Nature and herb enthusiasts are invited to gather at the Ozark Folk Center State Park April 4-5, 2014 in Mountain View, Arkansas for the annual Medicinal Herb Field Trip and Workshop.
The event begins Friday, April 4, at 9 a.m., with a slide presentation by Sasha Daucus, featuring edible and medicinal plants of the Ozarks. Afterwards, the group departs by bus to the farm of Jennifer and David Blankenship. We will also explore the Devil’s Knob-Devil’s Backbone Natural Area with staff members of the Arkansas Natural Heritage Commission (ANHC). Devil’s Knob is an uplift mountain with two knolls joined by a saddle known as Devil’s Backbone. The vegetation consists of upland hardwood and cedar glade communities. Ancient Ashe’s juniper trees and silky asters are among the uncommon plant species that occur there.
Hikers will divide into small, rotating groups. Bring a sack lunch, water, walking stick, sturdy boots, your field guides and weather-appropriate apparel. Participants should be physically fit and able to walk over rugged, uneven terrain, with very few established trails. Bus seating is limited. Early registration is advised.
Instructors for this year’s event include herbalists Daniel Gagnon, Sasha Daucus, Susan Belsinger field biologist Bo Brown; Committee of 100 Herb Garden Chairman Jennifer Blankenship and OFC herbalists Kathleen Connole and Tina Marie Wilcox.
The Medicinal Herb Workshop will be held Saturday, April 5, in the Ozark Folk Center’s White Oak Auditorium between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. The sessions include Sassafra: Researching an Old Time Tonic, with Sasha Daucus and Tina Marie Wilcox; Artemisia: Herb of the Year 2014 by Susan Belsinger; How to Staty Healthy When Microbes are Everywhere presented by special guest, Daniel Gagnon. Bo Brown will demonstrate his expertise with plants Not Just Food and Medicine. A satisfying, healthy lunch will be served and is included in the workshop fee. Call 870-269-3851 or visit www.ozarkfolkcenter.com for a complete schedule and registration form.
