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Duration

Nine Hours

About

Our wild lands are a living pharmacy valued throughout history for their ability to aid our everyday aches and pains and help us in emergency situations. This class will meander into one or more of Glacier National Park’s ecosystems to explore nature’s medicine cabinets, looking at several plants that have been used historically as medicine. This class will focus on identification and traditional uses. We will utilize plant families to help the identification process. You are encouraged to bring a camera and journal to record and help with future identification. If you are also interested in learning how to harvest and prepare medicinal herbs, be sure to sign up for Herbal First Aid Kit.

Itinerary

Subject to change due to weather and trail closures

• Class will begin at Glacier Institute Field Camp at 7:00AM, with a brief introduction to the course and to one another. We will discuss plant identification, wild crafting ethics, the laws governing wild crafting, and talk about some of the best herbal reference books. After a brief break, we will spend the day exploring the West Glacier – Apgar area, identifying and discussing plants in these ecosystems. The course will end by 4:00PM and will not be cancelled due to weather.

Physical Requirements

• Total distance (roundtrip): around 3 miles
• Total elevation gain: 500 feet

Park Entrance Fees

Participants are responsible for purchasing their park entry passes prior to the hike. These can be purchased online. A Vehicle Reservation is NOT required. Participation in your hike with the Glacier Institute acts as your Vehicle Reservation. These details will be included in your confirmation email.

What to Bring

• Notepad and pencil
• Camera for photographing plants
• If you have a favorite field guide or herbals, please bring them to share during the course
• Trail lunch, plenty of water and snacks for the day
• Comfortable hiking shoes, at least 1-2 liter water bottle, backpack, rain gear, hat, and sunscreen
• Weather can be varied so please be prepared with appropriate clothing, especially warm layers for potential snow and high winds
• Binoculars are very useful, but optional