In this class, we will take an intimate look at the “worst of the worst” in terms of invasive plant species to propose very viable and effective creative solutions to the struggle for native habitats & ultimately, the most important of all, the survival of biodiversity. This class challenges the current xenophobic rhetoric in regards to non-natives such as “alien”, “thug”, “nuisance”, “noxious”, “nasty” by, instead, shifting our perspectives to the deeper root causes for the spread of these opportunistic species.

We will also take a look at:
1. their larger ecological role (for better or worse)

2. the contemporary & historical human relationships to the land

3. and the use of invasive species as food, medicine & material resource.

Participants will have the opportunity to taste & interact with herbal medicine made from various invasive plant species as well as see fabric dyed with Barberry root, native bee houses made from Japanese knotweed shoots & a basket made of Japanese Honeysuckle vines. Everyone will go home with a 1oz bottle of their very own invasive plant medicine tincture

Class will run from 10:00 am to 5:00pm and be divided into morning and afternoon sessions with a lunch break from 1-2pm. Students are encouraged to pack a lunch to enjoy during this time.