Considerations for Plant Walks

Some considerations before going out on plant walks or day trips to explore the wilds around us.

Dress Appropriately

This means that you've got clothes to keep you warm & dry (in the cooler months) and cool & dry (in the warmer months) – it's the energetics of clothing!

If there's been or looks to be rain, you may want to have something dry you can sit on.

Bring food & drink you can carry with you

For shorter plant walks you'll want to bring calorie dense snacks that you can easily carry in your bag.

For Bioregional Herbalism Intensive Plant Walks/Class Days: I typically offer a 30-45 minute lunch break half way through our class day. Class days it's a little easier to bring a cooler since we'll be mostly staying in the same place, but on plant walks you'll want to bring calorie dense snacks that you can easily carry in your bag that will last you the whole day. I also encourage you to bring a cup for hot beverages - separate from your water, if we are trying any teas or having a tea tasting. Helpful to bring each time just in case.

We go out even if its raining

Aside from tornado conditions (or other wildly inhospitable weather) we go out even if its raining. Because I plan walks to see things when they're up and in season, rescheduling them is not ideal, especially since there's no guarantee about the weather for the next class. For light/mild/intermittent rain, umbrellas and waterproof outerwear will make all the difference in the world between comfy and not having a great time.

For any updates on weather or other last minute updates I will be in touch via email (for one-off plant walks) or the Announcements section on community.greenspell.org (for plant walks that are a part of the Bioregional Herbalism Intensive).

Walk Conditions

Walks may be mildly vigorous with uneven terrain, with potentially fallen trees to climb over or walk around and even streams we may need to kick off our shoes to walk through. I try to avoid this, but conditions may change overnight.

On some walks there may be poison ivy or poison sumac, so long pants & closed-toe shoes are preferred over shorts & sandals.

Ticks / Mosquitos

Make sure to wear hats, and do tick checks when you get home. You can use bug spray, but I honestly don't find that this helps very much for ticks, more-so mosquitos.

Some years we may have to contend with a formidable force of mosquitoes, so I advise some kind of bug spray. Bring whatever bug spray you prefer, but please distance yourself from others if you have a bug spray containing DEET.

Restrooms / Bathroom Breaks

During plant walks, I welcome you to go off into the woods as needed to use the restroom, as long as you feel comfortable doing so (I know this is easier for some than others). I will also point out park bathrooms or portable bathrooms for each walk that you are able to use as needed. Be aware the bathroom conditions may be sub-optimal. Such is the nature of being outdoors!

At the apothecary, there is a shared bathroom outside of our unit that is used by the whole floor. Feel free to use the restroom as needed during class, no need to let me know or ask.

BRING WATER – and carry it with you

If it's very hot, hydration is very important.  Bring a couple bottles at least – I typically bring at least 2-3 liters with me for the day. If you know you have a hard time in the heat/sun, you may want to also bring along some type of electrolyte drink. Please don't overlook this.