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Medicinal Plant Hike
June 17, 2023 @ 10:00 am - 1:00 pm
Free
Native Medicinal Plant Walk at AOA’s Bison Hollow Preserve
Enjoy a summertime ramble through the gorge at AOA’s Bison Hollow Preserve and admire the many native wildflowers and mature hardwood forests. We will walk through various parts of the property to survey and identify medicinal plants growing on the site. This is an excellent opportunity to learn about threatened species such as American Ginseng, Goldenseal, and Black Cohosh, their preferred habitats, and tips for growing them on your own property. Historical and contemporary medicinal uses of the plants will be discussed as well as their greater ecological significance (pollinators, seed dispersers, wildlife value, et al.).
AOA’s Bison Hollow Preserve presently consists of 865 acres with protection of another 240 acres in process – forming a largely unfragmented preserve of over 1,100 acres along the South Branch of the East Fork of Queer Creek, adjacent to Ash Cave. The site features spectacular scenery located in the southern extent of the picturesque Hocking Hills, straddling the Hocking – Vinton County line.
Bison Hollow Preserve is part of AOA’s Hocking Hills Conservation Initiative that has conserved nearly 90 properties and 5,000 acres. It showcases typical Hocking Hills landscapes including high rock walls that delineate the main gorge, sandstone outcrops and features, and numerous wonderful waterfalls. The property includes mature to older growth forests with large hemlock groves.
This medicinal plant walk will be led by Erika Galentin, MNIMH, RH (AHG), clinical herbalist consulting from Sovereignty Herbs in Athens and Columbus, Ohio. Erika utilizes her knowledge of and passion for medicinal plants native to Ohio and the Greater Appalachian region to teach, lecture and write on native medicinal plant conservation and applied ecology, propagation, and clinical efficacy.
The walk will last approximately two to three hours. We will be very informal since there is so much to see and discuss! This event is free and open to the public.
Time: Meet at 10:00 a.m.
What to Wear: This activity will be held rain or shine – so please come prepared and dress appropriately for the weather and hiking on slopes. The path through the gorge requires walking alongside and crossing the South Branch of the East Fork of Queer Creek. Water levels in the creek vary widely depending on recent rainfall but can usually be navigated with high-top (at least 6 to 8-inches) hiking shoes or boots. Please wear appropriate footgear and/or be prepared to get wet feet.
What to Bring: Lunch, snacks and/or drinks of your choice. Insect repellant is recommended during tick season.
Location: We will be using the north, non-public entrance to the Preserve that crosses private property. This entry is located at the southern end of Amerine Road just south of Ash Cave, at the gate that to a private home site – see Google Map link below. Drive to the end of the road where AOA staff and volunteers will direct parking alongside the roadway. Use 26168 Amerine Rd, South Bloomingville, OH for a Google Maps street address.