EagleSong Gardener, CCH is a yarn spinner, story catcher, traveler and weaver of heart and soul. A seasoned, generative gardener and community-centered herbalist. Five decades of hands-on practice in the garden inform her understanding of integrated earth medicine, an herbalist from the ground up. Her experiences with plants brings a grounded understanding of them to every class she teaches. She has designed and tended gardens from sea level to 3000’, from small farms to world class restaurants, from backyards to healing and therapeutic gardens, gardens in neighborhoods and schools. Restaurants, farms, schools and community gardens now use her consulting service as they embrace the reality that gardens heal through connections between people and place. RavenCroft Garden, her home place, has been an on-going 30-year research project. Health from the Ground Up is the core herbal apprenticeship at RavenCroft. In this ever-simmering cauldron of possibility, recipes for cultivating life with meaning are dispensed. Through Health From the Ground Up, weekend workshops, summer herb camps, moon lodge and garden opens participants gain information, tools and experience to cultivate life connected with earth. EagleSong carries hedge medicine. She delights in sharing stories, songs and earthly mischief wherever she is called. Story medicine quickens a sense of our world as holy, mysterious and worthy of care…and anyone can do it! With a gritty soul and joyous spirit, EagleSong inspires others to cultivate heart and soul with the medicines of earth and soil. joie de vivre
You can find EagleSong at: eaglesong08@gmail.com, eaglesong-gardener.com, pacificwomensherbalconference.com and hearty hawthorn.com
You can find EagleSong at: eaglesong08@gmail.com, eaglesong-gardener.com, pacificwomensherbalconference.com and hearty hawthorn.com
2022 Presentations by EagleSong Gardener
FRIDAY, AUGUST 19 ~ 2:00 pm – 3:30 pm ~ (Meet Outside of Mess Hall B After Lunch)
"A Wild and Weedy Wonder Wander on Whidbey Island"
A ramble with botanicals at the beach, in the forest and meadow. Meeting and greeting plant allies along the way. Through global and local lenses we’ll look at the ecology of the area at large, as well as visit individual plants and learn “what they’re good for”! A great way to get outside and play! Please join me...
SATURDAY, AUGUST 20 ~ 11:00 am – 12:30 pm in Classroom Building B
"Nourishing Herbal Infusions from the Ground Up"
What is a nourishing herbal infusion? What do you look for when considering an herb as an NHI? How are they prepared and used for optimal benefit? What effects might you experience from using them? Juliette de Bairacli Levy’s Standard brews and Susun Weed’s nourishing herbal infusions peaked my curiosity. Lifelong gardening grounded my understanding of nourishing herbal infusions and their benefits. Thirty years of drinking infusions changed my life and the lives of people, plants and animals around me. Oatstraw, nettle, linden, comfrey, burdock, dandelion all play significant roles in human development and the generative quality of soils. When you ingest these nourishing plants on a regular pulse, who they are, where they live and what they’re doing wherever they grow informs your body as it grows and transforms. You’ll leave this class with a whole new understanding of how this handful of plants can enliven and enrich earth and grow bones, nerves, organs, improve immune function, digestion and mental processes in humans and animals. You will see how we are one with earth and inspired by sun in a literal and resonant sense.
SUNDAY, AUGUST 21 ~ 10:30 am – 12:00 pm in Auditorium A
"The Hawthorn Tree: A Tale of Three"
“The several hundred kinds of hawthorn laugh at the single name they’re forced to share.”
The Overstory by Richard Powers
Join EagleSong on a global adventure bringing the Crataegus genus to life. A remarkably large genus, the rich stories hawthorn tells are useful medicines, locally and globally. Some say there are over 2718 Crataegus spp. on earth. After studying Crataegus in five countries, EagleSong began hearing stories from hawthorn unique to the cultures where they’re found. You’ll learn how people, plants and place form an intersection of culture and how cultural need and perspective often determine how plants are used. From street vendors in Asia, to winter fiestas in Mexico, from the hedges of England and the bocage of northern France, to the herbalist’s office in America, hawthorn protects and nourishes people and places. Wherever this simple, thorny tree lives hearts can grow stronger, people more vital and landscapes richer. A medicine story for times such as these.
"A Wild and Weedy Wonder Wander on Whidbey Island"
A ramble with botanicals at the beach, in the forest and meadow. Meeting and greeting plant allies along the way. Through global and local lenses we’ll look at the ecology of the area at large, as well as visit individual plants and learn “what they’re good for”! A great way to get outside and play! Please join me...
SATURDAY, AUGUST 20 ~ 11:00 am – 12:30 pm in Classroom Building B
"Nourishing Herbal Infusions from the Ground Up"
What is a nourishing herbal infusion? What do you look for when considering an herb as an NHI? How are they prepared and used for optimal benefit? What effects might you experience from using them? Juliette de Bairacli Levy’s Standard brews and Susun Weed’s nourishing herbal infusions peaked my curiosity. Lifelong gardening grounded my understanding of nourishing herbal infusions and their benefits. Thirty years of drinking infusions changed my life and the lives of people, plants and animals around me. Oatstraw, nettle, linden, comfrey, burdock, dandelion all play significant roles in human development and the generative quality of soils. When you ingest these nourishing plants on a regular pulse, who they are, where they live and what they’re doing wherever they grow informs your body as it grows and transforms. You’ll leave this class with a whole new understanding of how this handful of plants can enliven and enrich earth and grow bones, nerves, organs, improve immune function, digestion and mental processes in humans and animals. You will see how we are one with earth and inspired by sun in a literal and resonant sense.
SUNDAY, AUGUST 21 ~ 10:30 am – 12:00 pm in Auditorium A
"The Hawthorn Tree: A Tale of Three"
“The several hundred kinds of hawthorn laugh at the single name they’re forced to share.”
The Overstory by Richard Powers
Join EagleSong on a global adventure bringing the Crataegus genus to life. A remarkably large genus, the rich stories hawthorn tells are useful medicines, locally and globally. Some say there are over 2718 Crataegus spp. on earth. After studying Crataegus in five countries, EagleSong began hearing stories from hawthorn unique to the cultures where they’re found. You’ll learn how people, plants and place form an intersection of culture and how cultural need and perspective often determine how plants are used. From street vendors in Asia, to winter fiestas in Mexico, from the hedges of England and the bocage of northern France, to the herbalist’s office in America, hawthorn protects and nourishes people and places. Wherever this simple, thorny tree lives hearts can grow stronger, people more vital and landscapes richer. A medicine story for times such as these.
2019 Presentations by EagleSong Gardener
FRIDAY, AUGUST 23 ~ 4:30 pm – 6:00 pm in Auditorium A
"Menopause: A Second Spring"
A woman’s life is one continuous change, deepening her connection with herself and her unique life. Understanding the different demands and tasks of each stage, calling and engaging allies, green and otherwise, is at the heart of this class. Just as a butterfly emerges from a cocoon, this extraordinary rite of passage, the metamorphosis of menopause, becomes your second spring.
SATURDAY, AUGUST 24 ~ 11:00 am – 12:30 pm in Classroom Building B
"Herbs, Pets and Livestock: A Natural Fit"
When EagleSong bought her first farm over 40 years ago it came complete with a flock of sheep. The only herbalist with any veterinary advice to be found was Juliette de Bairacli Levy. Inspired by Juliette’s lead and now, with 40 years' experience putting herbs and animals together, EagleSong has some grounded tales to tell. Herbs support the health and well-being of our companion animals as much as they do us. Hands-on health with herbs for dogs, cats, horses and small livestock is something you can do to improve the lives of the animals you tend. Diet, daily care, grooming are all places herbs can be woven into animal care. Learn simple, practical strategies you can do at home and watch your animals thrive. Bring your questions, stories and willingness to look at the simply complex world of human, animal, and plant interactions for health.
SATURDAY, AUGUST 24 ~ 2:00 pm – 3:30 pm
"A Wild and Weedy Whidbey Wonder-Wander"
(Meet Outside of Mess Hall B After Lunch)
A ramble with botanicals at the beach, in the forest and meadow. Meeting and greeting plant allies along the way. Through global and local lenses we’ll look at the ecology of the area at large, as well as visit individual plants and learn “what they’re good for”! A great way to get outside and play! Please join me...
SUNDAY, AUGUST 25 ~ 12:30 pm – 2:00 pm in Auditorium A
CLOSING KEYNOTE PRESENTATION:
"Weed the People of the United..."
A tribute to herbs and herbalists through time.
2018 Presentations by EagleSong Gardener
THURSDAY AFTERNOON INTENSIVE CLASS
Thursday, August 23 ~ 1:00 pm - 5:00 pm in Staff Quarters A
"Fermentation: Cultivating the Wild"
Participants please bring $5.00 supply fee, 1 quart canning jar with lid, 2 heads cabbage and dress for a mess!
Yogurt! Cheese? KimChee? Sauerkraut! Tsukemono? Wine? Salami? Yup, all fermented!
In this wild, irreverent, hands-on workshop you’ll learn how you can create delicious, nutritious fermented foods in your own kitchen. In one active, messy, afternoon, you’ll meet new friends, get some culture and take home the skills and confidence necessary to create living foods for year round enjoyment. Fermentation is a local/global practice passed through time in all cultures on the planet. Ever wonder why this practice is experiencing a flourishing revival here in America? Fermentation, the slow digestion of foods by what Linnaeus called “chaos” and what we now know as microbes, improves nutrient assimilation, naturally preserves foods for extended periods and is an eating adventure outside the box. Soul food nourishes people and culture deeply and carries us forward through time intact. Anyway, a “good mess” is just too much fun to miss. Bring a quart jar and 2 cabbages and join the Kraut Stomp. You’ll take home sauerkraut, recipes, skills and memories of tasty samples as inspiration to begin or continue crafting these life-filled foods in your own kitchen.
Friday, August 24 ~ 11:00 am - 12:30 pm in Auditorium A
"Strong Earth Medicine: A Woman's Approach"
Under a growing moon, in the month of berries, we gather. Navigating the spiral dance of the seasons, ripeness and roundness express in the garden. Earth draws her energy inward, quickening the ripening of fruits, grains, herbs and vegetables. Digestion, assimilation. What does it mean to engage strong earth medicine? Plant-medicine is life-medicine. Plants carry the wisdom of the ages in their cells. A sideways glance, an honest engagement may open you to their wisdom. In this way, it takes 7 lifetimes to become an herbalist. Are you willing? Do you hear ear-th’s song singing through plants? Herbal allies oatstraw, vervain, calendula and red clover will join our merry band as we nourish, tonify and engage vitality with strong earth medicine.
Sunday, August 26 ~ 8:30 am - 10:00 am in Classroom Building B
"Healthy Heart: How to..."
What is the heart? Have you ever wondered how a heart works? What do hearts have to do with how we feel and how do our feelings affect our hearts? What do hormones have to do with hearts? Which plants, nourish, tonify and strengthen a heart? How did the heart become the home of courage? What is courage anyway? Did you know women have 2 hearts? Are you curious about these questions or are other heart-felt questions pressing on you? Are you ready to cultivate a heart healthy practice for your life? Then, you’re invited to join EagleSong Gardener and a wild, wise and weedy entourage of herbal allies for an adventure of the heart. It’s easier than you think! The gnarly old hag, hawthorn and chocolate will be there! Will you?
Thursday, August 23 ~ 1:00 pm - 5:00 pm in Staff Quarters A
"Fermentation: Cultivating the Wild"
Participants please bring $5.00 supply fee, 1 quart canning jar with lid, 2 heads cabbage and dress for a mess!
Yogurt! Cheese? KimChee? Sauerkraut! Tsukemono? Wine? Salami? Yup, all fermented!
In this wild, irreverent, hands-on workshop you’ll learn how you can create delicious, nutritious fermented foods in your own kitchen. In one active, messy, afternoon, you’ll meet new friends, get some culture and take home the skills and confidence necessary to create living foods for year round enjoyment. Fermentation is a local/global practice passed through time in all cultures on the planet. Ever wonder why this practice is experiencing a flourishing revival here in America? Fermentation, the slow digestion of foods by what Linnaeus called “chaos” and what we now know as microbes, improves nutrient assimilation, naturally preserves foods for extended periods and is an eating adventure outside the box. Soul food nourishes people and culture deeply and carries us forward through time intact. Anyway, a “good mess” is just too much fun to miss. Bring a quart jar and 2 cabbages and join the Kraut Stomp. You’ll take home sauerkraut, recipes, skills and memories of tasty samples as inspiration to begin or continue crafting these life-filled foods in your own kitchen.
Friday, August 24 ~ 11:00 am - 12:30 pm in Auditorium A
"Strong Earth Medicine: A Woman's Approach"
Under a growing moon, in the month of berries, we gather. Navigating the spiral dance of the seasons, ripeness and roundness express in the garden. Earth draws her energy inward, quickening the ripening of fruits, grains, herbs and vegetables. Digestion, assimilation. What does it mean to engage strong earth medicine? Plant-medicine is life-medicine. Plants carry the wisdom of the ages in their cells. A sideways glance, an honest engagement may open you to their wisdom. In this way, it takes 7 lifetimes to become an herbalist. Are you willing? Do you hear ear-th’s song singing through plants? Herbal allies oatstraw, vervain, calendula and red clover will join our merry band as we nourish, tonify and engage vitality with strong earth medicine.
Sunday, August 26 ~ 8:30 am - 10:00 am in Classroom Building B
"Healthy Heart: How to..."
What is the heart? Have you ever wondered how a heart works? What do hearts have to do with how we feel and how do our feelings affect our hearts? What do hormones have to do with hearts? Which plants, nourish, tonify and strengthen a heart? How did the heart become the home of courage? What is courage anyway? Did you know women have 2 hearts? Are you curious about these questions or are other heart-felt questions pressing on you? Are you ready to cultivate a heart healthy practice for your life? Then, you’re invited to join EagleSong Gardener and a wild, wise and weedy entourage of herbal allies for an adventure of the heart. It’s easier than you think! The gnarly old hag, hawthorn and chocolate will be there! Will you?
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