Every year I take a group of my students to the United Plant Savers Botanical Sanctuary in Ohio; the Sanctuary is a protected area of Appalachia, and home to some of the most incredible biodiversity I have ever experienced, particularly of medicinal herbs and trees. When I’m there, I feel as though I have been transported back in time to before the area was settled and developed; the woods feel so ancient and sacred. I love seeing the awe on my students faces when they see the amount of ginseng, goldenseal, slippery elm, linden and so many other medicines thriving on the land there, and every time I’m there I remember why I became an herbalist and just how important it is to protect these plants.
9 Comments
Erika B 381648817
May 15, 2018 - 8:03am
I live near Glacier National Park and have the ability to go on a hike every day. After breaking my back 5 years ago and using herbal medicine to help heal myself I have a new respect for the plants in the wild. There are 391 marked trails in my county alone and my husband and I are going to be hiking them all while we still have the ability. Exploring nature and the healing herbs around me has truly been inspirational for us.
Lucky4ever
May 8, 2018 - 7:12pm
I like hiking with my husband. The silence and just taking it all in feels amazing!
Monica R 1789565487
May 8, 2018 - 2:41pm
I love to go off the grid. Hiking anywhere I can find solitude. I live in the foothills and have lots of wildlife on our property. I also love the high country. It all helps me to reset a d balance myself.
Carla R 290929629
May 8, 2018 - 8:49am
I like being at the beach, and also finding a nice quite spot in the woods so you can absorb all of nature and calm and become one with mother nature.
Betsy A. Miller
May 8, 2018 - 8:53am
Those are great places to connect with nature!
Cinnamonshugg
May 8, 2018 - 8:16am
I love nature. Period. I step outside in my own backyard to experience it. I am surrounded by beautiful, tall trees. Next to my house is an area with plants I couldn’t begin to name. It’s home to all kind of critters. Early mornings are great for sitting out with my cat, Patches, listening to & watching different types of birds as the chirp a lovely melody. My lab, Sarge, is never fast enough to catch the acrobatic squirrels that love to tease him. This is my sanctuary.
Betsy A. Miller
May 8, 2018 - 8:55am
That sounds absolutely amazing- you are so lucky to have so much nature around you at all times!
Ava S 1983596257
May 8, 2018 - 5:41am
Sounds beautiful. I didn’t know Ohio had a place with all those plants.
Betsy A. Miller
May 8, 2018 - 8:54am
It is absolutely amazing! Here’s a link to the sanctuary website so that you can learn more about it: http://www.unitedplantsavers.org/goldenseal-sanctuary/19-160-goldenseal-botanical-sanctuary-rutland-ohio
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