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Seasons Greetings!

from the 


Blue Wind School of Botanical Studies

2017 Winter/Spring Class & Program Schedule

Pictured above: (top) part of this past year's 3-month desert program crew...out exploring the Sonoran Desert near the Baja, MX border--March, 2016, (bottom left) Salvia leucophylla (purple sage) a most magnificent member of the Southern California chaparral community, (bottom right) a columnar cactus that needs no introduction: Carnegia gigantea (saguaro)...THE indicator species of the Arizona Uplands subdivision of the Sonoran Desert. 

Seasons Greetings Everyone!

So it has been yet another FANTASTIC year with MANY new floristic (plant), phycological (seaweed), and mycological (mushroom) discoveries! Thanks so much for your continued support of the work that I do around California and throughout the Western U.S. It was another typical year (for me at least), with over 25,000 miles logged in during the course of my teaching/research travels (with literally THOUSANDS of students taught). In many ways it is a labor of love and your enthusiasm, dedication, and positive feedback make my efforts very much worthwhile. Special thanks go out to the folks who attended my recent oak-acorn class/DAPL resistance fundraiser on 12/17. Together we raised some $1300 for the cause (money which was just donated to assist the Sacred Stone Camp in North Dakota)!

Below you'll find my updated 2017 winter/spring teaching schedule. And while my annual SoCal teaching tour (taking place from February 17 - April 16) is indeed the centerpiece...you'll also notice some other new additions added to the line up. Two more winter session "Edible & Medicinal Mushrooms of California" workshops will be taking place in January (these being the LAST of their kind until fall 2017). My last winter session SF Bay Area edible & medicinal plant walks will be taking place on February 4 (Oakland, CA) and February 5 (San Francisco, CA). A BRAND NEW class has been added for February 11-12: "Bountiful Spring: Edible & Medicinal “Greens" of California" a 14-hour weekend workshop which will take students on an in-depth exploration of the diverse (and tasty!) succulent edible/medicinal “greens" found at their prime during late winter/early spring on the North-Central California coast. Two "Edible & Medicinal Seaweeds of California" weekend workshops will be taking place in 2017: one on May 27-28 in Mendocino County and another on June 24-25 in the San Francisco Bay Area (many people have expressed particular excitement about these upcoming seaweed workshops). 

Special note to those interested in my upcoming 6-month programs: All session dates/locations (from April - September) have now been posted. Also, please be aware of the discounted pre-registration deadlines (which are clearly indicated in the full text descriptions). This also applies to the 3-month desert program as well. 

Regarding my SoCal teaching dates: These are NOT exclusive to those living in Southern California. Over the years MANY NorCal folks have opted to make the drive south in order to learn more about the exotic plants which inhabit this unique part of the state. Some people even fly down and share rental cars with other students in order to save time/money. Because all my classes/programs take place on weekends many (working) people find such scheduling to be a very real possibility. Just something to keep in mind. Also, notice that I'm offering a couple day-long field classes in neighboring Arizona this year: "Edible & Medicinal Plants of the Sonoran Desert: Phoenix Area (March 18) and Tucson Area (March 19). The Sonoran Desert of Southern AZ was my home prior to moving to California some 13 years ago...and I'm very excited to be returning for some extended research travels this spring (which may take me all the way out to the Chihuahuan Desert of Southern New Mexico).

Upcoming SF Bay Area Work Trades: Do YOU know someone who might be interested in hosting some upcoming classes this winter/spring/summer? We will need a classroom/kitchen space large enough for 10-25 students with sink/stovetop and an area for a Powerpoint lecture (with seating). East Bay Area venue location preferred (Oakland/Berkeley/etc). If so (and if you've cleared the idea by your housemates), please contact me via email at: bluewindbmc@gmail.com

Currently these are the 3 classes (with dates) I need covered:

Bountiful Spring: Edible & Medicinal “Greens" of California
February 11-12. 10am-6pm (Classroom space is only needed for Sat not Sun)

Nature's Pharmacy: Medicine Making Workshop: SF Bay Area
May 7 (Sun) 10am-6pm

Edible & Medicinal Seaweeds of California:
Summer Session--San Francisco Bay Area

June 24-25. 10am-6pm. (Classroom space is only needed for Sat not Sun)

I'm willing to offer a SWEET work trade: FREE class admission for multiple students, etc. The finer details of the work-trade situation will be sussed out via email/phone if/when certain criteria are met. Serious inquiries only. You can find out more about these classes in the descriptions below.

OK, well I think that is about it my friends :)

Wishing you all the best this holiday season and I hope to see you at a class/program sometime in 2017!

-Tellur Fenner

I've included both abbreviated and full-text class/program descriptions below for your convenience (arranged chronologically by date).

Pictured above: part of the 3-month desert program posse enjoying the view after a satisfying Mojave Desert mountain ascent--April, 2016.

Pictured above: (left) a diverse array of tender wintertime "greens" found growing in the SF Bay Area in December and (right) a crazed & MASSIVE fall harvest of Boletus edulis (king boletes) which took place on the NorCal coast this past October/November. 

Pictured above: (top) the DEADLY Amanita phalloides (death cap) and (bottom) the quite delicious Amanita pachycolea (western grisette).

Pictured above: San Luis Obispo Botanical Garden field class--February, 2016. 

Pictured above: the vegetal staff of life of the desert west (from left to right):
Opuntia engelmannii (Prickly Pear Cactus) fruits
Prosopis pubescens (Screwbean Mesquite) fruits
Pinus edulis (Colorado Pinyon Pine) cones w/ seeds
Yucca baccata (Banana Yucca) fruits
Quercus kelloggii (Black Oak) acorns

Pictured above: my 3-month desert program students (and I) enjoying a little geothermal hot creek downtime during our final class session out in the Great Basin Desert--May, 2016.

2017 EXTENDED PROGRAMS
 
Edible & Medicinal Flora of the California Deserts: 
A Bioregional Exploration of the Sonoran, Mojave, and Great Basin

3-Month Springtime Field Study Program
March - May (one weekend a month)
Location: Various locales in Southern California. $635

Edible & Medicinal Plants of the Sierra Nevada: 
A Bioregional Exploration--Central Valley to the Great Basin

6-Month Spring/Summer Field Study Program 
April - September (one weekend a month)
Location: Various locales in the Northern Sierra. $935

Edible & Medicinal Plants of the North-Central California Coast: 
6-month Spring/Summer Classroom & Field Study Program 
April – September (one weekend a month)
Location: Ukiah, CA. $935


2017 SHORT-TERM CLASSES
 
Edible & Medicinal Mushrooms of California: Winter Session
SF Bay Area 

Weekend Workshop and Field Exploration
January 7-8 (Sat-Sun) 10am-6pm. Berkeley, CA. 
$155

Edible & Medicinal Mushrooms of California: Winter Session 
Mendocino County

Weekend Workshop and Field Exploration
January 28-29 (Sat-Sun) 10am-6pm. Ukiah, CA. 
$155

Edible & Medicinal Plants of the Bay Area: Seasonal Herb Walk
Winter Session
February 4 (Sat) 10am-4pm. Oakland, CA. $47

Edible & Medicinal Plants of the Bay Area: Seasonal Herb Walk
Winter Session
February 5 (Sun) 10am-4pm. San Francisco, CA. $47

Bountiful Spring: Edible & Medicinal “Greens" of California
Weekend Workshop and Field Exploration
February 11-12 (Sat-Sun) 10am-6pm. Berkeley, CA. $155

SoCal/Arizona Spring Teaching Tour Begins

Useful Plants, Mushrooms, & Seaweeds of San Luis Obispo County
Sponsored by the San Luis Obispo Botanical Garden
February 17-19 (Fri-Sun) San Luis Obispo, CA.
Various class hours/fees (see link for details).
http://slobg.org/useful-plants/

Edible & Medicinal Plants of Los Angeles County: Seasonal Herb Walk
Spring Session (Coastal)
February 25 (Sat) 10am-4pm. Near Malibu, CA. $47

Edible & Medicinal Plants of Los Angeles County: Seasonal Herb Walk
Spring Session (Interior)
February 26 (Sun) 10am-4pm. Rancho Santa Ana Botanic Garden
(near Claremont, CA). $47

Edible & Medicinal Plants of San Diego County: Seasonal Herb Walk
Spring Session (Coastal)
March 4 (Sat) 10am-4pm. $47

Edible & Medicinal Plants of San Diego County: Seasonal Herb Walk
Spring Session (Interior Mountains)
March 5 (Sun) 10am-4pm. $47

Edible & Medicinal Plants of the Sonoran Desert: Seasonal Herb Walk
Spring Session: Phoenix Area
March 18 (Sat) 10am-4pm. $47

Edible & Medicinal Plants of the Sonoran Desert: Seasonal Herb Walk
Spring Session: Tucson Area
March 19 (Sun) 10am-4pm. $47

Edible & Medicinal Plants of San Diego County: Seasonal Herb Walk
Spring Session (Coastal)
April 1 (Sat) 10am-4pm. $47

Edible & Medicinal Plants of San Diego County: Seasonal Herb Walk
Spring Session (Interior Foothills)
April 2 (Sun) 10am-4pm. $47

Edible & Medicinal Plants of the Sespe Wilderness:
A Backpacking Field Exploration 
April 14-16 (Fri-Sun) Sespe Wilderness
(near Ojai, CA. Approx. 2 hours NW of Los Angeles, CA) $170

SoCal/Arizona Spring Teaching Tour Ends

Edible & Medicinal Plants of the Bay Area: Seasonal Herb Walk
Spring Session
May 6 (Sat) 10am-4pm. Oakland, CA. $47

Nature's Pharmacy: Medicine Making Workshop: SF Bay Area
May 7 (Sun) 10am-6pm. Berkeley, CA. $73

Edible & Medicinal Seaweeds of California:
Spring Session--Mendocino County

Weekend Workshop and Field Exploration
May 27-28 (Sat-Sun) 10am-6pm. Ukiah, CA. $155

Edible & Medicinal Seaweeds of California:
Summer Session--San Francisco Bay Area

Weekend Workshop and Field Exploration
June 24-25 (Sat-Sun) 10am-6pm. San Francisco, CA. $155


Scroll down to see full-text descriptions (which include registration info and other details). Class/program descriptions are listed chronologically by date. The registration process is simple: it begins by sending an email to bluewindbmc@gmail.com (just make sure to include the class title/date/location). 
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Pictured above: Edible & Medicinal Plants of the Sespe Wilderness: A Backpacking Field Exploration class--April 2016

Pictured above: (left) Central California coast near Big Sur and (right) Ulva lobata (sea lettuce) growing amongst the rocks of the upper intertidal zone.

Pictured above: the Blue Wind School of Botanical Studies located approximately 7 miles SW of Ukiah, CA. Top: Hillside of Wild Hyacinth overlooking the pond with dense mixed evergreen forest in the background. Middle left: View of the pond and surrounding oak woodland. Middle right: Outside of classroom/teaching facility. Bottom left: Inside of classroom/teaching facility. Bottom right: Partial view of property. Pictured below: sun-drying the summertime Mendocino Coast seaweed harvest.

BLUE WIND SCHOOL OF BOTANICAL STUDIES 
Location Info:

 
Situated at around 1,200' on the east slope of the Outer North Coast Ranges, our school is nestled away in a pristine oak woodland/mixed evergreen forest in the countryside just outside of Ukiah, CA (see pictures above). The facility sits on 80 magnificent acres along with a swimming pond, seasonal creek, greenhouse, garden/farming space, herb processing building, root cellar, and more! A number of different plant communities are represented on the property, and many miles of hiking trails provide access to the floristically rich surrounding area. From our location there is easy access to both the cool/moist Mendocino coast (45min) AND the arid high elevation peaks of the Inner North Coast Ranges (60min) to the east. Despite our remote locale, we're only a 2 hour drive north on highway 101 from S.F/Berkeley.  

What could be better than learning about the edible & medicinal plants of California in a peaceful, relaxed, and rejuvenating natural environment? My personal opinion? Not too much :) I very much look forward to sharing my little slice of paradise with you all in the not-so-distant future!
FULL TEXT CLASS DESCRIPTIONS: (with registration info)
Edible & Medicinal Mushrooms of California: 
Weekend Workshop and Field Exploration


Winter Session (San Francisco Bay Area)

As the days shorten and the autumn rains (hopefully) begin to fall, the coastal California landscape literally comes to life with a myriad of mysterious fungal forms. It is estimated that some 3000+ mushroom species abound within our state borders, so it is not surprising that many feel a bit overwhelmed and intimidated when approaching the field of mycology (study of fungi). Join us as we make sense of this vast and cryptic realm while exploring the diverse array of edible/medicinal mushrooms found at their prime during winter on the Central/Northern California coast. This interdisciplinary program will engage students on all levels through a combination of classroom lecture, field exploration, and hands-on activities. 

Topics/activities include: mushroom ecology, mushroom identification (in the classroom and in the field), edible/medicinal uses, legal/ethical harvesting guidelines, safety issues/mushroom toxicolgy plus tips on how to avoid hazardous look-alike species, plant communites of the CA coast, tree/shrub identification, coverage of recent taxonomic/nomenclature changes, sampling of a variety of edible/medicinal mushrooms and preparations, medicine making exercises, mushroom cookery/preservation, and more!

Date/Time: January 7-8. 10am-6pm.

Class Fee: 

Pre-registration discount before Dec. 9 deadline: $155 (includes materials fee). 
After Dec. 9 deadline: $180

Location: Berkeley, CA

Instructor: Tellur Fenner

Registration: Email (preferred): bluewindbmc@gmail.com 

Phone: 510-290-6841

To Bring: 
Rain Gear, Warm Clothes, Hiking Boots, Hat, Daypack, Water Bottles, Paper Grocery Bags/Collecting Basket, Knife, Trowel/Hori-Hori, Mushroom Cleaning Brush.

Optional (yet recommended): Notebook, Camera, Hand Lens.

*Interested, but don’t have a car? Inquire about carpooling options.


Edible & Medicinal Mushrooms of California: 
Weekend Workshop and Field Exploration


Winter Session (Mendocino County)

As the days shorten and the autumn rains (hopefully) begin to fall, the coastal California landscape literally comes to life with a myriad of mysterious fungal forms. It is estimated that some 3000+ mushroom species abound within our state borders, so it is not surprising that many feel a bit overwhelmed and intimidated when approaching the field of mycology (study of fungi). Join us as we make sense of this vast and cryptic realm while exploring the diverse array of edible/medicinal mushrooms found at their prime during winter on the Central/Northern California coast. This interdisciplinary program will engage students on all levels through a combination of classroom lecture, field exploration, and hands-on activities. 

Topics/activities include: mushroom ecology, mushroom identification (in the classroom and in the field), edible/medicinal uses, legal/ethical harvesting guidelines, safety issues/mushroom toxicolgy plus tips on how to avoid hazardous look-alike species, plant communites of the CA coast, tree/shrub identification, coverage of recent taxonomic/nomenclature changes, sampling of a variety of edible/medicinal mushrooms and preparations, medicine making exercises, mushroom cookery/preservation, and more!

Date/Time: January 28-29. 10am-6pm.

Class Fee: 

Pre-registration discount before Dec. 30 deadline: $155 (includes materials fee). 
After Dec. 30 deadline: $180

Location: Blue Wind School of Botanical Studies. Ukiah, CA.

The class will take place on a stunning 80 acre oak woodland property located approximately 8 miles SW of Ukiah, CA (2 hours north of SF/Berkeley). Overnight camping is optional (at no extra cost). 

Instructor: Tellur Fenner

Registration: Email (preferred): bluewindbmc@gmail.com 

Phone: 510-290-6841

To Bring: 
On-site camping is optional for this class. If you plan to camp things that are necessary are: Tent, Sleeping Bag, Food/Snacks (class fee does not include meals), Camping Chair, Camping Pad, Flashlight.

Other gear you'll need for our field studies: 
Rain Gear, Warm Clothes, Hiking Boots, Hat, Daypack, Water Bottles, Paper Grocery Bags/Collecting Basket, Knife, Trowel/Hori-Hori, Mushroom Cleaning Brush.

Optional (yet recommended): Notebook, Camera, Hand Lens.

*Interested, but don’t have a car? Inquire about carpooling options.


EDIBLE & MEDICINAL PLANTS OF THE BAY AREA: Seasonal Herb Walk Series (Winter Session)

From the mist shrouded sea cliffs to the sun-baked arid expanse of its eastern most regions, the San Francisco Bay area provides us with a chance to view a large variety of botanical specimens all within a relatively small geographical range. Join us as we discover together the diverse array of both edible and medicinal plants found growing within these contrasting yet closely interconnected micro-climates. Historical and modern medicinal applications will be covered along with any edible and/or utilitarian potential. Tips on basic/intermediate plant identification will be offered with a special emphasis on plant family characteristics as well as differentiating poisonous look-alike plants from their beneficial counterparts. 

-WINTER SESSION-

Oakland, CA.

Saturday, February 4. 10am-4pm. $47

Instructor: Tellur Fenner of the Blue Wind School of Botanical Studies in Ukiah, CA.

Make sure to bring: Water, lunch, notebook, hat/sunscreen, rain gear, and a camera.

Class will occur RAIN OR SHINE! :)

Registration: Email (preferred): bluewindbmc@gmail.com 

Phone: 510-290-6841

Interested but don't have a car? Inquire about carpooling options.


EDIBLE & MEDICINAL PLANTS OF THE BAY AREA: Seasonal Herb Walk (Winter Session)

From the mist shrouded sea cliffs to the sun-baked arid expanse of its eastern most regions, the San Francisco Bay area provides us with a chance to view a large variety of botanical specimens all within a relatively small geographical range. Join us as we discover together the diverse array of both edible and medicinal plants found growing within these contrasting yet closely interconnected micro-climates. Historical and modern medicinal applications will be covered along with any edible and/or utilitarian potential. Tips on basic/intermediate plant identification will be offered with a special emphasis on plant family characteristics as well as differentiating poisonous look-alike plants from their beneficial counterparts. 

-WINTER SESSION-

San Francisco, CA.
Sunday, February 5. 10am-4pm. $47

Instructor: Tellur Fenner of the Blue Wind School of Botanical Studies in Ukiah, CA.

Make sure to bring: Water, lunch, notebook, hat/sunscreen, rain gear, and a camera.

Class will occur RAIN OR SHINE! :)

Registration: Email (preferred): bluewindbmc@gmail.com 

Phone: 510-290-6841

Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/bluewindschool/

Scope out our photo/video feed on Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/bluewindschool/

Interested but don't have a car? Inquire about carpooling options.


Bountiful Spring: Edible & Medicinal “Greens" of California

Weekend Workshop and Field Exploration

As the rains begin to recede and the days lengthen, we are reminded that spring has arrived. All around, lush carpets of green span the horizon as many plants begin (or continue) their annual ascent towards the sun. Join us as we explore the diverse (and tasty!) array of succulent edible/medicinal “greens" at their prime during late winter/early spring on the North-Central California coast. Well known leafy-greens like dandelion, stinging nettle, wild mustard, and miner’s lettuce will be covered (in exhaustive detail) in addition to DOZENS MORE lesser known/obscure plants such as: sanicle, wild asparagus, amole lily, and cow parsnip. This interdisciplinary 14-hour workshop will engage students on all levels through a combination of classroom lecture, field exploration, and a variety of hands-on kitchen/herbal pharmacy exercises. Topics/activities to be covered include: botany basics taught from a plant family perspective, plant identification in the field, edible/medicinal uses, California ethnobotany, legal/ethical harvesting guidelines and information about at-risk species, safety issues with tips on how to avoid toxic/poisonous look-a-likes, medicine making techniques, sampling of a variety of edible/medicinal plant preparations, and more! This academic immersion into the world of useful springtime California plants is guaranteed to not only enlighten and inspire, but also aims to instill a sense of hope for a more sustainable future in all who participate.

Dates/Time: February 11-12 (Sat/Sun)

Sat/Sun: 10am-6pm

Session I (Saturday, Feb. 11): Edible & Medicinal “Greens" of California—Lecture/Hands-On Preparation Methods

-During the first day of this weekend workshop we will explore the uses of literally DOZENS of edible & medicinal “greens”…first in the classroom and then in the kitchen/pharmacy. All materials will be provided and each student will leave with a product s/he helped prepare. 

Session II (Sunday, Feb. 12): San Francisco Bay Area Bioregional Field Exploration 

-We'll spend the duration of our second day hiking through a number of different plant communities while identifying and discussing many of the edible/medicinal/toxic “greens" found along the way. Our study will emphasize a dynamic sensory awareness of the plants via close observation, touching, tasting, and smelling. 

Instructor: Tellur Fenner

Location: Berkeley, CA

Class Fee: 

Pre-registration discount before January 16 deadline: $155 (includes materials fee). After January 16 deadline: $180

Registration: Email (preferred)- bluewindbmc@gmail.com

Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/bluewindschool/

Scope out our photo/video feed on Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/bluewindschool/

Phone: 510-290-6841

Make sure to bring: Water, lunch, notebook, and a camera.

*Interested, but don’t have a car? Inquire about carpooling options.


Useful Plants, Mushrooms, & Seaweeds of San Luis Obispo County

Central Coast Exploratory Workshops with herbalist Tellur Fenner

Friday (night), Saturday, and Sunday, February 17 (6pm-730pm), 18, & 19, (from 10am to 4 pm)

The Garden is excited to welcome back Northern California herbalist Tellur Fenner of the Blue Wind School of Botanical Studies for an in-depth look at the edible and medicinal plants (& mushrooms/seaweeds) of the Central Coast. Join Tellur for a class series that will explore various plant communities found in SLO County while learning about the many amazing and useful plants growing there. This interdisciplinary program will engage students through a combination of classroom lecture, field exploration, and hands-on exercises.

Limited Space Available! Reservations are required.

2/17/17: Edible & Medicinal Plants, Mushrooms and Seaweeds of SLO County Evening Lecture $5

2/18/17: SLO County Bioregional Field Exploration $55.00

2/19/17: Wildcrafting and Plant/Mushroom/Seaweed Preparation Methods $55.00 

2/18-19/17: Both Workshops $100.00 
Call 805.541.1400×303 for member discount

Situated just a few miles north of downtown San Luis Obispo, the El Chorro Regional Park encompasses a diverse array of native plant communities. The botanical diversity of the region is owed to its varied landscapes, including: riparian, chaparral, oak woodlands, and grasslands. Join us for this class series as we explore a number of these habitats while learning about the many useful plants and mushrooms found growing there. 

Topics/activities to be covered include: botany basics taught from a plant family perspective, plant (and mushroom) identification in the field, medicinal/edible/utilitarian uses, California ethnobotany, ethical harvesting guidelines and information about at-risk medicinal plants, safety issues and tips on how to avoid toxic/poisonous plants & mushrooms, medicine making techniques and activities, sampling of a variety of edible & medicinal plant/mushroom/seaweed preparations, and more!

Friday February 17, 6-7:30pm
Lecture: Edible & Medicinal Plants, Mushrooms and Seaweeds of SLO County

Discover the historic and modern uses of some of the many useful plants of SLO County. During this talk we will explore a number of common native and non-native plants (as well as mushrooms and seaweeds) that grow in the region, with a focus on historical as well as modern use.
No reservations required. $5 Garden members / $10 public.

Saturday February 18, 10-4pm
Workshop I: SLO County Bioregional Field Exploration

In order to put theory into practice, we’ll spend the day hiking through a number of different plant habitats while identifying and discussing many of the useful plants and mushrooms found along the way. Our study will emphasize a dynamic sensory awareness of the plant and mushrooms via close observation, touching, tasting, and smelling.
Limited space available. To register call 805.541.1400×303. $45 Garden members / $55 public.

Sunday February 19, 10-4pm 
Workshop II: Wildcrafting and Plant/Mushroom/Seaweed Preparation Methods

Our program culminates with a day spent learning the principles of plant/mushroom/seaweed harvesting, processing, and preparation methods. After a short lecture, students will harvest a number of useful medicinal plants (and mushrooms) from the San Luis Obispo Botanical Garden property and surrounding environs. The remainder of our time will be spent preparing a number of different edible & medicinal creations with our bountiful harvest. In addition, Tellur will be bringing along some dried seaweeds and acorns from Mendocino County to add to the mix!

Limited space available. To register call 805.541.1400×303. $45 Garden members / $55 public.

Call to enroll and for Garden Member discount: 805.541.1400×303

Email: info@slobg.org

Website: http://slobg.org/useful-plants/


EDIBLE & MEDICINAL PLANTS OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY: Seasonal Herb Walk (Spring Session)

From the wind swept coastal bluffs along the Pacific Ocean to the arid, high elevation mountain peaks of its north eastern border, the Los Angeles County region provides us with the opportunity to view a large variety of botanical specimens all within a relatively small geographical range. Join us as we discover together the diverse array of both edible and medicinal plants found growing within these contrasting yet closely interconnected plant communities. Historical and modern medicinal applications will be covered along with any edible and/or utilitarian potential. Tips on basic/intermediate plant identification will be offered with a special emphasis on plant family characteristics as well as differentiating poisonous look-alike plants from their beneficial counterparts. 

-SPRING SESSION- (Coastal)

Santa Monica Mountains (near Malibu, CA)
Saturday, February 25. 10am-4pm. $47

Instructor: Tellur Fenner of the Blue Wind School of Botanical Studies in Ukiah, CA.

Make sure to bring: Water, lunch, notebook, hat/sunscreen, rain gear, and a camera.

Class will occur RAIN OR SHINE! :)

Registration: Email (preferred): bluewindbmc@gmail.com 

Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/bluewindschool/

Scope out our photo/video feed on Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/bluewindschool/

Phone: 510-290-6841

Interested but don't have a car? Inquire about carpooling options.

Looking for a more substantial/comprehensive SoCal edible/medicinal plant learning experience? If so, scope out the following 60 hour program that I'll be offering March-May 2017. Guaranteed to be QUITE the floristic adventure!

https://www.facebook.com/events/710781722400053/


EDIBLE & MEDICINAL PLANTS OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY:
Seasonal Herb Walk (Rancho Santa Ana Botanic Garden)


From the wind swept coastal bluffs along the Pacific Ocean to the arid, high elevation mountain peaks of its north eastern border, the Los Angeles County region provides us with the opportunity to view a large variety of botanical specimens all within a relatively small geographical range. Join us as we discover together the diverse array of both edible and medicinal plants found growing within these contrasting yet closely interconnected plant communities. Historical and modern medicinal applications will be covered along with any edible and/or utilitarian potential. Tips on basic/intermediate plant identification will be offered with a special emphasis on plant family characteristics as well as differentiating poisonous look-alike plants from their beneficial counterparts. 

-SPRING SESSION- (Interior)

Rancho Santa Ana Botanic Garden (near Claremont, CA)
Sunday, February 26. 10am-4pm. $47

For those who don't know, RSABG is one of the most notable botanical gardens in the state with a focus mainly dedicated to the cultivation and preservation of native California plants. The garden contains (an impressive) 2000+ taxa of native plants, which are arranged in a series of different plant community zones. The garden is open year-round and provides a FANTASTIC environment for learning about the uniquely diverse flora of our fine state. 

Obviously, no plants will be picked from the garden during (or after) class. Instead, the instructor will share a variety of extracts that were prepared with plants harvested legally and ethically from California wildlands.

Instructor: Tellur Fenner of the Blue Wind School of Botanical Studies in Ukiah, CA.

Make sure to bring: Water, lunch, notebook, hat/sunscreen, rain gear, and a camera.

Class will occur RAIN OR SHINE! :)

Registration: Email (preferred): bluewindbmc@gmail.com 

Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/bluewindschool/

Scope out our photo/video feed on Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/bluewindschool/

Phone: 510-290-6841

Interested but don't have a car? Inquire about carpooling options.

Looking for a more substantial/comprehensive SoCal edible/medicinal plant learning experience? If so, scope out the following 60 hour program that I'll be offering March-May 2017. Guaranteed to be QUITE the floristic adventure!

https://www.facebook.com/events/710781722400053/


EDIBLE & MEDICINAL PLANTS OF SAN DIEGO COUNTY: Seasonal Herb Walk (Spring Session)

From the mild, wind swept coastal bluffs along the Pacific Ocean to the climatic extremes more typical of the remote Sonoran Desert to the east, the San Diego County region provides us with the opportunity to view a large variety of botanical specimens all within a relatively small geographical range. Join us as we discover together the diverse array of both edible and medicinal plants found growing within these contrasting yet closely interconnected plant communities. Historical and modern medicinal applications will be covered along with any edible and/or utilitarian potential. Tips on basic/intermediate plant identification will be offered with a special emphasis on plant family characteristics as well as differentiating poisonous look-alike plants from their beneficial counterparts. 

-SPRING SESSION-

San Diego, CA (Coastal)
Saturday, March 4. 10am-4pm. $47

Instructor: Tellur Fenner of the Blue Wind School of Botanical Studies in Ukiah, CA.

Make sure to bring: Water, lunch, notebook, hat/sunscreen, rain gear, and a camera.

Class will occur RAIN OR SHINE! :)

Registration: Email (preferred): bluewindbmc@gmail.com 

Phone: 510-290-6841

Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/bluewindschool/

Scope out our photo/video feed on Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/bluewindschool/

Interested but don't have a car? Inquire about carpooling options.

Looking for a more substantial/comprehensive SoCal edible/medicinal plant learning experience? If so, scope out the following 60 hour program that I'll be offering March-May 2017. Guaranteed to be QUITE the floristic adventure!

https://www.facebook.com/events/710781722400053/


EDIBLE & MEDICINAL PLANTS OF SAN DIEGO COUNTY: Seasonal Herb Walk (Spring Session)

From the mild, wind swept coastal bluffs along the Pacific Ocean to the climatic extremes more typical of the remote Sonoran Desert to the east, the San Diego County region provides us with the opportunity to view a large variety of botanical specimens all within a relatively small geographical range. Join us as we discover together the diverse array of both edible and medicinal plants found growing within these contrasting yet closely interconnected plant communities. Historical and modern medicinal applications will be covered along with any edible and/or utilitarian potential. Tips on basic/intermediate plant identification will be offered with a special emphasis on plant family characteristics as well as differentiating poisonous look-alike plants from their beneficial counterparts. 

-SPRING SESSION-

San Diego, CA (Interior Mountains)
Sunday, March 5. 10am-4pm. $47 

Instructor: Tellur Fenner of the Blue Wind School of Botanical Studies in Ukiah, CA.

Make sure to bring: Water, lunch, notebook, hat/sunscreen, rain gear, and a camera.

Class will occur RAIN OR SHINE! :)

Registration: Email (preferred): bluewindbmc@gmail.com 

Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/bluewindschool/

Scope out our photo/video feed on Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/bluewindschool/

Phone: 510-290-6841

Interested but don't have a car? Inquire about carpooling options.

Looking for a more substantial/comprehensive SoCal edible/medicinal plant learning experience? If so, scope out the following 60 hour program that I'll be offering March-May 2017. Guaranteed to be QUITE the floristic adventure!

https://www.facebook.com/events/710781722400053/


Edible & Medicinal Flora of the California Deserts: 
A Bioregional Exploration of the Sonoran, Mojave, and Great Basin


3-Month Springtime Field Study Program: 2017

The state of California is home to three of the four North American deserts: the Sonoran, Mojave, and Great Basin. And while many perceive this vast arid expanse to be a barren wasteland devoid of biological diversity, this really couldn't be further from the truth. In fact, the California deserts are a virtual treasure trove of notable edible and medicinal plant species, and in good years the spring wildflower bloom is TRULY a sight to behold! Our program kicks off below sea-level near the Mexican border and will move progressively higher in elevation and further north with each month, ultimately terminating at the Owens Valley in the shadow of towering Sierran peaks. The spring season, before the searing heat of summer sets in, is the ideal time of year to explore this majestic landscape of hidden valleys and rugged desert mountains. Our travels will take us through a great diversity of plant communities, including: salt bush scrub, creosote bush scrub, sagebrush scrub, Joshua tree woodland, pinyon-juniper woodland, and even desert marshland and riparian corridors. This is a land of eerie and desolate enchantment, and a place which offers rich rewards to those who come to know and appreciate its stark and timeless beauty.

Join us on this journey of discovery as we follow the plants through the spring season while learning about their many historical and contemporary uses. Some notable edible & medicinal plants we're likely to encounter on our weekend excursions include: Yerba Santa, Milkweed, Yerba Manza, Creosote Bush, American Licorice, Southwestern Verbena, White Sage, Agave, Sugar Bush, Mormon Tea, Desert Lavender, Algerita, Chia, Jojoba, Honey Mesquite, Desert Willow, Prince's Plume, Stream Orchid, Indian Tobacco, Banana Yucca, Sagebrush, Pinyon Pine and many others! We’ll spend our days hiking and botanizing while reserving evenings for interactive hands-on workshops, relaxing with friends around the fire, not to mention camping under a blanket of shimmering stars. 

This interdisciplinary foundational course will engage students on 3 levels:

1. Field Study
2. Hands-On Workshops
3. Online Presentations/Pre-Class Reading Assignments

The program is structured around two main themes: Seasonal Plant Study & Bioregional Field Exploration. Meaning, we will focus our attention on the most distinctive plants (and plant communities) found throughout the region while following the peak bloom season for each unique floristic zone. The goal of which is to give the student solid foundational instruction on the identification and use of the primary edible/medicinal plants found growing throughout the Sonoran, Mojave, and Great Basin Deserts. Our study will emphasize a dynamic sensory awareness of the plants via close observation, touching, tasting, and smelling. This comprehensive, full immersion botanical intensive should prove to be insightful and rewarding for anyone interested in knowing more about the unique (and often under-appreciated) flora of the American Southwest. 

3 Tiers of the program:

The course is generalist by design, and holds as its central premise that a contextual approach to understanding both edible and medicinal plants will be the most useful for the student in the long run. The 3 tiers of the program will include the following class subjects and activities:

I. Field Study

• Three 3-day camping trips 
• Numerous herb walk explorations through a variety of unique plant habitats and elevation zones
• Field taxonomy/plant ID instruction 
• Desert plant communities study
• Natural history of the California deserts 

II. Hands-On Workshops

• Herbal pharmacy (teas/oils/salves/tinctures)
• Medicinal plant harvesting and processing methods (along with legal/ethical guidelines)
• Seasonal wild edible plant harvest/preparation

III. Online Presentations/Pre-Session Reading Assignments

In order to augment our field studies and help prepare students for each new session (and bioregion), Powerpoint presentations will be provided for viewing each month while being paired with reading assignments from the required texts. Topics will include:

• Botany concepts & botanical terminology 
• California plant family recognition strategies
• Materia medica (medicinal plant uses) 
• Edible plant uses
• Plant toxicology (poisonous plant study)
• Regional ethnobotany
• Rare & endangered plants of the California deserts

2017 Course Schedule

Class will meet one weekend a month for a total of 3 months. A total of 60 class hours.

Monthly Sessions

(Arrival on Thursday night optional)
Friday: 10am-6pm
Saturday: 9am-5pm
Sunday: 9am-5pm

Session Dates/Locations:

Field classes will occur throughout Southern California in the general vicinity of the following towns/cities: Ocotillo, CA, Baker, CA, and Lone Pine, CA (all within approx. 3.5 hours drive from Los Angeles, CA). Inquire about carpooling options.

Session 1: March: 10-12
Sonoran Desert
Near Ocotillo, CA

Session 2: April: 7-9
Mojave Desert
Near Baker, CA

Session 3: May: 12-14 
Great Basin Desert
Near Lone Pine, CA

Click on the following links to view pictures of some representative plants and landscapes of the California deserts:

https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.342355353805.149939.83336233805&type=3

https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.498414093805.259632.83336233805&type=3

https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10150442479708806.352879.83336233805&type=3


Course Fees

$635 Early Bird Discount (before February 1 deadline)
$685 Full tuition (after February 1 deadline) 

Tuition includes basic course materials fees.
Meals are not included.

Pre-registration is necessary to hold your space. We recommend that you register as early as possible, as many classes fill up in advance. 

Refund Policy

Cancellations up to 3 weeks before the course begins will be refunded, excluding a $100 processing fee. No refunds will be given after that date.

To register, or for additional information, contact:

Instructor: Tellur Fenner
Email (preferred): bluewindbmc@gmail.com 
Phone: 510-290-6841

Camping Info

The field trips will entail car-camping mainly in remote and primitive camping sites (no running water, showers, toilets, picnic tables, etc), though the lack of such conveniences is GREATLY outweighed by the stunning beauty and peaceful solitude of these locales. State-of-the-art backpacking gear is not necessary. Participants will need to be physically able to hike 3-6 miles/day in warm temperatures. 

What to bring: 
Tent, Sleeping Bag, Sleeping Pad
Clothes (for hot/cold weather)
Hiking Boots
Rain Gear
Hat/Sunscreen
Daypack
Food/Snacks 
Camp Stove
Camp Chair
Swimming Suit 
Flashlight
Water Bottles (4 quarts)
Firewood
Notebook/Camera
And most importantly...a sense of adventure!

Course Materials (not included in tuition fee):

Required Texts 

"The Jepson Desert Manual" by Baldwin and others

“Medicinal Plants of the Desert and Canyon West” by Michael Moore

*”Botany in a Day” 6th Edition by Thomas Elpel 

Total book cost: approximately $50 
(Students not wishing to purchase the books are free to check them out from the library instead)

*(Note: we will purchase Botany in a Day as a class at a bulk discount)

Required materials

-Hand-lens (for plant ID) Cost: $10-35


Edible & Medicinal Plants of the Sonoran Desert: Phoenix Area

Of the four U.S. deserts the Sonoran is the hottest and most arid, but it ALSO happens to be the most botanically diverse…being home to a large number of edible, medicinal, and utilitarian plants. The spring bloom period, before the searing heat of summer sets in, is the IDEAL time to explore this majestic landscape of valleys, riparian canyons, and desert mountains. Join us as we learn about a wide variety of useful plants (both common and obscure) found growing in the spectacular wild lands found just outside the city limits. Historical and modern medicinal applications will be covered along with any edible and/or utilitarian potential. Tips on basic/intermediate plant identification will be offered with a special emphasis on plant family characteristics as well as differentiating poisonous look-alike plants from their beneficial counterparts. 

-SPRING SESSION-

Phoenix, AZ. Saturday, March 18. 10am-4pm. $47 

Instructor: Tellur Fenner of the Blue Wind School of Botanical Studies.

Make sure to bring: Water, lunch, notebook, hat/sunscreen, rain gear, and a camera.

Class will occur RAIN OR SHINE! :)

Registration: Email (preferred): bluewindbmc@gmail.com

Pre-registration is required to secure your spot. 

Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/bluewindschool/

Scope out our photo/video feed on Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/bluewindschool/

Phone: 510-290-6841

Interested but don't have a car? Inquire about carpooling options.

Looking for a more substantial/comprehensive (desert focused) edible/medicinal plant learning experience? If so, scope out the following 60 hour program that I'll be offering March-May 2017. Guaranteed to be QUITE the floristic adventure!

https://www.facebook.com/events/710781722400053/


Edible & Medicinal Plants of the Sonoran Desert: Tucson Area

Of the four U.S. deserts the Sonoran is the hottest and most arid, but it ALSO happens to be the most botanically diverse…being home to a large number of edible, medicinal, and utilitarian plants. The spring bloom period, before the searing heat of summer sets in, is the IDEAL time to explore this majestic landscape of valleys, riparian canyons, and desert mountains. Join us as we learn about a wide variety of useful plants (both common and obscure) found growing in the spectacular wild lands found just outside the city limits. Historical and modern medicinal applications will be covered along with any edible and/or utilitarian potential. Tips on basic/intermediate plant identification will be offered with a special emphasis on plant family characteristics as well as differentiating poisonous look-alike plants from their beneficial counterparts. 

-SPRING SESSION-

Tucson, AZ. Sunday, March 19. 10am-4pm. $47 

Instructor: Tellur Fenner of the Blue Wind School of Botanical Studies.

Make sure to bring: Water, lunch, notebook, hat/sunscreen, rain gear, and a camera.

Class will occur RAIN OR SHINE! :)

Registration: Email (preferred): bluewindbmc@gmail.com

Pre-registration is required to secure your spot. 

Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/bluewindschool/

Scope out our photo/video feed on Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/bluewindschool/

Phone: 510-290-6841

Interested but don't have a car? Inquire about carpooling options.

Looking for a more substantial/comprehensive (desert focused) edible/medicinal plant learning experience? If so, scope out the following 60 hour program that I'll be offering March-May 2017. Guaranteed to be QUITE the floristic adventure!

https://www.facebook.com/events/710781722400053/


EDIBLE & MEDICINAL PLANTS OF SAN DIEGO COUNTY: Seasonal Herb Walk (Spring Session)

From the mild, wind swept coastal bluffs along the Pacific Ocean to the climatic extremes more typical of the remote Sonoran Desert to the east, the San Diego County region provides us with the opportunity to view a large variety of botanical specimens all within a relatively small geographical range. Join us as we discover together the diverse array of both edible and medicinal plants found growing within these contrasting yet closely interconnected plant communities. Historical and modern medicinal applications will be covered along with any edible and/or utilitarian potential. Tips on basic/intermediate plant identification will be offered with a special emphasis on plant family characteristics as well as differentiating poisonous look-alike plants from their beneficial counterparts. 

-SPRING SESSION-

San Diego, CA (Coastal)
Saturday, April 1. 10am-4pm. $47

Instructor: Tellur Fenner of the Blue Wind School of Botanical Studies in Ukiah, CA.

Make sure to bring: Water, lunch, notebook, hat/sunscreen, rain gear, and a camera.

Class will occur RAIN OR SHINE! :)

Registration: Email (preferred): bluewindbmc@gmail.com 

Phone: 510-290-6841

Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/bluewindschool/

Scope out our photo/video feed on Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/bluewindschool/

Interested but don't have a car? Inquire about carpooling options.

Looking for a more substantial/comprehensive SoCal edible/medicinal plant learning experience? If so, scope out the following 60 hour program that I'll be offering March-May 2017. Guaranteed to be QUITE the floristic adventure!

https://www.facebook.com/events/710781722400053/


EDIBLE & MEDICINAL PLANTS OF SAN DIEGO COUNTY: Seasonal Herb Walk (Spring Session)

From the mild, wind swept coastal bluffs along the Pacific Ocean to the climatic extremes more typical of the remote Sonoran Desert to the east, the San Diego County region provides us with the opportunity to view a large variety of botanical specimens all within a relatively small geographical range. Join us as we discover together the diverse array of both edible and medicinal plants found growing within these contrasting yet closely interconnected plant communities. Historical and modern medicinal applications will be covered along with any edible and/or utilitarian potential. Tips on basic/intermediate plant identification will be offered with a special emphasis on plant family characteristics as well as differentiating poisonous look-alike plants from their beneficial counterparts. 

-SPRING SESSION-

San Diego, CA (Interior Foothills)
Sunday, April 2. 10am-4pm. $47 

Instructor: Tellur Fenner of the Blue Wind School of Botanical Studies in Ukiah, CA.

Make sure to bring: Water, lunch, notebook, hat/sunscreen, rain gear, and a camera.

Class will occur RAIN OR SHINE! :)

Registration: Email (preferred): bluewindbmc@gmail.com 

Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/bluewindschool/

Scope out our photo/video feed on Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/bluewindschool/

Phone: 510-290-6841

Interested but don't have a car? Inquire about carpooling options.

Looking for a more substantial/comprehensive SoCal edible/medicinal plant learning experience? If so, scope out the following 60 hour program that I'll be offering March-May 2017. Guaranteed to be QUITE the floristic adventure!

https://www.facebook.com/events/710781722400053/


Edible & Medicinal Plants of the Sespe Wilderness: A Backpacking Field Exploration 

Situated just outside the southwest border of the Mojave Desert, this remote, rugged, and arid landscape is part of a vast mountainous wilderness complex (the 4th largest roadless region in the continental U.S) with elevation ranges from 2500’ to 7500’. The area is best known for its magnificent colored sandstone canyons and the wild and scenic Sespe River (the last remaining undammed river in Southern California). The area is also home to some of the HOTTEST and most isolated hot springs to be found in the state! Sespe is rich in botanical diversity, many useful plants being found in the region, such as: White Sage, Yerba Santa, Flannel Bush, Lobelia, Stream Orchid, Prince's Plume, Matilija Poppy, and many others! Topics to be covered during our journey include: field botany/ID, plant family characteristics, medicinal/edible/utilitarian uses, regional ethnobotany, medicine making techniques, ethical harvesting practices, safety issues, natural history, and more. Days will be spent hiking and exploring trails which wind through the various plant communities in the area. Nighttime will include campfire conversation, relaxing with friends, and soaking in the springs. 

Dates: April 14-16 (Fri-Sun)

Class begins at 10am Friday morning and concludes at 6pm Sunday night. Thursday night arrival is optional)

Location: Sespe Wilderness (near Ojai, CA. Approx. 2 hours NW of Los Angeles, CA)

Instructor/Trip leader: Tellur Fenner 

Class Fee: 
$170 advanced pre-registration discount before March 3.
$195 after March 3.

Registration: 

Email (preferred): bluewindbmc@gmail.com

Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/bluewindschool/

Scope out our photo/video feed on Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/bluewindschool/

Phone: 510-290-6841

(Pre-registration required!)

To Bring: 

Things that are necessary are: Tent, Sleeping Bag, Rain Gear, Warm Clothes, Hiking Boots, Sandals, Hat/Sunscreen, Backpack, Food/Snacks (class fee does not include meals), Camp Stove, Camping Pad, Headlamp, Water Bottles, and most importantly...a sense of adventure!

Optional (yet recommended): Notebook, Camera, and a Hand Lens.

Recommended (but not required) Texts: 

Medicinal Plants of the Pacific West by Michael Moore
Medicinal Plants of the Mountain West by Michael Moore
Medicinal Plants of the Desert and Canyon West by Michael Moore
A Flora of the Santa Barbara Region, CA by Clifton Smith
A Key to the Vascular Plant Species of & Flora of Kern County California by Moe and Twisselmann

Class will occur rain or shine!

*Interested, but don’t have a car? Inquire about carpooling options.

Looking for a more substantial/comprehensive SoCal edible/medicinal plant learning experience? If so, scope out the following 60 hour program that I'll be offering March-May 2017. Guaranteed to be QUITE the floristic adventure!

https://www.facebook.com/events/710781722400053/


Edible & Medicinal Plants of the Sierra Nevada: 
A Bioregional Exploration--Central Valley to the Great Basin


6-Month Spring/Summer Field Study Program: 2017

The massive 400 mile long granitic uplift known as the Sierra Nevada is quite a spectacular sight to behold. Traveling east, the long gradual ascent from the Great Central Valley (near sea-level) takes one through a myriad of different plant communities, including: riparian woodlands, valley grassland, foothill oak woodland, chaparral, mixed coniferous forest, red fir forest, subalpine forest, montane meadows, to the alpine fell-fields found above 9,000’, and then down the eastern slope to the high desert sagebrush scrub and pinyon-juniper woodland below. Given this it should come as no surprise that from the lush western slope to the arid expanse of its eastern rain shadow this unique floristic province boasts an astonishing 3,500 vascular plant species! 

Join us on this journey of discovery as we follow the plants through the spring/summer seasons while learning about their many historical and contemporary uses. Some notable edible & medicinal plants we're likely to encounter on our weekend excursions include: Arnica, California Spikenard, Milkweed, Wild Ginger, Western Peony, St. John’s Wort, Valerian, Gentian, Evening Primrose, Choke Cherry, Angelica, Oregon Grape, Sagebrush, Pinyon Pine and many others! We’ll spend our days hiking and botanizing while reserving evenings for interactive hands-on workshops, relaxing with friends around the fire, not to mention camping under a blanket of shimmering stars. Keep in mind that refreshing mid-afternoon dips in azure alpine lakes and nighttime hot spring soaks will be worked into the curriculum as well!

This interdisciplinary foundational course will engage students on 3 levels:

1. Field Study
2. Hands-On Workshops
3. Online Presentations/Pre-Class Reading Assignments

The program is structured around two main themes: Seasonal Plant Study & Bioregional Field Exploration. Meaning, we will focus our attention on the most distinctive plant communities found throughout the region while following the peak bloom season of each particular area. The goal of which is to give the student a solid background on the identification and use of the primary edible/medicinal plants found growing throughout the Northern Sierra. Our study will emphasize a dynamic sensory awareness of the plants via close observation, touching, tasting, and smelling. This comprehensive, full immersion botanical intensive should prove to be insightful and rewarding for anyone interested in knowing more about the unique flora of the region. 

3 Tiers of the program:

The course is generalist by design, and holds as its central premise that a contextual approach to understanding both edible and medicinal plants will be the most useful for the student in the long run. The 3 tiers of the program will include the following class subjects and activities:

I. Field Study

• 5 weekend camping trips and one 3-day extended session 
• Numerous herb walk explorations through a variety of unique plant habitats and elevation zones
• Field taxonomy/plant ID instruction 
• Sierra Nevada plant communities study
• Natural history of the Sierra Nevada 

II. Hands-On Workshops

• Herbal pharmacy (teas/oils/salves/tinctures)
• Medicinal plant harvesting and processing methods (along with legal/ethical guidelines)
• Seasonal wild edible plant harvest/preparation

III. Online Presentations/Pre-Session Reading Assignments

In order to augment our field studies and help prepare students for each new session (and bioregion), Powerpoint presentations will be provided for viewing each month while being paired with reading assignments from the required texts. Topics will include:

• Botany concepts & botanical terminology 
• California plant family recognition strategies
• Materia medica (medicinal plant uses) 
• Edible plant uses
• Plant toxicology (poisonous plant study)
• Regional ethnobotany
• Rare & endangered plants of the Sierra Nevada

2017 Course Schedule

Class will meet one weekend a month for a total of 6 months. The July field class will be extended to a 3-day session (Friday morning-Sunday evening). A total of 90 class hours.

Regular Session

(Arrival on Friday night optional)
Saturday: 10am-6pm
Sunday: 9am-5pm

Extended Session

(Arrival on Thursday night optional)
Friday: 10am-6pm
Saturday: 9am-5pm
Sunday: 9am-5pm

Session Dates/Locations:

Field classes will occur throughout the Northern Sierra in the general vicinity of the following towns/cities: Chico, CA-Paradise, CA-Nevada City, CA- Sierra City, CA- Sierraville, CA- and Carson City, NV. Inquire about carpooling options.

Session 1: April- 22-23
Central Valley: Riparian Woodland/Grassland
Near Chico, CA

Session 2: May- 20-21
Foothills: Oak Woodland/Chaparral
Near Paradise, CA

Session 3: June- 17-18
Mid-Elevation: Mixed Coniferous Forest
Near Nevada City, CA

Session 4: July- 14-16 (Extended Session)
Sierra Crest: Subalpine Forest/Alpine Zone
Near Sierra City, CA

Session 5: August- 5-6
East Slope: Modoc Plateau/Sagebrush Belt
Near Sierraville, CA

Session 6: September- 9-10
East Slope: Great Basin Desert/Pinyon-Juniper Woodland
Near Bridgeport, CA

Click on the following link to view pictures of some representative plants and landscapes of the Sierra Nevada region:

https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10151036933253806.418464.83336233805&type=1&l=78543af1eb

Course Fees

$935 Early Bird Discount (before March 9 deadline)
$995 Full tuition (after March 9 deadline) 

Tuition includes basic course materials fees.
Camping fees MAY apply but will not amount to any more than $50/person total.
Meals are not included.

Pre-registration is necessary to hold your space. We recommend that you register as early as possible, as many classes fill up in advance. 

Refund Policy

Cancellations up to 3 weeks before the course begins will be refunded, excluding a $150 processing fee. No refunds will be given after that date.

To register, or for additional information, contact:

Instructor: Tellur Fenner
Email (preferred): bluewindbmc@gmail.com 
Phone: 510-290-6841

Camping Info

The field trips will entail car-camping mainly in remote and primitive camping sites (no running water, showers, toilets, picnic tables, etc), though the lack of such conveniences is GREATLY outweighed by the stunning beauty and peaceful solitude of these locales. State-of-the-art backpacking gear is not necessary. Participants will need to be physically able to hike 3-6 miles/day in warm temperatures. 

What to bring: 
Tent, Sleeping Bag, Sleeping Pad
Clothes (for hot/cold weather)
Hiking Boots
Rain Gear
Hat/Sunscreen
Daypack
Food/Snacks 
Camp Stove
Camp Chair
Swimming Suit 
Flashlight
Water Bottles (4 quarts)
Firewood
Notebook/Camera
And most importantly...a sense of adventure!

Course Materials (not included in tuition fee):

Required Texts 

“Medicinal Plants of the Mountain West” by Michael Moore

*”Nature's Garden: Edible Wild Plants” by Samuel Thayer

“A Sierra Nevada Flora” 4th Edition by Norman Weeden

*”Botany in a Day” 6th Edition by Thomas Elpel 

Total book cost: approximately $60 

*(Note: we will purchase Nature's Garden and Botany in a Day as a class at a bulk discount)

Required materials

-Hand-lens (for plant ID) Cost: $10-35


Edible & Medicinal Plants of the Central California Coast

6-month Spring/Summer Classroom & Field Study Program: 2017

The Central California coast (between Mendocino & Monterey Counties) is a region of much geographic, climatic, and floristic diversity. Traveling east from the Pacific Ocean to the rugged 7,000’+ peaks of the Inner Coast Ranges one can witness a great variety of different plant communities, including: coastal strand, coastal scrub, salt/freshwater marshes, coastal prairie, redwood forest, mixed evergreen forest, riparian woodland, chaparral, valley grassland, oak woodland, subalpine forest, and others. Similarly, a north-south exploration of the region reveals a dramatic botanical transition as well, with moisture dependent northern species giving way to the more drought tolerant species to the south. With that said it is no wonder the central coast is home to literally THOUSANDS of noteworthy edible/medicinal plants! 

Join us on this journey of discovery as we follow the plants through the spring/summer seasons while learning about their many historical and contemporary uses. Class will meet one weekend per month for a total of 6 months. The April and July classes will be extended to 2.5 day sessions (Friday afternoon-Sunday evening) and will take place in both the North-Central Coast and South-Central Coast regions (details listed below).

This interdisciplinary foundational course will engage the student on 3 levels: 

1. Interactive Classroom Lecture 
2. Hands-On Workshops 
3. Field Study

In addition, the program will be structured around two main themes: Seasonal Plant Study & Bioregional Field Exploration. Meaning, we will focus our attention on the most distinctive plant communities found throughout our region while following the peak bloom season of each particular area. The goal of which is to give the student a solid background on the identification and use of the primary edible/medicinal plants found growing around the central coast. Because the bulk of the course will take place between Mendocino County and the San Francisco Bay Area, this will be our main area of focus. Our study will emphasize a dynamic sensory awareness of the plants via close observation, touching, tasting, and smelling. We will visit other regions of the central coast during two 3-day camping trips. This comprehensive, full immersion botanical intensive should prove to be insightful and rewarding for anyone interested in knowing more about the unique flora of our region. 

3 Tiers of the program:

The course is generalist by design, and holds as its central premise that a contextual approach to understanding both edible and medicinal plants will be the most useful for the student in the long run. The 3 tiers of the program will include the following class subjects and activities:

I. Interactive Classroom Lecture 

• Beginning/intermediate botany concepts 
• California plant family recognition strategies
• Materia medica (medicinal plant uses) 
• Edible plant uses
• Sampling of a variety of edible/medicinal plant preparations
• Plant toxicology (poisonous plant study)
• Regional ethnobotany
• Rare & endangered plants of California

II. Hands-On Workshops

• Herbal pharmacy (teas/oils/salves/tinctures)
• Medicinal plant harvesting and processing methods (along with legal/ethical guidelines)
• Seasonal edible plant harvest/preparation

III. Field Study

• 2 camping trips described above
• 3 day-long herb walks through a variety of unique plant habitats found across the central coast region (these in addition to the many walks that will occur during our 2 camping trips)
• Field taxonomy/plant ID instruction 
• California plant communities (including intertidal zone)
• Natural history of California 

Extended Field Trips:

South Coast Ranges: April, 2017 
Monterey County - Santa Lucia Mountains

The Santa Lucia Mountain region marks the transition zone in the California Coast Ranges where the moisture dependent northern floristic elements are replaced by those better adapted to the warmer and more arid conditions that are present. Some of the plants we’re likely to come across on our daily treks include: Foothill Yucca, Hummingbird Sage, Western Peony, Silk Tassel, Sugar Pine, Wooly Blue Curls, Indian Warrior, and various species of Yerba Santa. 

North Coast Ranges: July, 2017
Lake County - Mendocino National Forest, 
Snow Mountain Wilderness

Nestled within an unusually rugged, inaccessible, and little known wilderness area, Snow Mountain (7,000’+) is one of the tallest peaks found in the California Coast Ranges. The region’s unique montane flora is reminiscent of both NW California and the Sierras and includes such useful plants as: Blue Elderberry, Arnica, Bleeding Heart, Corn Lily, Fireweed, Red Root, Milkweed, Chokecherry…just to name a few. 

Click on the following link to view pictures of some representative plants and landscapes of the Central CA coast:

https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.298652153805.144251.83336233805&type=1&l=1ad710237b

Course Schedule

Class will meet one weekend per month for a total of 6 months. The May and July classes will be extended to 2.5 day sessions (Friday afternoon-Sunday evening). A total of 90 class hours.

Regular Sessions

Saturday: 10am-6pm
Sunday: 10am-6pm

Extended Sessions

Friday: 3pm-7pm
Saturday: 9am-5pm
Sunday: 9am-5pm

Session Dates

Session 1: April 28-30  (Extended Session)
Session 2: June 3-4
Session 3: July 1-2
Session 4: July 21-23 (Extended Session)
Session 5: August 12-13
Session 6: September 16-17



Venue Location: 

Regular weekend sessions will take place at the Blue Wind School of Botanical Studies in Ukiah, CA (2 hours north of S.F/Berkeley/Oakland).

Situated at around 1,200' on the east slope of the Outer North Coast Ranges, our teaching center is nestled away in a pristine oak woodland/mixed evergreen forest in the countryside just outside of Ukiah, CA. The facility sits on 80 magnificent acres along with a swimming pond, seasonal creek, greenhouse, garden/farming space, herb processing building, root cellar, and more! A number of different plant communities are represented on the property, and many miles of hiking trails provide access to the floristically rich surrounding area. The center is strategically situated with easy access to both the cool/moist Mendocino coast (45min) AND the arid high elevation peaks of the Inner North Coast Ranges (60min) to the east. Needless to say, there is PLENTY of on-site camping available for students.

Course Fees

$935 Early Bird Discount (before March 16 deadline)
$995 Full tuition (after March 16 deadline) 

Tuition fees include basic course materials.
Meals are not included.

Pre-registration is necessary to hold your space. We recommend that you register as early as possible, as many classes fill up in advance. 

Refund Policy

Cancellations up to 3 weeks before the course begins will be refunded, excluding a $150 processing fee. No refunds will be given after that date.

To register, or for additional information, contact:

Instructor: Tellur Fenner
Email (preferred): bluewindbmc@gmail.com 
Phone: 510-290-6841

Camping Info

The field trips will entail car-camping mainly in remote and primitive camping sites (no running water, showers, toilets, picnic tables, etc), though the lack of such conveniences is GREATLY outweighed by the stunning beauty and peaceful solitude of these locales. State-of-the-art backpacking gear is not necessary. Participants will need to be physically able to hike 3-6 miles/day in warm temperatures. 

What to bring: 
Tent, Sleeping Bag, Sleeping Pad
Clothes (for hot/cold weather)
Hiking Boots
Rain Gear
Hat/Sunscreen
Daypack
Food/Snacks 
Camp Stove
Camp Chair
Swimming Suit 
Flashlight
Water Bottles (4 quarts)
Firewood
Notebook/Camera
And most importantly...a sense of adventure!

Course Materials 
(not included in tuition fee)

Required Texts 

"Medicinal Plants of the Pacific West" by Michael Moore

*"Nature's Garden: Edible Wild Plants" by Samuel Thayer

"Marin Flora" Revised Edition (2007) by John Howell

*"Botany in a Day" 6th Edition by Thomas Elpel 

Total book cost: approximately $75 

*(Note: we will purchase Nature's Garden and Botany in a Day as a class at a bulk discount)

Required materials

-Hand-lens (for plant ID) Cost: $10-35


EDIBLE & MEDICINAL PLANTS OF THE BAY AREA: Seasonal Herb Walk (Spring Session) 

From the mist shrouded sea cliffs to the sun-baked arid expanse of its eastern most regions, the San Francisco Bay area provides us with a chance to view a large variety of botanical specimens all within a relatively small geographical range. Join us as we discover together the diverse array of both edible and medicinal plants found growing within these contrasting yet closely interconnected micro-climates. Historical and modern medicinal applications will be covered along with any edible and/or utilitarian potential. Tips on basic/intermediate plant identification will be offered with a special emphasis on plant family characteristics as well as differentiating poisonous look-alike plants from their beneficial counterparts. 

-SPRING SESSION-

Oakland, CA. Saturday, May 6. 10am-4pm. $47

Instructor: Tellur Fenner of the Blue Wind School of Botanical Studies in Ukiah, CA.

Make sure to bring: Water, lunch, notebook, hat/sunscreen, rain gear, and a camera.

Class will occur RAIN OR SHINE! :)

Registration: Email (preferred): bluewindbmc@gmail.com 

Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/bluewindschool/

Scope out our photo/video feed on Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/bluewindschool/

Phone: 510-290-6841

Interested but don't have a car? Inquire about carpooling options.


NATURE’S PHARMACY: MEDICINE MAKING WORKSHOP (San Francisco Bay Area)

Come join us as we learn to create a variety of botanical medicines using many native California plants. During this intensive class we will learn the fundamental methods for making a number of preparations, including: teas, tinctures, herbal oils, salves, liniments, and syrups. Starting with an overview of some basic principles of plant chemistry, we will examine different extraction methods while learning when they can be best applied. The remainder of the class will be devoted to preparing a number of different herbal products, giving us a chance to put theory into practice. This is an interactive class so please come ready to get your hands dirty while having a lot of fun! All materials will be provided and each student will leave with a product s/he helped prepare. 

Date/Time: Sunday, May 7. 10am-6pm

Location: Berkeley, CA.

Instructor: Tellur Fenner

Fee: $73 (includes materials fee)

Registration:Email (preferred): bluewindbmc@gmail.com

Phone: 510-290-6841

Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/bluewindschool/

Scope out our photo/video feed on Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/bluewindschool/

Make sure to bring: Water, lunch, notebook, and a camera.


Edible & Medicinal Seaweeds of California: Weekend Workshop and Field Exploration

Spring Session--Mendocino County

As spring unfolds along the California coast and the days grow long it is not only the terrestrial landscape that bursts forth in a verdant display of color, at this time of year our often overlooked/under-appreciated "sea-vegetables" are ALSO on the rise! There are some 750 SPECIES (give or take) of marine algae (seaweed) found flourishing along our expansive coastline...making this area one of the most diverse seaweed habitats on the planet! Given this, it is no surprise that many feel a bit overwhelmed and intimidated when approaching the field of phycology (study of algae). Join us as we make sense of this vast oceanic realm while exploring the diverse array of edible/medicinal seaweeds found at their prime during the spring season on the Northern California coast. This interdisciplinary program will engage students on all levels through a combination of classroom lecture, field exploration, and hands-on activities. 

Topics/activities include: seaweed ecology/intertidal communities, seaweed identification (in the classroom and in the field), edible/medicinal uses (both historic and contemporary), legal/ethical harvesting guidelines, safety issues/seaweed toxicolgy, coastal terrestrial plant community exploration (with a focus on the edible & medicinal flora), coverage of recent taxonomic/nomenclature changes, sampling of a variety of edible/medicinal seaweeds and preparations, harvesting/processing/cooking/preservation activities, and more!

Date/Time: May 27-28 (Sat/Sun) 10am-6pm 

Pre-registration discount before April 28 deadline: 
$155 (includes materials fee). 

After April 28 deadline: $180

Location: Blue Wind School of Botanical Studies. Ukiah, CA. 

The class will take place on a stunning 80 acre oak woodland property located approximately 8 miles SW of Ukiah, CA (2 hours north of SF/Berkeley). Overnight camping is optional (at no extra cost). 

If you plan to camp things that are necessary are: Tent, Sleeping Bag, Food/Snacks (class fee does not include meals), Camping Chair, Camping Pad, Flashlight.

Instructor: Tellur Fenner 

Registration: Email: bluewindbmc@gmail.com (preferred)

Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/bluewindschool/

Scope out our photo/video feed on Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/bluewindschool/

Phone: 510-290-6841

Gear you'll need for our field studies: 

Warm Clothes (wool/synthetic fibers), Rain Gear, Tennis Shoes (that you don't mind getting soaked), Hat/Sunscreen, Daypack, Water Bottles (2 quart capacity), Collecting Bucket/Plastic Bags, Knife/Scissors, Cooler w/ice.

Optional (yet recommended): Notebook, Camera, Hand Lens.

Optional Part 2: Wetsuit, Booties, Kayak, Life-Vest, Plastic Tarp.

Anyone wanting to harvest/take home their own seaweed (hopefully everyone!) will need to obtain a CA state fishing license PRIOR to the start of class (details about this will be provided upon registration).

*Interested, but don’t have a car? Inquire about carpooling options.


Edible & Medicinal Seaweeds of California: Weekend Workshop and Field Exploration

Spring Session--San Francisco Bay Area

As spring unfolds along the California coast and the days grow long it is not only the terrestrial landscape that bursts forth in a verdant display of color, at this time of year our often overlooked/under-appreciated "sea-vegetables" are ALSO on the rise! There are some 750 SPECIES (give or take) of marine algae (seaweed) found flourishing along our expansive coastline...making this area one of the most diverse seaweed habitats on the planet! Given this, it is no surprise that many feel a bit overwhelmed and intimidated when approaching the field of phycology (study of algae). Join us as we make sense of this vast oceanic realm while exploring the diverse array of edible/medicinal seaweeds found at their prime during the spring season on the Northern California coast. This interdisciplinary program will engage students on all levels through a combination of classroom lecture, field exploration, and hands-on activities. 

Topics/activities include: seaweed ecology/intertidal communities, seaweed identification (in the classroom and in the field), edible/medicinal uses (both historic and contemporary), legal/ethical harvesting guidelines, safety issues/seaweed toxicolgy, coastal terrestrial plant community exploration (with a focus on the edible & medicinal flora), coverage of recent taxonomic/nomenclature changes, sampling of a variety of edible/medicinal seaweeds and preparations, harvesting/processing/cooking/preservation activities, and more!

Date/Time: June 24-25 (Sat/Sun) 10am-6pm 

Pre-registration discount before May 26 deadline: 
$155 (includes materials fee). 

After May 26 deadline: $180

Location: San Francisco, CA. 

Instructor: Tellur Fenner 

Registration: Email: bluewindbmc@gmail.com (preferred)

Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/bluewindschool/

Scope out our photo/video feed on Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/bluewindschool/

Phone: 510-290-6841

Gear you'll need for our field studies: 

Warm Clothes (wool/synthetic fibers), Rain Gear, Tennis Shoes (that you don't mind getting soaked), Hat/Sunscreen, Daypack, Water Bottles (2 quart capacity), Collecting Bucket/Plastic Bags, Knife/Scissors, Cooler w/ice.

Optional (yet recommended): Notebook, Camera, Hand Lens.

Optional Part 2: Wetsuit, Booties, Kayak, Life-Vest, Plastic Tarp.

Anyone wanting to harvest/take home their own seaweed (hopefully everyone!) will need to obtain a CA state fishing license PRIOR to the start of class (details about this will be provided upon registration).

*Interested, but don’t have a car? Inquire about carpooling options.

 
 
Copyright © 2016-2017. Blue Wind School of Botanical Studies. All rights reserved.

Our mailing address is:
5750 Long Valley Ranch Road. Ukiah, CA. 95482
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