EDIBLE & MEDICINAL PLANTS OF CALIFORNIA: A Bioregional Exploration--Four Season Intensive Classroom & Field Study Program

EDIBLE & MEDICINAL PLANTS OF CALIFORNIA: 
A Bioregional Exploration

Four Season Intensive Classroom & Field Study Program

235 hour Foundational Course (over 12 months)

California is a land of extremes; with the highest peak in the continental U.S (Mt. Whitney 14,494’ in the Sierras) towering over the lowest point (at Badwater Basin -282’ in the Mohave Desert). And while the deserts of Southern California regularly top the chart as the hottest/driest place in the U.S (some areas receiving less than 3 inches of annual rainfall), the Northwest California temperate rainforests often receive an astounding 120 inches or more! Such climatic and topographical variation yields one of the most floristically diverse regions to be found in North America. In addition, due to its profuse endowment of natural resources, the territory now known as California also supported one of the most densely concentrated and culturally diverse indigenous populations in the Western U.S. For thousands of years these peoples relied primarily on the region’s plants for much of their food, medicine, and utilitarian needs. Fortunately some of this plant knowledge has been retained, and the combination of both plant and ethnic diversity sets California apart as a virtual treasure trove for any aspiring edible/medicinal plant enthusiast! 

Join us on this yearlong journey of discovery as we follow the plants through the seasons while learning about their many historical and contemporary uses. Class will meet one weekend per month (Friday evening–Sunday) for a total of 12 months. The April, July, and August classes will be extended to 4-day sessions and will take place at various locations throughout the state (details listed below). 

This interdisciplinary foundational course will engage the student on 4 levels: 

1. Interactive Classroom Lecture 
2. Hands-On Workshops 
3. Field Study
4. Independent Research/Self Directed Study 

In addition, the program will be structured around two main themes: Seasonal Plant Study & Bioregional Field Exploration. Meaning, we will focus our attention on the main floristic regions found throughout California while following the peak bloom season of each particular area. The goal of which is to give the student a solid background on the identification and use of the primary edible/medicinal plants found growing around the ENTIRE state. Because the bulk of the course will take place at the Regenerative Design Institute near Bolinas, CA (located on the central coast), this will be our main area of focus. Here we will share the valuable experience of being able to identify the plants throughout ALL seasons of the year, watching them sprout, flower, set seed, and then wither way. Our study will emphasize a dynamic sensory awareness of the plants via close observation, touching, tasting, and smelling. We will visit other regions of the state during one regular weekend and three 4-day camping trips.


2012 Course Fees

$2350 Tuition for the 12-month program

Early Payment Discounts:
The following discounts are available when registration and payment are received before September 7, 2012.

$2100 Early Bird discount

Course fees include camping & basic course materials.
Meals are not included.

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Website: 

http://www.regenerativedesign.org/edible-medicinal-plants-ca

Registration link:

https://www.z2systems.com/np/clients/regenerativedesign/eventRegistration.jsp?event=2668

Phone: 415·868 9681

Pre-registration is necessary to hold your space. We recommend that you register as early as possible, as many classes fill up in advance. Registration will close two weeks before the beginning of the course.

All fees must be paid in full prior to the start of class.

Refund Policy

Cancellations up to 2 weeks before the course begins will be refunded, excluding a $200 processing fee. No refunds are given after that date.

For questions or additional information, contact:
415·868 9681 voicemail or email us

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Commonweal Garden - What to Know

Please review the What to Know section on our website to be optimally prepared for your time at Commonweal Garden – it includes information regarding transportation options, site accommodations, and general information about Commonweal Garden and the surrounding area.

Meals
Participants are responsible for their food needs during the weekend sessions. Please provide for your breakfast, lunch & snacks on both Saturday & Sunday, and bring a potluck dish to share for dinner on Saturday night. 

Already prepared dishes are recommended. The greenhouse kitchen will be available for simple preparations of food. There are propane burners for heating food, but no oven.

Camping
You are welcome to camp on-site on Friday & Saturday nights. 

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Field Trips


The field trips will be car-camping - mainly at primitive camping sites (no running water, showers, toilets, picnic tables, etc.).
No serious backpacking gear is necessary.

What to bring: 
Tent, Sleeping Bag, Rain Gear
Clothes (for hot/cold weather)
Hiking Boot
Hat/Sunscree
Daypac
Food/Snacks (class fee does not include meals)
Camp Stove, Camping Chair, Camping Pad,
Swimming Suit (for hot springs)
Flashlight
Water Bottle
Firewood
and most importantly...a sense of adventure!

Optional (yet recommended): Notebook, camera, hand lens.