Coping with and recovering from illness, injury, and debility has always been part of being human. And for these complaints, plants have served as the major source of medicine. This class will examine the use of wild plants, fungi, and lichens for healing sickness and injury and supporting the body.
This hands-on class is designed for those with an interest in self-sufficiency, human health, and a deeper relationship with plants.
Foraging provides many avenues of connection with nature and fosters a greater appreciation of the many things that local landscapes can provide for us. It has become increasingly clear through many independent studies that diets rich in wild foods promote health and defend the body from many of the debilitating ailments that plague modern societies (e.g., cancer, obesity, diabetes, arthritis, coronary disease, periodontal disease).
Students should expect to spend much of the weekend outside identifying, collecting, and preparing wild plants for food (so be prepared for weather and uneven terrain). Class will focus on gathering plant foods and medicines that are appropriate for the season (leaves, shoots, bulbs, rhizomes). Throughout the class, simple tools will be used and reference will be made to primitive and contemporary methods of processing plants. As well, wildcrafted medicine and utilitarian plants will be discussed to provide a more holistic understanding of how plants can positively affect our lives. Wild nutrition is both a link to the past and a gateway to a sustainable future.
This class will be taught by Arthur Haines and will be offered at the Delta Institute of Natural History in Canton, ME (click here if you need directions). All meals are included for the weekend. They are entirely organic/pastured and wild. Expect omnivorous fare with a balanced mix of plant and animal offerings, some lactofermented vegetables, and raw dairy.
Some locations will be visited off site so please be prepared to carpool short distances from the property. Bring footwear for uneven ground, and proper clothing for whatever the weather may be on that day. Camping is available on site.
Price is $395.00 and class is limited to 12 students.
Class begins at 6:00 pm on Friday and ends at 12:00 pm on Sunday.
Please specify which class you are registering for in the "instructions to merchant" section of the PayPayl checkout.
Registration policies for classes offered exclusively through the Delta Institute of Natural History are found here. Be sure to read them, as your ability to get a refund (if needed) is explained in them.
This class is co-hosted by Wilder Waters Non-profit.
This hands-on class is designed for those with with an interest in self-sufficiency, human health, and a deeper relationship with plants. Foraging provides many avenues of connection with nature and fosters a greater appreciation of the many things that local landscapes can provide for us.
Remedies from the Standing People: A practical and philosophical exploration of botanical medicine
Humans have a long history of connection to plants for use in medicinal preparations. Different cultures around the world have assembled deep knowledge of their local floras that have led to the formation of powerful pharmacopeias. Various factors interfere with the use of plants in medicine, ranging from habitat fragmentation and over-exploitation to human domestication and rejection of the Old Ways. This talk examines the functional role of medicine in human healing, obstacles surrounding belief, and discusses a range of medicinal plants (some rare, some common), including their identification, ecology, and pharmacology. Practical gathering and use information will be presented that will benefit novice and skilled herbalists. A case is made that reliance on local medicine is one of many necessary steps to the re-emergence of an animistic culture.
Directions for registering for this virtual event are provided below in the image. Price is $25.00. Email mrherbs@yahoo.com for assistance with registration.
Sunday, November 3rd at Wilder Waters Community in Canton, Maine, is the 12th annual Wild Food Thanksgiving from 12:00PM to 4:00PM.
Arthur Haines will be speaking to Maine Audubon at Gisland Farm in Falmouth, ME. Afterwards he will be available for questions, visiting, and book signing.
This presentation will examine the current paradigm of human interaction with wild plants and present evidence for the need to change this pattern. Examples of the nutritional superiority of wild plants and their role in protecting from chronic disease will be discussed. The idea of “hands-off conservation” will be critiqued in comparison with the ancestral model of “conservation through use”. Examples of eco-conscientious practices of harvesting and evidence-based research highlighting the need for humans to be immersed in nature will be presented. In short, the goal of this presentation is to demonstrate the necessity of interacting with wild organisms to both promote human health and prevent the loss of wild lands.
Moosehead Lake in north-central Maine offers some of the finest ice fishing in North America. Its waters are home to several amazing fish—including landlocked salmon, lake trout, brook trout, and freshwater cusk—all of which make excellent table fare. Regardless of whether you are new to ice fishing or have simply wanted to be shown some good locations in which to fish, this trip promises spectacular scenery and the chance for wild fish meals.
Participants will stay at Tomhegan Wilderness Cabins, on the western shore of Moosehead Lake, which allows meal preparation and a warm wood stove for drying clothing. These cabins have running water, bathrooms, and hot showers (and are included in the price of the trip). The timing of this fishing adventure coincides with the first days in which landlocked salmon can be kept (if long enough).
Join Arthur Haines (Maine Hunting, Fishing, and Recreation Guide) with his wife Sara Moore (also a Maine Guide) for a few days on Maine’s largest lake at the edge of the Maine North Woods.
This trip will be limited to three students, which allows much more access to instruction and keeps for a more intimate setting in the evenings. Detailed information about accommodations, menu plan, specifics of the time out of the ice, and other logistics are all available upon request. Price is $795 dollars and is all inclusive except for driving to the location and lunch-time snacks. Please contact Arthur Haines (using the contact button in the upper right part of the web page) to identify if space is available and how to place a deposit to reserve your spot in this class. Participants do not need to own any ice fishing equipment, but will need a valid Maine Fishing License. Suggested clothing and gear list will be provided to participants that have placed a deposit. Sign up quickly so as not to miss an opportunity to feel the elation with bringing cold-water game fish onto the ice.
The Wilder Waters Gathering will be held from July 23 to 26 at Wilder Waters Community in Canton, ME. Arthur will be teaching a 2-hour class once a day during the gathering. His class offerings in the past have included a guided forest archery walk, self-defense, a plant walk, & wild rice processing.
Arthur Haines will be speaking at Maine Audubon starting at 7PM. He will be available for book signing after the lecture.
About Flora for Fauna: This presentation will examine the current paradigm of human interaction with wild plants and present evidence for the need to change this pattern. Examples of the nutritional superiority of wild plants and their role in protecting from chronic disease will be discussed. The idea of “hands-off conservation” will be critiqued in comparison with the ancestral model of “conservation through use”. Examples of eco-conscientious practices of harvesting and evidence-based research highlighting the need for humans to be immersed in nature will be presented. In short, the goal of this presentation is to demonstrate the necessity of interacting with wild organisms to both promote human health and prevent the loss of wild lands.
Arthur Haines will be presenting to the town of Canton about Wilder Waters Community.
Arthur will lead a two-hour ‘edible plant foray’ at the College of the Atlantic on Saturday, May 16th from 10:00-12:00pm. Specific location TBA.
Follow in the foot-steps of our ancestors and learn to see and gather the bounty of wild plant foods that surround us. Traditional people around the world understand that food does not just represent calories but it supplies also important nutrients and protective compounds. For these people, food is a defining feature of their culture and is incorporated into their collecting tools, containers, songs, and rituals. Important to note is that people who still enjoy their traditional diet are free from many of the chronic ailments that plaque modern societies in every country―cardiovascular diseases, neurological diseases, diabetes, inflammatory diseases of the digestive and musculoskeletal systems, and autoimmune disorders. Aside from such serious topics, wild plants offer variety in our diet and can provide unique flavors and textures to liven up dishes that may be frequently prepared in our households. Join in the spirit of Euell Gibbons and see how wonderful it feels to gather your own food.
Arthur will be giving his ‘Flora for Fauna’ presentation on Friday, May 15th at 6:00pm at College of the Atlantic. This talk will be approximately one hour with a 30 min. Q&A to follow. Arthur will be available for book signing after the talk.
About ‘Flora for Fauna’: This presentation will examine the current paradigm of human interaction with wild plants and present evidence for the need to change this pattern. Examples of the nutritional superiority of wild plants and their role in protecting from chronic disease will be discussed. The idea of “hands-off conservation” will be critiqued in comparison with the ancestral model of “conservation through use”. Examples of eco-conscientious practices of harvesting and evidence-based research highlighting the need for humans to be immersed in nature will be presented. In short, the goal of this presentation is to demonstrate the necessity of interacting with wild organisms to both promote human health and prevent the loss of wild lands.
Flora for Fauna: Engaging with Wild PlantsArthur Haines, Botanical Researcher, Director of the Delta Institute of Natural History, Canton, MEExplore the human need to interact with wild plants to prevent their loss and concurrently promote human health. Discover fascinating facts about the nutritional superiority of wild plants and their role in protecting humans from chronic disease. Learn eco-conscientious harvesting practices and much more.
Find out more at https://extension.umaine.edu/gardening/maine-garden-day/.
Arthur Haines will be giving a 60 minute talk titled ‘What's wrong with our conservation paradigm’ at Common Ground Fair.
Arthur’s talk ‘What’s wrong with our conservation paradigm?'' will address the human need to interact with wild plants to prevent the loss of these plants and concurrently promote human health. To illustrate this, examples of the nutritional superiority of wild plants and their role in protecting from chronic disease will be discussed. Examples of eco-conscientious practices of harvesting and evidence-based herbal medicine will be highlighted.
This will be an extended version of his TEDx Talk.
Nezinscot's herbal day is an opportunity to learn about herbs, shrubs, and trees; both cultivated and wild that are readily available in our backyards and gardens. How and what to harvest as well as their uses in everyday medicine and food.
Join Gloria Varney, Arthur Haines and a handful of other artisans as they walk you through their fields, gardens, and woods while sharing their knowledge and love for the landscape. From there, participants will have an opportunity through hands-on workshops to prepare food and medicine with the gatherings. From infused oils to tinctures, electuaries, and teas. Kids welcome and a special program is available for them.
To view the day’s schedule and purchase tickets, visit this website: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/summer-herbal-walk-identification-with-arthur-haines-tickets-55562928214
Arthur Haines will be teaching several classes at the Wilder Waters Gathering located in Canton, ME.
Find out more and sign up for the gathering here: https://wilderwaterscommunity.org/gathering.
Arthur Haines will speak on the forgotten species’ diet of Homo sapiens with an emphasis on the historical foods of humans residing in Maine. He will provide examples of the nutritional superiority of wild plants local to Canton and discuss their role in protecting from chronic disease. Mr. Haines will take a look at our biological (or historical) norms--patterns of living that define each species on the planet. Whether one is to discuss a wolf, a caribou, or an eagle, there are features of these animal's lives that define them. Given their unique adaptations, they are tailored, through evolution, to living in a particular way (e.g., a caribou cannot enjoy the diet of a wolf). Historical use, lore, and native names will be included where appropriate. Examples of eco-conscientious practices of harvesting and evidence-based herbal medicine will be highlighted.
This event is free of admission and open to the public. The venue is handicap accessible. Refreshments will be served. Doors open at 6 p.m.
Archery is one of the peak primitive talents that encompasses many skill areas—plant identification, wood working and tillering, fiber arts, adhesives, stone knapping, and wood bending. Additionally, if the bow is used for hunting, tracking, stalking, concealment, and the talents surrounding accurate shooting enter the scene.
Arthur will be doing a TedX Talk in Hartford, CT.
Find out more and sign up here.
Arthur will be leading a plant walk at the Maine Herbalist Gathering.
Walking with the Standing People
This outdoor walk will explore the local area to locate wild plants and discuss various aspects of these beings that pertain to food and medicine. Identification, nutritional information, and medicinal actions will be highlighted, along with eco-conscientious methods of interacting with the plants that we gather. Historical use, lore, and names will be included where appropriate.
Find out more and sign up here.
For over 300,000 years, Homo sapiens has practiced place-based technologies that have allowed them to live as integral parts of their landscapes. These skills gave humans true sovereignty because they were not dependent on growers, manufacturers, and retailers. Importantly, these are a set of practices that are documented as being the least impactful manner of interaction with the planet (i.e., primitive technologies are the most sustainable lifeways ever witnessed). Given that everyone alive today has hunter-gatherer ancestors, the practice of ancestral skills is part of all people's heritage.
Join Arthur Haines for four days of recovering our ancestor's ways of being. You will be exposed to a broad array of nature-based technologies, including shelter, friction fire, primitive cooking, fiber arts, container manufacture, edible and medicinal plants, tracking, nature observation, trapping, and hunting weapons. Where possible, students will be approached individually in order to further their skill set (i.e., those who have previous exposure to primitive living skills will be advanced beyond introductory material). Time will be allotted for discussion of topics central to human rewilding, especially the relevance of ancestral lifeways in today's world.
Students should expect to spend much of the weekend outside, including time roaming the landscape (so be prepared for weather and uneven terrain). This class will be taught by Arthur Haines and will be offered at the Delta Institute of Natural History in Canton, ME (click here if you need directions). All food will be included and prepared by Chef Frank Giglio. Expect local, wild, and/or organic food offerings from the four food kingdoms prepared in a traditional manner (i.e., a Weston Price-inspired menu).
Bring footwear for uneven ground, and proper clothing for whatever the weather may be on that day. Camping is available on site.
Price is $500.00 and class is limited to 12 students.
Class begins at 6:00 pm on Thursday and ends at 12:00 pm on Sunday.
Please specify which class you are registering for in the "instructions to merchant" section of the PayPayl checkout
This class is co-hosted by Wilder Waters Non-profit.
Arthur will be teaching several classes from plant identification to archery at the Dawnland Gathering located in Turner, ME.
Wake up in your tent along the beautiful Androscoggin River, participate in morning gratitude circle, and eat a delicious organic breakfast prepared by Nezinscot Farm.
Then, as your kid's run off to KID'S CAMP, choose from a variety of classes including including archery, traditional Passamaquoddy basketry, acorn processing, women's circle, natural birthing class, felting, friction fire, edible and medicinal plant walks, family yoga, ash basketry, climate change and its impact on the local indigenous seasonal harvest wheel, and many more...
After a day of classes, relax by the fire with an organic dinner inspired by local and seasonal ingredients.
End the night with a facilitated gathering wide drum circle, moonlit talks, songs around the central fire pit, and more.
Know that all of the proceeds from the gathering will go to purchasing and protecting central Maine's undeveloped forestland. Our goal for this gathering is to purchase & protect 150 acres out of the thousands our nonprofit is hoping to conserve for future generations.
So while you are learning ancestral skills, you are also protecting precious forestland and clean water sources for future generations of wildlife and trying-to-be-wild humans of Wilder Waters Community.
Find out more and sign up here.
11:00AM - 12:30PM
Walking With the Standing People
ith Arthur Haines
This outdoor walk will explore the local area to locate wild plants and discuss various aspects of these beings that pertain to food and medicine. Identification, nutritional information, and medicinal actions will be highlighted, along with eco-conscientious methods of interacting with the plants that we gather. Historical use, lore, and names will be included where appropriate.
2:00 PM - 3:30 PM
Flora for the Fauna
with Arthur Haines
We will examine the current paradigm of human interaction with wild plants and present evidence for the need to change this pattern. Examples of the nutritional superiority of wild plants and their role in protecting from chronic disease will be discussed. The idea of “hands-off conservation” will be critiqued in comparison with the ancestral model of “conservation through use”. Examples of eco-conscientious practices of harvesting and evidence-based research highlighting the need for humans to be immersed in nature will be presented. In short, the goal of this presentation is to demonstrate the necessity of interacting with wild organisms to both promote human health and prevent the loss of wild places.
Find out more information HERE.
The Ancestral Plants Private Sessions is for the forager looking to expand their plant identification and knowledge.
Class duration will be variable and dependent on the student, weather, etc.. Scheduling will be arranged between the student and instructor.
Sessions are arranged privately (i.e., you will not be joined by additional people unless you scheduled the class with them) and will fill on a first come first serve basis. Interested persons should contact Arthur Haines here.
Price for the class for a couple is $300.00 dollars for a half day and $500.00 dollars for a full day. Each additional person is $100.00 Registration can be done through the "Sign up!" below once session dates have been arranged with Arthur privately beforehand (note: please enter "Ancestral Plants Private" in the Instructions to Merchant section).
Registration policies for classes offered exclusively through the Delta Institute of Natural History are found here.
Follow in the foot-steps of the Anasagunticooks and learn to see and gather the bounty of wild plant foods along the Androscoggin River. Traditional people around the world understand that food does not just represent calories but it supplies also important nutrients and protective compounds.
The fruit of the oak tree has been used as an important staple by aboriginal people across North America. The people of each region had their preferred species and detailed methods of collecting, storing, and processing the acorns for use in different types of dishes. Although rarely eaten today, oak trees still produce large numbers of fruits in many years and represent an under-utilized food source. Given their nutritional profile, low glycemic index value, and ability to be stored for long periods, acorns make a wonderful wild food that can be enjoyed throughout the year. Further, New England is blessed with a number of oak species that produce large acorns. This class will introduce students to methods of preparing them for food (primitive and contemporary methods will be mentioned). Some of the important details concerning acorn collection will also be noted. Discussion will include some life history strategies of the oaks that are relevant to foragers and some important myths found in wild food literature. A freshly made acorn food will be enjoyed at the end of the class. This class will be offered from 12:00 to 4:00 pm in Turner, ME, at the Nezinscot Farm (an organic dairy, café, and fiber studio). The tuition is $60.00. The event will be restricted to 18 participants. To reserve a spot in this half-day class, you may visit http://www.arthurhaines.com/registration-policies, select "Day-long Event" in the drop down menu, and click "Sign Up" (this is an on-line registration using PayPal, you do not need a PayPal account to use the online system). The remaining tuition ($10.00) will be due the day of the class. Alternatively, you can contact Arthur Haines at arthurhaines[at]wildblue.net and discuss a registration that works for you (e.g., mailing a check or money order).
This free lecture is open to the public and will examine some important aspects of food sovereignty, including access, nutrition, and disease prevention. These topics will be viewed initially from a historical viewpoint to establish the biological norm for human communities. From there, strategies for developing personal and regional food security will be discussed. While many believe a focus should be placed on waging legal battles with large corporations, such victories may not lead to increases in food sovereignty. We are currently witnessing the outcomes of a passive approach to food autonomy in this country. In contrast, developing a realistically attainable authority over food will require people to actively engage in developing traditional ecological knowledge and learning politically incorrect nutrition. This presentation is supported, in part, by Anaskimin.
This lecture is designed to expose the audience to a wide-range of useful plants that grow wild on the New England landscape. Plants that can be used to nourish, heal, and craft are discussed. Some specific examples of vitamin content, antioxidant ability, and herbal therapy will be shared. Through use of images, stories of indigenous use, and contemporary scientific study, an argument is made that the waning use of wild plants (for food, medicine, fiber, etc.) is correlated with a decline in health of both our bodies and our local landscapes. Foraging, wildcrafting medicine, and other such pursuits connect us to the wild world and create a bond, one that deepens with use. The critical need for preserving native plants and their habitats cannot be fully realized without interacting with them (i.e., viewing them from afar does not reveal their full value to people).
This class is offered through the New England Wild Flower Society.
One can register online here. Or, one can contact the registrar here.
Wednesday, August 12, 7-8 p.m.
Location: SVF Foundation, Newport, RI
Program Code: BOT7036
Instructor: Arthur Haines
Fee: $ (Member) / $ (Nonmember)
CEU: 1 AOLCP
Old Pepper Place is a stunning, biologically diverse parcel of land in Washington, VT. The 350-acre old hill farm includes two small fens and offers wonderful views of forested lands, open fields, and the Green Mountains. During this field trip you will learn all about the Reserve’s natural history with a focus on plant life and identification. We will discuss the geology and ecology of the area, look for edible plants and birds, and interpret tracks and other signs of wildlife. Bring a bag lunch, water, a hand lens, and binoculars. Wear proper footwear and clothing.
This class is offered through the New England Wild Flower Society.
One can register online here. Or, one can contact the registrar here.
Sunday, July 26, 1-4 p.m.
Location: Washington, VT
Program Code: FDT5017
Instructor: Arthur Haines
Fee: $28 (Member) / $35 (Nonmember)
Limit: 14 Certificate: Field: FB/Adv.FB
Cosponsor: Vermont Institute of Natural Science
Mount Kearsarge is a monadnock in western New Hampshire approximately 890 meters tall, offering impressive views due to its isolation from other peaks. This day in the field will examine the natural history of the mountain, with a focus on plants. A variety of topics will be presented, including ecology, edible plants, birding, tracking, and geology. Bring lunch, water, a hand lens, and binoculars for birding. Proper footwear and clothing will also be necessary.
This class if offered through the New England Wild Flower Society.
One can register online here. Or, one can contact the registrar here.
Saturday, July 11, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
Location: Warner, New Hampshire
Program Code: FDT5014
Instructor: Arthur Haines
Fee: $47 (Member) / $58 (Nonmember)
Limit: 16 Certificate: Field: FB/Adv.FB
Cosponsor: The Fells
