tuck them away safely for future use. In this class, we'll discuss how to properly harvest, dry - or otherwise preserve - and store herbs for maximum quality and potency, as well as the best health of the plants. We will also cover various ways that you can use your dried herbs: teas, powders, seasoning blends, etc.

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.

Anishinabek Forest Tea
Nathan Wright
Anishinabek Herbalism and tea making is an ancient practice of the Great Lakes Area that have been used for centuries to maintain health and well-being. Anishinabek means the original people. This workshop will teach you about at least ten different types of unique Indigenous teas (leaves, flowers bark, roots), their original Anishinabek names and medicinal properties, and other uses. These are unique Forest teas presented by the original peoples of the Great Lakes.

Northwoods Mushroom Medicine
Nathan Wright
Join us for an exciting class where you will learn how to incorporate medicinal mushrooms into your diet and how to make medicines from them. We will discuss the different varieties of medicinal and edible mushrooms, their benefits, along with extraction methods. We will also cover areas including using mushrooms for immune support, coughs & cold medicine and more. The perfect class for mushroom enthusiasts!

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
join herbalist jim mcdonald in a walk 'round the woods and fields to discover the myriad plants (and their myriad virtues) that grow all around us. We'll explore their history, actions and use through a blend of common sense, humor and practical experience.
Intermediate

the wonders of wayside weeds
jim mcdonald
Common weedy plants are the foundation of most herbalists’ repertories, and for good reason. We’ll take a deeper look at the specific indications and the surprising and overlooked uses of some of our most beloved medicinal plants.
Advanced

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