BotanicWise was founded by Charis Lindrooth with the intention of providing a forum where plant wisdom can be shared and where like-minded people can connect and build a community to steward land, medicinal plants, and supportive relationships with each other. Inspired by the work of Rosemary Gladstar, David Winston, United Plant Savers, and many internationally acclaimed teachers and organizations in the herbal renaissance, BotanicWise strives to create space for land and plant stewardship, with an inner mission to cultivate alliances between plants and people, and between people and people. We are grateful for all who participate in this expanding green movement that invites perspective on the transformation of modern health and health care in this country.
There Are Teachers Who Know Plants—and Teachers Who Know How to Listen
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Hello Reader, Have you ever met someone for the first time and immediately felt like you have known them all your life? That’s how I feel about Kate Gilday—like a sister of my heart. Raise your hand if you know her, and feel this too. Kate showed me how to be in relationship with plants. For decades, Kate has walked into the Northeast woodlands not simply as a person who knows the names of trees and herbs, but as someone who has cultivated a genuine relationship with them. She pays attention. She listens. She notices what is changing, what is thriving, what is struggling, what is ready to be gathered—and what should be left alone. She walks her talk. Kate’s generosity comes from this place of relationship. She shares what she has learned with an openness and warmth that make you feel as though a dear friend has invited you into the woods. And when Kate talks about a tree, a root, a mushroom, or a woodland herb, you can feel that she isn't simply passing along information. She is introducing you to her best friend. That is why I am so excited to invite you to join me and my mentor, Kate Gilday, for a very special three-part online journey: Gathering Forest Medicine: A Journey Through Northeast Woodlands Over three evenings, Kate will invite us to spend time with evergreens and hardwoods, shrubs, mushrooms, and wild herbs—and explore not only their medicinal gifts, but the relationships that make those gifts meaningful. We’ll meet White Pine, Balsam Fir, Eastern Hemlock, Sugar Maple, Linden, Witch Hazel, Spikenard, Black Cohosh, Goldenseal, Reishi, Chaga, and many others. We’ll learn how to recognize trees and woodland plants, ethically harvest bark and roots, prepare a personal forest apothecary, rescue plants, choose trees for our own landscapes, and know when to gather—and when not to take. But I think the most beautiful thing we will learn is something that cannot be found in a plant monograph—how to deeply remember our ancient synchrony with the forest. When we spend time in a forest, something begins to shift. We may remember that our ancestors once took refuge, cradled in the arms of trees. We may sense the intelligence, beauty, healing, and deep peace that have been waiting for us there all along. This is the kind of teaching I treasure—and the beautiful teacher I want to learn from. The forest is waiting. Come wander with Kate.🌲 Gathering Forest Medicine: A Journey Through Northeast Woodlands with Kate GildayYours in Health, Charis Lindrooth BotanicWise |
BotanicWise
BotanicWise was founded by Charis Lindrooth with the intention of providing a forum where plant wisdom can be shared and where like-minded people can connect and build a community to steward land, medicinal plants, and supportive relationships with each other. Inspired by the work of Rosemary Gladstar, David Winston, United Plant Savers, and many internationally acclaimed teachers and organizations in the herbal renaissance, BotanicWise strives to create space for land and plant stewardship, with an inner mission to cultivate alliances between plants and people, and between people and people. We are grateful for all who participate in this expanding green movement that invites perspective on the transformation of modern health and health care in this country.
Hello Reader, Autumn in the forest is a magical time—sunlight shimmering on the tall pines—maple leaves dancing in bright reds and golds as they fall to the forest floor among boletes and amanita mushrooms popping up near turkey tail shelf mushrooms on downed tree limbs. Wild geese call from a clear blue sky while chickadees chirp “chicka-dee-dee-dee” from nearby evergreen branches. The air fills with the fragrance of soil, balsam fir, fungi, and fallen leaves. I go to the woods to gather...
Hello Reader, Spending time in the woods with White Pine, sharing our gratitude and gathering the needles, is one way to connect with the forest, creating and nurturing a relationship with these wise, wild elders. The food and medicines we prepare from the woodlands hold the resonance of all that is held there. Watch on Instagram Kate Gilday shares her recipe for pine-infused honey, one of her favorite treats! Pine Needle Honey by Kate Gilday This sweet treat from the forest has become one of...
Hello Reader, Today I want to share a personal story by Kate Gilday…and her recipe for Pine Tea! Called by the Trees by Kate Gilday Since I was a young girl, trees have been my friends, trusted guides, and places of play and refuge. As the oldest of ten children, when I needed space, I would quietly climb the old apple tree in our tiny yard, where I found peace and comfort hidden in the leafy branches. Apple held me close, whispered in fragrant spring blossoms, and became a precious refuge. I...