Woodland Plants: Indian Path Common
Monday, June 8, 6:30-7:30 pm
We will enter from the Indian Path Road, at the LaHave River end. Just before the road meets the river there is a small inlet and a dirt road that leads into the forest. There is parking there for several vehicles, as well as on the roadside. We will walk up the road and take the pink trail on the left. These woods are teeming with partridge berry, mayflower, gold thread, wild sarsaparilla, lung lichen and usnea. If we’re lucky we may see lady’s slippers and mayflowers still in bloom.
Plants of the Shore: Shoreline Drive
(Blue Rocks)
Monday, June 15, 6:30-7:30 pm
We will meet at the mailboxes at the far end of Shoreline Drive and take a short trail through the woods to the ocean. There we will be greeted by cattails, yarrow, St. John’s wort and yellow dock, and European transplants plantain and mullein. The marsh marigold may still be in bloom, and the glasswort and lamb’s quarters should be far enough along that we can enjoy a nibble.
Plants of the Urban Trails: Arthur Young Trail (Cooksville)
Monday, June 22, 6:30-7:30 pm
Meet at the parking lot to the left of the Best Western Motel. The trail winds downhill to meet the Centennial Trail along the LaHave River. We will meet many urban plant allies, from coltsfoot and horsetail to red clover, mullein, wild lobelia and St. John’s Wort. We may also meet poison ivy, and learn the plant remedies that can relieve skin rashes.
Plants of the Barrens: Blue Rocks Common Trail (Stonehurst Trail)
Monday, June 29, 6:30-7:30 pm
Meet at the trailhead, where the road forks on the way to Stonehurst South. You can find it on a map. (I think Google says Stonehurst East.) There are two small parking lots, one right at the trailhead, and the other where the road forks. This is a relatively easy trail for people who hike regularly, but could be challenging for folks who don’t feel comfortable scrabbling up and down over slate rock outcroppings. The stars of this hike are juniper and uva ursi, but we will also meet heather, lady’s slipper, bunch berry, false lily of the valley, wintergreen, wild strawberry, spruce and more. Maybe a bunny if we’re lucky!
Walking with Plants
A native medicinal plant walk series
A series of herbal medicine walks to explore native plants that have traditional uses as medicines and food. We will discuss how to identify and ethically harvest, as well as medicinal uses.
Some general guidelines:
Light clothing, long pants, socks and enclosed footwear recommended as ticks are still active. However, most parts of these trails are wide enough that we can avoid brushing against the undergrowth where the ticks like to hang out. Natural tick repellent will be available. Bring some tea or water, a notebook and a hat.
The walks are about 1.5-2 kms in length, and we may run past the allotted time, so allow yourself extra time to return to your vehicle. If the weather is not cooperative, walks will be rescheduled.
Cost for each walk is $20 per adult. Children and well-mannered dogs are welcome to tag along. Trades considered if cost is a barrier. Please email wildeastherbals@gmail.com to reserve your spot.
Contact: wildeastherbals@gmail.com