Upcoming BotanoLogos Classes
Subscribe to our Newsletter and we'll notify you the minute new classes are posted.
Herbal Studies Certification Program
Dates for the 2011 Program will be posted soon.
Appalachian Herb Field Study Series
Starts May 29, 2010
Our newest program offers herb-lovers total immersion into the Appalachian landscape. We'll meet for five weekends, starting in late May and ending in October. Each month, we'll take day-long hikes through the botanically rich mountains of northeast Georgia and western North Carolina. The pace of our hikes allows plenty of time to stop and identify plants we encounter along the way. You will become proficient at using botanical keys as you learn to recognize medicinal and edible plants throughout their growth cycles.
We'll also spend time each weekend harvesting herbs, making medicines and even whipping up some wild foods cuisine. As the series ends, you'll have formed an intimate relationship with hundreds of regional plants with a long history of use as medicines and foods.
Registration is still open for this series.
It may be possible to attend individual weekends if we have room. Please call, 706-746-5485, or send us an e-mail.
You will learn how to:
Understand basic botanical terms.
Identify plants using your senses and plant keys.
Recognize the physical characteristics of major plant families.
Practice ethical wildcrafting.
Make herbal medicines.
Each weekend’s schedule includes a combination of field studies, trail hikes in Rabun County, Georgia, and hands-on activities. Participation in this course requires excellent physical fitness and the ability to hike 2 to 5 miles on steep or uneven terrain while carrying a pack. Outdoor activities occur rain or shine. Students must be prepared for all types of weather and have all required tools and personal items (rain gear, hiking boots, etc.) described below.
Dates: May 29 & 30; July 31 & August 1; August 28 & 29; September 25 & 26; October 9 & 10, 2010.
Class times: Saturday, 9:00 AM until sometime between 5:00 and 7:00 PM and Sunday 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Saturday will be devoted to day-long hikes. Due to variables like travel time and all the amazing plants we’ll see, students should not make plans to return at a specific time on Saturday. Sunday classes will end promptly at 5:00 PM.
Cost: Tuition is $1,000.00 if your register for the entire series or $225.00 if you register per class. The series includes five weekends of instruction and a copy of Medicinal Plants of the Southern Appalachians by Patricia Kyritsi Howell. Financing is available. We accept Visa & MasterCard. See Additional Expenses for more information on books, supplies and other items students must provide.
Class Location: The Foxfire Center in Mountain City (Rabun County), Georgia. Rabun County is approximated 100 miles northeast of metro Atlanta and 90 miles southeast of Asheville, North Carolina. Onsite and nearby lodging is available but not included in the cost of the series.
To Register: Submit an application and a deposit of $100.00. Once your application is accepted, you will be sent complete details about the class. Class is limited to 10 students. Registration deadline is still open. Payment in full is expected at class unless other arrangements have been made in advance. Contact us for financing options.
Please read our Refund and Cancellations policy.
Books: These books are required as field references and to complete monthly reading assignments: Newcomb’s Wildflower Guide by Lawrence Newcomb; Guide to the Vascular Plants of the Blue Ridge by Eugene Wofford; Botany in a Day by Thomas J. Elpel.
Hiking Supplies: You’ll need a pack large enough to hold a hearty lunch; snacks; two liters of water; field guides; plant ID kit (hand loupe, magnifying glass, razor sharp knife); harvesting tools; notebook; clothing as needed for a range of weather conditions such as waterproof boots, a serious rain coat, rain hat, pants, extra socks; a personal first aid kit; and anything else you think you might need to comfortably spend the day hiking in the mountains. Walking sticks or hiking poles are strongly recommended.
Harvesting and Medicine Making Supplies: Felco-type shears, small sturdy hand shovel, sharp knife, cutting board, measuring cup, canning jars, several 4 quart mixing bowls (unbreakable), paper bags, vegetable brush, several gallons of grain alcohol and olive oil (as needed).
Miscellaneous Expenses: Hand-loupes (magnifier for plant ID) and metric rulers will be for sale at class and are required for program activities.
Our group will carpool to hiking trails and students will share these expenses among themselves. Meals and overnight lodging are not included in the price of the class. On-site accommodations are available at the Foxfire Guest House. Additional options in the area include camping, motels, inns and B & B’s. Contact us for details about the Foxfire Guest House or see our Guide for Visitors to Rabun County for nearby options. Students interested in making a herbarium from plant specimens will need a plant press, mounting paper and other supplies. A complete list of needed supplies is available upon request.
Need More Information?
Contact us by phone at 706-746-7485, or send us an e-mail.
For information about nearby lodging,
please see our Visitor's Guide to Rabun County.
IMPORTANT! BotanoLogos Refund and Cancellation Policy
Refunds:Thirty days before first class – Full refund available upon receipt of written request, by post or e-mail.
Less than 30 days before class – Tuition credit is available upon receipt of written request (post or e-mail).
Tuition credit for the amount paid can be applied to future BotanoLogos programs and are good for 6 months.
Five days before the first class, (or after the first class in a series) – No refunds will be given.
Cancellations: In case of severe weather in the mountains or other emergencies, it may be necessary to cancel a class and reschedule for a later date. If a class is cancelled, we will contact you at the telephone
number you have provided on your registration form by 5:00 PM on the day before the class. If storms or other severe weather are forecast, please call our voicemail (706-746-5485) after 5:00 PM the day before class to confirm that class will be held. We will do our best to reschedule any cancelled classes at a time that is convenient for all enrolled students. However, we reserve the right to make the final choice of dates for all rescheduled classes.
In the event that a student cannot attend a rescheduled class, no refunds will be given. Upon request, we will issue a tuition credit to be applied to a future BotanoLogos program. Program credits are good for six months.
(Updated 1/6/10)