Invasive Apothecary

In this class, we will take an intimate look at the “worst of the worst” in terms of invasive plant species to propose very viable and effective creative solutions to the struggle for native habitats & ultimately, the most important of all, the survival of biodiversity. This class challenges the current xenophobic rhetoric in regards to non-natives such as “alien”, “thug”, “nuisance”, “noxious”, “nasty” by, instead, shifting our perspectives to the deeper root causes for the spread of these opportunistic species.

We will also take a look at:
1. their larger ecological role (for better or worse)
2. the contemporary & historical human relationships to the land
3. and the use of invasive species as food, medicine & material resource.

Participants will have the opportunity to taste & interact with herbal medicine made from various invasive plant species as well as see fabric dyed with Barberry root, native bee houses made from Japanese knotweed shoots & a basket made of Japanese Honeysuckle vines. Everyone will go home with a 1oz bottle of their very own invasive plant medicine tincture

Class will be divided into morning and afternoon sessions with a lunch break from 1-2pm. Students are encouraged to pack a lunch to enjoy during this time.

About the Instructor:

Alyssa Dennis of Eclipta Herbal is an interdisciplinary artist, educator, clinical herbalist, wild-crafter & dirt worshipper living on a 0.7 acre herb farm in Baltimore City MD. In addition to her masters degree in herbalism she has also studied Amazonian plant medicine, permaculture, green roof installation & straw bale/adobe building. She is particularly interested in restoring the importance of kin-centric ecology & considers herself a radicle ecologist. She is passionate about bioregional reintegration & place-based identity with the land that builds mutualistic relationships with non-human life in a post-binary context. Her clinical practice is centered around women's health & continuing the vibrancy of the peoples medicine which utilizes nutritional therapeutics & the contemporary practices of Chinese, Ayurvedic & Western herbal medical traditions. Find out more about her clinical practice, additional class offerings & the herb farm at https://ecliptaherbal.com/

Program Notes:

This class will take place outdoors. Please check the weather in advance and dress accordingly. Be prepared for walking on uneven terrain and potentially snowy and/or muddy conditions. 

All programs are subject to change due to unforeseen circumstances including inclement weather. Participants will receive an email in the days preceding the program for any changes or cancellations. You can review our current Cancellation and Refund Policy here. 

Parking takes place in the field above the farmhouse.