Wednesday, March 31, 2010

Botanical Medicine Certificate Program

Jack-in-the-PulpitWhile this is not Friends of Ganondagan sponsored programming, we thought our friends and members may be interested in taking a few classes or perhaps the whole series from our good friend and skilled Naturopathic doctor, Dr. Les Moore, N.D. M.S.O.M., LAc. I can personally vouch for the high quality nature of these herbal medicine classes since I have taken the entire certificate program as well as completing an apprenticeship with Dr. Moore.

Whether you are interested in learning how to use herbs medicinally or love plants and want to know more about how they are used, be sure to check these classes out! I have included class details below but contact Classical Formulas at 315-462-0190 for any additional information or to register! Enjoy!

-kim

Botanical Medicine Certificate Program

Medical Herbalism Part III
April 8th through May 13th


Wild StrawberryThis Course is the third in a series of three herbal study programs to be offered at Clifton Springs Hospital through the Integrative Medicine department, The Botanical Medicine Institute, and Classical Formulas. While each series has a similar format, they will contain different information. These classes are appropriate for health care providers, people employed in health related businesses or anyone interested in Herbalism.

Dr. Moore and herbalists from Classical Formulas Herbal Medicinary will instruct these classes. Dr. Moore has a life-long interest and extensive education in the field of Herbalism, both Western and Eastern.
Baneberry
You may register for the whole series or at the beginning of each class. Students may begin ANY series at ANY time with no prerequisites of the previous series. Each series is a stand-alone module. Students completing all three of the series (Parts I, II & III) will receive a certificate upon course completion. To be certain you have a place in class please register early, as class size is limited.

Tuition is $120 for the series or $20 per class. Contact Classical Formulas for registration at 315-462-0190 by April 6th.

PLEASE NOTE: All classes are held on Thursdays at Clifton Springs Hospital from 6:30 - 8:30pm with the exception of the herb walk on Saturday May 1st 2010 held at the Ontario Pathways Trail, Phelps, NY at 9:00am.


Medical Herbalism Part III - April 8th through May 13th 2010
Course Descriptions

White Trillium
Class 1 – Botanical Medicine/Single Herbs – April 8th
Learn about herbs to soothe gastrointestinal tract as well as nervous system, aid in digestion, allergies and cleansing as well as combating viruses including fevers.

Class 2 – Herbal Therapeutics/Spring Detoxification–April 15th
This class will focus on herbal therapeutics for detoxifying the body.

Class 3 – Herbal Medicine Making – April 29th
Learn how to make herbal infusions with oil, vinegar and honey. We will also discuss making herbal salves from the oil infusions.

Class 4 – Plant Identification/Herb Walk – May 1st
This class will be a 3+ hour walk to identify plants in the surroundings area. You will learn about their habitat, history and uses. This class will meet at the Ontario County Pathways trail, Route 96, Phelps, NY. Bring water and snack, dress for the weather and wear appropriate footwear.
Mayapple
Class 5 – Herb Pairs/Drug Interaction and Materia Medica for Children – May 6th
This class will focus on paired herbs that are therapeutic for specific conditions. Information on interactions that can occur between medicines and herbs will also be discussed as well as herbal dosages for children.

Class 6 – Herbal Formulas & Modifications – May 13th
Herbs used in herbal formulas can act synergistically and can be tailored for each unique individual, even as a person or environment changes. This class will consider how formulas can be used and altered to address specific changes.

Wednesday, March 17, 2010

Spring - do you see the signs?

Again rejoicing Nature sees
Her robe assume its vernal hues:
Her leafy locks wave in the breeze,
All freshly steep’d in morning dews.

- Robert Burns
Do you see the signs of Spring in the air? Besides the sugaring of the maples, Spring has been telling me it is nearly here in other ways too.

This morning I was serenaded by the "Songbird Top-40" master himself, the mockingbird. Some think Spring is nearly here when they see the first robin. Not me. Robins show up usually just in time to get a whole lot of snow dumped on them. I look for my mockingbirds to show up. They are a much better judge of Spring.

I also look to the pussy-willow. Like the mockingbird, it is rarely wrong in heralding Spring. Once the pussy-willow catkins get all fuzzy and fun to touch, spring is nearly here. My pussy-willow tree says it is time. See a close-up of its grey and pink catkins to the right. This afternoon I cut a big pussy-willow bouquet to bring in and dream of the warming days.

-kim

Tuesday, March 16, 2010

Maple Weekend

The collection of maple sap is one of the earliest indications that Old Man Winter is loosing his grasp on the land. Sap collection buckets have begun to appear - maybe you have seen them on trees during your daily commute? Even if you haven't, be assured they are there and they are collecting sap so it can be turned into wonderful maple syrup and maple sugar products.

The Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) celebrate the flowing of Maple sap each year. It is one of the celebrations of their ceremonial year. Perhaps you too can celebrate the coming of the Spring and of the maple sap. This weekend (3/20 & 3/21) is the start of Maple Weekend and it concludes the following weekend (3/27 & 3/28). Maple Weekend is a celebration of the maple syrup industry in New York State. Various maple syrup producers will be holding events and for the nearest one to you, refer to the Maple Weekend Map.

So get out of the house. Have some fun and celebrate the wonderful gift of maple syrup!


-kim

Wednesday, March 10, 2010

Ganondagan Winter Hike Slideshow

We have just put up a new slideshow for you. It showcases the beauty and serenity that can be found in winter hikes. The slideshow is of a hike that ranges from the Ganondagan Fort Hill trails to Dryer Road Park and back. We hope you enjoy!

http://www.ganondagan.org/slideshow/WinterFortHill.html

By the way, if you haven't taken a few minutes to write your representatives yet in support of Ganondagan, please do so. It was clear in the hike that many use the Fort Hill Trails for snowshoeing, cross country skiing, hiking, and more. If you enjoy these things, I urge you to write and make sure that they don't vanish! See our Save Ganondagan! page for more information. Many thanks in advance!

-kim