Step into the heart of Appalachia and experience the region’s rich legacy of herbal medicine firsthand. With its breathtaking biodiversity and abundance of wild herbs, Appalachia has long been a haven for foragers, natural healers, and plant lovers alike.

Join botanist and herbalist Abby Artemisia for an immersive journey into the world of wildcrafting—the ancient art of foraging and preparing medicinal plants straight from the forest floor. Abby believes that for every ailment, there’s a native plant nearby ready to help, perfectly adapted to both the land and the people who live on it.

In this hands-on class, you’ll:
🌿 Learn the basics of plant identification and how to safely recognize medicinal species in the wild.
🧺 Discover essential tools for ethical harvesting and sustainable foraging practices.
🔥 Explore methods for processing, drying, and preparing your wild harvest for use in teas, tinctures, salves, food, and more.
🚶‍♀️ Embark on a guided plant walk, where you’ll connect deeply with the land and gain confidence identifying herbs in their natural habitats.

Bring your curiosity, a camera, and a notebook—you’ll want to capture every discovery! By the end of the day, you’ll feel empowered to wildcraft with confidence, recognize several key Appalachian herbs and wild edibles, and know exactly where to continue your learning journey.

We’ll be walking the gorgeous fields, forests and pondside of Smith Mill Works in West Asheville. Dress in warm layers and bring rain gear just in case. We won’t cancel unless there’s a downpour.

Reconnect with the land. Rediscover ancient wisdom. Rewild your health.

Sliding Scale Registration: $30 - $100 (Pay What You Can to support scholarships and our nonprofit Herbal Reparations work)

Rain Date 11/16 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM

If you are BIPOC, a single mother, or living in poverty and would like a scholarship email abby@thewanderschool.com for info.