Get ready to experience a wide variety of presentations and activities at Wild Indigo Herb Fest. We are diligently working to create a stellar schedule with presentations, walks, activities, entertainment while preserving space for connecting with the land and each other.
We are still working through the details of the schedule and will post it soon! For the moment, explore the titles and presentations coming from herbalists who live both near and far from our venue, Terrapin Hill Farm. Read the bios and see photos for presenters here.
Presentations and Activities
We are excited to share all of these presentations and activities.
Take a hike!
This is the trail map for Terrapin Hill Farm. Click the map for a larger image on their website.
Cross Pollination Presentations – For Growers
Living Mycelium, Living Medicine: What Outdoor Reishi Teaches Us About Resilience by Apolonia Ramon & Eric Hanson
Join an exploration of a North Central SARE project on outdoor Reishi cultivation. This workshop dives into how soil ecology, microbes, and natural competition influence the vitality and medicinal quality of fungi. Participants will learn about sustainable cultivation methods, environmental interactions, and what Reishi grown in living systems can teach us about resilience—in the land and in ourselves.
The First 4 Years: Encouraging Insect Diversity on a Small Diversified Homestead (working title) by Cal Janae Wolfpack
In this presentation I share our unfolding dream of becoming land-owners with multiple goals including land protection and habitat restoration, farming, community building, and herbal medicine and education. The ecology of a place is complex and this complexity is reflected in the practice of tending a small, diverse acreage with multiple habitats and microclimates to produce food and medicine. An important goal is to increase the biodiversity of insects and insect habitats to facilitate pollination and contribute to habitat restoration. Cross pollination serves as an apt metaphor to describe successful moments in our challenging dreams of networking through farmers markets, community building, and expanding herbal access and education in rural Iowa.
Slow Medicine-Envisioning the Future of Medicine by Anna Fernandez
Join this discussion on Slow Medicine, a movement that calls for a more thoughtful, patient-centered approach to healing. Through a facilitated discussion we’ll ask: what are the barriers to health, who are the people who can help make changes, can we imagine a system where prevention is prioritized over profit? Not a lecture, but a collaborative space for curiosity, skepticism, and solutions to not improve what we have, but transform it entirely. We need creative minds and actions! All are welcome. Bring your questions, your experiences, and your vision for a better way to care for ourselves and each other.
Getting Back to Nature: Twin Brothers Healing Land by Irucka Ajani Embry and Obiora Embry
Twin brothers are leasing 2 acres of land on their maternal family farm in southwestern Kentucky that had been left fallow for 40 or more years. The land that they started leasing in late 2012—visited for the first time in March 2013—had been bulldozed & there remained two large brush piles and lots of barren Soil. Using Nature as a guide along with temperate forest garden permaculture techniques, agrohomeopathy/biodynamics, native Plants, feeding microbial life, and love/positive vibrations they have been healing the land & developing healing products made with love using Plants from their two acres. In addition, the twin brothers have spoken at workshops about what they are doing thus inspiring others to get back to Nature, including some in their family.
Edible Forest Gardens by Trevor Mann
Once upon a time, most of the Americas were intensely managed forest gardens. Forest gardening is an indigenous agricultural technique adopted by permaculture. Forest gardening is mimicking the structure, function and evolution of natural forest ecosystems to yield food, fiber, fodder, habitat, farmaceuticals, fuel, fertilizer and fun. In this class, we will talk about the history, art and science of edible forest gardening. We will demystify the subject and go through the practical steps that one can take to design and plant their own edible forest garden. Forest gardens age like a fine wine; with time, they become less labor intensive, take less input and produce more and more.
Cross Pollination Presentations – Allied Healing Techniques
Rise and Resonate: Restorative Sound Bath by Lisa Harris
Join an immersive experience into the therapeutic vibrations of crystal singing bowls. This session is designed to anchor you deeply in the present moment through sound, helping to clear mental fog, release tension, and calm the nervous system. This is an excellent opportunity for grounding, energetic cleansing, and setting a peaceful intention for a day of learning and connection. Let’s meet the day with a refreshed spirit and a receptive mind.
Mental Wealth: The Nootropic Path to Resilience by Logan McNeal
An empowering exploration of how we can support and regenerate the mind in a rapidly changing world. Blending ancient plant wisdom with modern innovation, this workshop dives into herbs, fungi, amino acids, nutrients, and lab-made compounds that enhance clarity, focus, mood, and adaptability. Participants will discover culturally significant nootropics that have stood the test of time alongside cutting-edge brain-supporting tools, learning how to take ownership of their mental wellbeing with awareness and intention.
Ritual Rest: Herbs, Rhythm, and the Art of Nervous System Health by Amy Boldt, MS
Discover how the power of herbs becomes magnified when incorporating ritual and aligning with the natural rhythms of the Earth to support a nourished and resilient nervous system. In this class we’ll explore key nervine and adaptogenic herbs, alongside simple grounding practices and restorative rituals that invite deep rest and regulation. Gain clinical insight on how rituals and lifestyle modification enhance the effects of herbs when supporting the nervous system.
Herbs to Support the Dying Time by Rebekah Dawn
To understand death, look at birth. We often think of ways plants can support pregnant and birthing women. This class stretches us to consider what important allies plants are to the dying time: for the person who is dying, and for the care givers who are often stretched to their absolute physical and emotional limits.
Energetic Alignment & Core Stability Workshop Connecting and Balancing All Layers of the Self — with the Support of Herbal Allies by Stacey Quade, Herbalist, CHTP/I, COTA-retired Joseph Quade MPT, CHTP
A powerful integration of energy awareness, postural alignment, and plant wisdom to help you strengthen your body, balance your energy field, and deepen your intuitive connection to the natural world.
Cross Pollination Presentations – For Artists
Introduction to Natural Plant Dyeing by Cortney Moses
In this Natural Dyeing session, participants will learn the basics of creating color from plants. The class covers a brief history of natural dyes, preparing fibers, understanding mordants, and benefits of using natural dyes. Attendees will take part in a hands-on indigo dyeing activity and leave with their own dyed fabric as well as reference materials.
Art that Breathes:: Deepening our Connection to Plants through Art and Creative Practice by Tony(a) Lemos
Herbalists have long discussed lifestyle as part of the herbal health protocol (nutrition, exercise and even home environment) but for too long creativity has been missing from this discussion. During this class we will explore all the ways in which a creative arts practice promotes wellbeing on a physical, mental and spiritual health level. Working with plants in a art practice is another way in which one can deepen their understanding of and partnership with plants and the natural world which leads to a feeling of a more rooted sense of place and a deep inner understanding of interconnectedness.
Artists are also invited to participate in the Kids Fest art programs including making a vase and collecting flowers with Tony(a) Lemos and a mini theater production with Mary Blue.
Learn more here: https://wildindigoherbfest.com/kid-fest/
Mutual Aid & Community Herbalism Presentations
Gearing up for Mutual Aid by CoreyPine Shane
CoreyPine has a long history of mutual aid as herbalist, street medic, and mutual aid disaster support. This workshop will focus on how to put together a personal herbal kit and a community level kit, based on the history and philosophy of mutual aid, CoreyPine’s first hand experience, and why mutual aid is going to save the world.
Action and Reaction: Building a Community Apothecary in Minneapolis by Linda Black Elk
When large numbers of ICE agents showed up on the streets of Minneapolis in late November 2025, none of us could’ve expected the violent and deadly surge that was to come. Fortunately, Minneapolis is no ordinary town, and the community has stepped up in beautiful and creative ways, including in the establishment of a community apothecary to heal the hearts and minds of the multitudes who are taking a stand against oppression. Join Linda Black Elk for a discussion of what this response looks like, and how it can serve as a model for the future.
Generational Wellness: Bridging Herbalism for Youth and Elders by Shana Weddington
This presentation explores how different plant allies can support both the youngest and oldest members of our communities. We will discuss gentle, nourishing herbs for children and how to adapt classic remedies to support the unique needs of elders.
Food as Medicine: Herbal Support in a Sober Kitchen by Rhonda Barlow
Developing the know-how to nourish and support the body with everyday foods and herbs as it heals from the damage of alcohol/drug addiction is a must for staying sober. Learn how the kitchen can support sobriety. Discover how foods and herbs can nourish/satisfy the sober body.
The Importance of Community Herbalism by Mary Blue
Community herbalism is about bringing plant medicine back to the people. This class explores how to make herbs and herbal knowledge more accessible, so they can truly serve the communities we live in. Drawing on over 20 years of experience as a community herbalist and activist in her hometown of Providence, RI, Mary will share practical, inclusive approaches to herbal education, local growing and distribution, and using plant medicine to foster connection, resilience, and mutual care. At its heart, community herbalism centers herbs as a tool for social justice and for building strong, resilient communities.
Herbal First Aid by Cal Janae Wolfpack
First Aid skills can be an important component of herbal medicine practice. These skills can be used to benefit our communities in times of need and for the day-to-day care of acute health conditions. First aid skills are increasingly relevant as healthcare in the United States increases in cost and decreases in accessibility. Learn from a community and clinical herbalist with a background in first aid, will present their herbal first aid kit as a hands-on example of how an herbalist might organize their first aid kit and what herbs, herbal preparations & other supplies might be included.
Herbal Aid for Modern Times by Abby Artemisia
Learn about first hand experience living through Hurricane Helene and the aftermath. Whether it be preparing yourself for when disaster strikes, creating herbal self care stations, or sharing the bounty of your apothecary with your community and beyond, get useful tips for offering Herbal Aid in a way that promotes self care and prevents burnout.
How to be an AntiRacist Herbalist & Why It’s Important by Abby Artemisia
As Herbalists in this country, it’s important we know where our herbal knowledge comes from and think about the bigger cost of that knowledge. So little of herbalism is original knowledge; most of it is what some people call Traditional Ecological Knowledge, that was stolen from the Native or enslaved people of this land. Acknowledgement is important, as is Reciprocity, but how do we go beyond that? Learn from Abby’s years of shared experience in creating what she calls Herbal Reparations and discussion among students.
Clinical Herbalism Presentations
Lichen Medicine by Andrew Bentley
An introduction to the amazing and mysterious world of medicinal lichens
Womb for Improvement: Herbs & Fibroid Relief by Anna Fernandez
Join me for a comprehensive and empowering class focused on the use of herbal medicine in the management and support of fibroid health. Whether fibroids are new to you, you have been navigating fibroids for years, or you work with clients with fibroids, this class offers practical, evidence-informed insights into how herbal medicine can support hormonal balance, reduce inflammation, and promote overall uterine wellness.
Birth, Breastfeeding & the Microbiome: Foundations for Lifelong Health by Anna Fernandez
Midwives have always known the benefits of vaginal birth and breastfeeding, but there may be even more to it than what we once thought. As more information becomes available about the human microbiome and epigenetics, a fascinating world unfolds around early life exposure, birth and breastfeeding as being pivotal moments for life long health or disease. We will discuss the role of our flora in our health, herbal and nutritional support and learn ways to cultivate a human microbiome in both the short and long term.
The Lymphatic System and Lymphatic Massage by Betsy Merbitz
In this class, we will review the anatomy of the lymphatic system and talk about the benefits of lymphatic massage. We will learn what conditions lymphatic massage is indicated for, and how lymphatic massage can complement herbal treatment. This class will include demonstration and practice of lymphatic self-massage.
The Microbes in our Guts by Betzy Bancroft
How we ended up with microbes in and on us, and many of the miraculous things they do to support our human wellbeing! I’ll talk about digestive functions like enzyme production and gut maintenance, how microbes interface with our immune and nervous systems, and hopefully some discussion of metabolism too.
Moving with Ease: Herbs for Joint and Muscle Pain by CoreyPine Shane
Muscle and joint pain are one of the most common complaints, whether through injury or arthritis. There are some great herbal remedies that can be used internally and topically to treat these problems, including many commonly available herbs.
Herbs for When You’re Cranky, Pissed, and Just Plain Exhausted by Demetria Clark
Let’s be honest—life can leave us feeling frazzled, grumpy, and ready to snap at the next person who looks at us sideways. In this lively and humorous workshop, learn about favorite plant allies for those days when patience has packed its bags, your nerves are frayed, and coffee just isn’t cutting it. With a mix of real talk, practical remedies, and a dose of humor, you’ll learn which herbs can soothe irritability, calm fiery moods, and restore your energy without sending you into orbit. Spoiler alert: yelling at people doesn’t count as self-care—but lemon balm tea might!
Addressing Metabolic Syndrome with Medicinal Mushrooms and Herbs by Karen Wiseman
Metabolic Syndrome, combinations of insulin resistance, high blood glucose, dyslipidemia and hypertension, is all too common in our society today. It often goes undiagnosed and can lead to long term health consequences. We will learn about the key factors in the development of metabolic syndrome and how they create feedback loops in the body perpetuating the condition. Understanding what is happening in the body will facilitate our discussion of how medicinal mushrooms and herbs can be supportive in addressing Metabolic Syndrome. We will review which mushrooms and herbs have the strongest supporting science and creative ways to utilize them.
Herbal Support for Perimenopause by Lauren Kallmeyer
Herbal support for the perimenopause phase of life, including a deep dive into the role of adaptogens and liver support and hormone supporting herbs like vitex and black cohosh. Attendees will leave the presentation equipped with an herbal toolbox for support, including formulas for hot flashes, insomnia, and mood support.
The Postpartum Sacred Window: Herbal Care for Healing, Rebuilding, and Renewal by Rebecca Cohen, MD
The weeks after birth mark a sacred window of healing and renewal. Hear experiences from a physician, herbalist, and mother to explore how herbs can support recovery, nourishment, and emotional balance during this transformative time. Participants will learn foundational principles of postpartum herbal care, including how to evaluate herbal safety while breastfeeding using trusted sources and intuitive guidance.
Introduction to Reading the Body by Stacey Quade, Herbalist, CHTP/I, COTA- retired
Each color, line and marking on the face, tongue and nails holds meaning of your internal health. This class is an introduction to the generalities of Reading the Body passed down through the William LeSassier legacy.
Folk Herbalism Presentations
Cupping and Guasha with Herbs by Janet Wolf Blevins
Participants will receive hands-on experience with cupping and guasha tools for musculoskeletal or inflammatory conditions using herbs in conjunction with these techniques.
Story Magic and Plant Medicine: Weaving Yourself into Wholeness by Joanna Mann
Story medicine is acupuncture for the soul. A good story hits where you need it and mirrors truth back into our lives. When we show up with our whole heart to sit with the plants our stories interweave on the healing journey and we cannot tell the story of the plant without telling our own. The plant integrates into our energy field and we become a portal through which that plants medicine flows into the world. Listen to stories of connection with plants such as reishi, violet, and rabbit tobacco in hopes to inspire you to get outside, sit with the plants, and let them work their magic on you. As we tap in to each plant, we will sample it in some form to help the stories of the plant land somatically in the body.
Mountain Medicine, Monsters, and Myth by Leah Wolfe
Wild crafting and foraging often means close encounters with mythological and actual beasties. Enjoy tales of wild walks, imaginary encounters, and the temptation to run amok in the woods.
Understanding Herbal Energetics through Our Senses by Lindsey Feldpausch, RH(AHG)
The energetics of herbs are meant to be felt and experienced and, in this class, we’ll engage all our senses to explore how plants express their qualities through taste, smell, touch, and the way they feel the body. As we notice how our senses reveal a plant’s energetic nature, we’ll connect these sensory impressions with herbal actions and phytochemistry to deepen our understanding of herbs.
Awaken Your Intuitive Wisdom: The Wortcunner’s Way by Lisa Harris
Many people receive intuitive insights but struggle to trust them, often dismissing them as coincidence, wishful thinking, or imagination. This class is meant to bridge that gap. If you’re ready to move beyond self-doubt and tap into your profound wisdom, join an exploration of practical techniques to help you develop, trust, and act upon your deepest intuition with embodied guidance. We will also explore how specific plants and other green world friends can act as gentle yet powerful allies and guides, opening a clear channel to your inner knowing, the Wortcunner’s way.
Graveyard Flora & Folklore: Herbal Companions and Myth for the Living, Dead and In-Between by Nicki Schneider & Lisa Harris
Enter a deep dive exploration into our collective history of death and dying and the associated plant allies and practices. We will look back through our collective history, to a time when we were intimately involved in the entire act of dying and subsequent death – the plants that were used to ease the transition, aid the grieving and support those who didn’t know they were dead. We will explore myths and deities, the underworld, funerary practices and grief support through the lens of the green world. For many of our collective ancestors, death was not the end, it was only the beginning and plants and trees were an important part of that experience.
Appalachian Folk Medicine: A Primer by Rebecca Beyer
Appalachian folk medicine is one of the most fascinating examples of American folk medicine traditions and what can happen when diverse cultures combine to form something completely unique. Exploring the ways in which Indigenous, African and European folk herbalism informed the birth of this special practice is a part of our complex collective herbal history. We’ll explore some of the lesser known plants of the region as well as some staples of the practice and discuss both its past and its future.
Herbal V Steaming: Ancient Practice for Pelvic Healing and Reconnection by Rebecca Cohen, MD
V-steaming is an ancient practice used by women around the world to support pelvic well-being and reproductive health. In this class, learn the science, spirit, and herbal wisdom behind V-steaming, including how to choose herbs for specific needs such as postpartum healing, cycle irregularity, dryness, or perimenopausal transitions. Participants will learn safety guidelines, steaming methods, and simple ways to incorporate this nourishing ritual into personal or professional care.
Medicine Making
Wild Jams/Jellies, Syrups, and Cough Drops by Amber Leckenby
Learn how to make jams, jellies, syrups, and cough drops with wild foods and medicinal plants. Learn how to make your own pectin for jams and jellies. Samples of each will be provided.
From Farm to Apothecary: Building Resilient Local Herbal Economies by Shana Weddington
This workshop explores the process of sourcing and using herbs from local farms to create high-quality herbal products. Drawing on my experience building a local food hub, we’ll discuss how to forge strong relationships with farmers, ensure quality control, and turn a passion for plants into a sustainable, community-focused small business.
Guided Walks
Wildcrafting Appalachia Walk by Abby Artemisia
Join 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 Plant nearby ready to help, perfectly adapted to both the land and the people who live on it. Learn basic Plant ID skills, safe and sustainable harvesting techniques, and helpful tools, books, and other resources to have in your foraging toolkit.
Herb Walk: Plants of Central Kentucky by Andrew Bentley
We will take a walk around the grounds and get to know some of the plants that are used for healing and nourishing in the traditional ways of this region.
Summer Plants as Food & Medicine by Andrew Ozinskas
As the land reaches its peak of spring growth, we’ll take a walk and explore a variety of wild edible and medicinal plants of hill and stream. Along with exploring safe & valuable medicinal usages of many herbs, we’ll dive deeper into a few less widely known plants of great interest which are specifically abundant in our region. We’ll also look at ways to understand a variety of landscape types & the best management strategies for increasing good variety and abundance of plants in your forests, meadows or lawns. Hopefully we’ll see some good mushrooms too!
Ecological Herb Walk by Betzy Bancroft
Developing a deep understanding of a few common weeds helps us save the native and less common species for special needs. On this walk we’ll include discussion of the abundance or ecological concerns of the herbs we meet, in addition to the medicinal and edible uses.
Botany by Family: The Key to See by Marc Williams
A plant walk focused on major plant families and their potential applications for food, medicine and beauty.
Folkloric Uses of Plants Walk by Rebecca Beyer
The history of herbs is just as important as the chemical constituents. Let’s walk and see the unique historical uses of plants, both native, invasive and naturalized, while also exploring how these uses have changed over time.
Plant Walk about Exploring your Backyard and Beyond! by Rebecca Wood
An ID and appreciation walk about of good, medicine, pollinators, insectary, nectary and sanctuary
