The Useful Wild
Where Traditional Knowledge Meets Modern Science
Discover the extraordinary potential of ordinary plants!
Have you ever wondered how the plants growing in your backyard, along roadsides, or in nearby forests have been used for food, medicine, and everyday necessities?
Join educator and naturalist Garrett Shelton for an engaging, interactive exploration of the useful plants growing all around us. Drawing on traditional knowledge, historical practices, modern scientific research, and personal experience, Garrett introduces participants to the fascinating relationships between plants and people.
Throughout the program, participants will explore plant identification, edible and medicinal uses, and the natural chemical compounds responsible for many of the properties associated with these plants. Learn how traditional remedies compare with modern scientific findings, discover the value of nature journaling, and gain a greater appreciation for the often-overlooked resources of our local environment.
This isn’t just a lecture! Participants will have opportunities to examine actual plant specimens, experience a simple herbal tea, and take part in hands-on demonstrations of traditional plant preparations, including teas and tinctures.
Whether you’re a gardener, nature enthusiast, history lover, or simply curious about the world growing outside your door, The Useful Wild offers a new perspective on familiar plants and the remarkable stories they have to tell.
Come curious. Leave seeing the natural world differently.
Educational program. Traditional medicinal uses are discussed for historical and scientific interest and are not presented as proven medical treatments.
Join us, and Garrett, in The Light System for this educational workshop. $40 pre-paid. 24-Hour Cancellation Policy.