Plant Allies: Local Herbal Medicinal Plants – Guided Educational Hike

Explore plants that have been used historically as medicine

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Distance

3 Miles

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Elevation Gain

500 Feet

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Difficulty

Easy

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Cost Per Person

$125

Progam Overview

August 26, 2023: Our wild lands are a living pharmacy valued throughout history for their ability to aid our everyday aches and pains and help us in emergency situations. This class will meander into one or more of Glacier’s ecosystems to explore nature’s medicine cabinets, looking at several plants that have been used historically as medicine. This class will focus on identification and traditional uses. We will utilize plant families to help the identification process. You are encouraged to bring a camera and journal to record and help with future identification. If you are also interested in learning how to harvest and prepare medicinal herbs, be sure to sign up for Herbal First Aid Kit.

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Plant Allies: Local Herbal Medicinal Plants – Guided Educational Hike

Hike Overview Continued

Instructor: Heather Nack-Culbreth

August 26, 2023: Our wild lands are a living pharmacy valued throughout history for their ability to aid our everyday aches and pains and help us in emergency situations. This class will meander into one or more of Glacier National Park’s ecosystems to explore nature’s medicine cabinets, looking at several plants that have been used historically as medicine. This class will focus on identification and traditional uses. We will utilize plant families to help the identification process. You are encouraged to bring a camera and journal to record and help with future identification. If you are also interested in learning how to harvest and prepare medicinal herbs, be sure to sign up for Herbal First Aid Kit Guided Day Hike.

Meeting Place: Glacier Institute Field Camp

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

Food: Please bring a trail lunch, plenty of water and snacks for the day.

Park Entrance Fees: Participants are responsible for purchasing their park entry passes prior to the course. These can be purchased online at: https://www.recreation.gov/sitepass/74280

Equipment: You will receive a Glacier Institute Field Camp gear list once you register. Most importantly, bring comfortable hiking shoes, at least 1-2-liter water bottle, backpack, rain gear, hat, and sunscreen. Weather can be varied so please be prepared with appropriate clothing, with warm layers. You may want to bring a notepad and pencil as well as a camera for photographing plants. If you have a favorite field guide or herbals, please bring them to share during the course.

Physical Requirements: Moderate/leisurely hikes, up to 3 miles or so, and/or 500 ft. elevation gain, with lots of discussion and learning breaks.

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What to Expect On Your Plant Allies: Local Herbal Medicinal Plants | Day Hike

We will spend the day discussing plant identification, wild crafting ethics, the laws governing wild crafting, and talk about some of the best herbal reference books. Hikes will be up to 3 miles and/or 500 feet in elevation changes with lots of discussion and learning breaks.

Program Details

  • This program meets at Glacier Institute Field Camp, West Glacier
  • Instructor: Heather Nack-Culbreth
  • The program will begin 7 a.m. and ends at 4 p.m. Please arrive 15 minutes early.
  • Hiking distance covers up to 3 miles with 500 feet elevation change.
  • On-site parking available.
  • There is a maximum number of 13 hikers per trip.
  • This program has a minimum guest count of 3 people. In the unlikely case we don’t reach that number, you will be notified prior to the event.

The Glacier Institute has a 7 day cancellation policy for a full refund with all of our courses.

What to Bring

Please remember that weather in NW Montana during all seasons can change quickly from warm and sunny to freezing at any time of the year. We recommend checking the weather prior to your trip. Please also check your course information sheet for specific gear requirements in addition to those listed below.

  • Lightweight hiking boots or a sturdy pair of hiking shoes
  • 2 liter sized water bottle or Camelback
  • Day Pack with plastic bag liner or cover
  • Waterproof rain jacket and pants
  • Sunhat, sunglasses, sunscreen, insect repellant & lip balm
  • Camera (optional)
  • Trekking poles, if you like to use them for hiking (optional)
  • Binoculars (optional)
  • Field Notebook notes and sketches

Download complete checklist here