The indigenous plants of the Northeast, particularly in New York State, have become my closest allies.  I have grown to know each plant as I have hiked, kayaked and explored the woods, waterways and meadows of my bioregion.  I have encountered so many species, individually, over the past several years and I am still finding new flowers that I have never seen before. Some of the medicinal properties were taught to me from my teachers and some I learned through my own research. Many of these are woodland plants, as much of the northeast was originally forest containing hardwoods and evergreens with meadows here and there created by beaver dams and forest fires.  Unfortunately, many of these amazing plants are endangered due to overharvesting and habitat loss. Some require very specific soil and climate conditions to grow and are especially difficult to find anymore except in the few old growth areas or places where the land has been undisturbed for many years. 

My foremost intention in teaching about native plants is to bring awareness of, not only their use in modern herbalism, but how they were used in history by the colonial settlers and the First Peoples.  Also I believe in bringing to consciousness the imminent importance of preserving the few remaining habitats where these plants grow and, as equally vital, re-establishing their populations through the creation of woodland gardens and botanical sanctuaries like the one at United Plants Savers. This organization is in the front line of the movement to protect indigenous plants and provide education and resources to help others in doing so. 

If you are interested in more information check out Native Plants of the Northeast by Donald Leopold and Indian Herbology of North America by Alma R. Hutchins. Also Peterson Guide to Eastern/Central Medicinal Plants and Herbs.