Goldenseal Sanctuary in Rutland, Ohio Opens Saturday, May 16, 2009
East Barre, Vermont, February 17, 2009 – United Plant Savers (UpS), the non-profit organization dedicated to conservation of native medicinal plants, will host “The Talking Forest Medicine Trail” Inauguration & Celebration on Goldenseal Sanctuary in Rutland, Ohio, on Saturday, May 16, 2009. Highlights include an inauguration ceremony for the trail; guided hikes among some of America’s largest remaining stands of ginseng, goldenseal, black cohosh, and other medicinal plants; and classes on plant and land management with some of the country’s leading herbalists.
“We are thrilled to debut this stunning trail as an eco-tourist destination for plant lovers, herbalists, and other nature enthusiasts,” says Lynda LeMole, UpS’ Executive Director. The celebration marks years of trail-building work led by UpS cofounder and naturalist Paul Strauss. Aptly named, The Talking Forest Medicine Trail features handcrafted signs that tell stories—describing the hundreds of healing plant species that line the trail as well as the fascinating history of the forest. The ten-mile trail, suitable for all fitness levels, spans 1200 acres of forest.
United Plant Savers is comprised of thousands of plant lovers, scientists, herbalists, and activists dedicated to protecting limited medicinal plant resources at a time when the use of herbs is flourishing and habitat destruction is on the rise. In 1994 UpS created its seminal work, the At-Risk List, using the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Threatened and Endangered Species System as a jumping-off point. The At-Risk List is now widely regarded as the authoritative guideline for identifying and monitoring endangered wild medicinal plants of concern. In recent years, UpS’s team of knowledgeable plant professionals has collaborated with herbal-product manufacturers and government officials to update the At-Risk list and create a forum for action.
Open to the public, The Talking Forest Medicine Trail inauguration is from 8:30 a.m.–5:30 p.m. on Saturday, May 16. Along with the guided hikes and classes, lunch, a marketplace of herbal products, and an evening program will be offered. Overnight camping is available. The cost for attendance is $35 for the general public, $20 for UpS members. To register or for further information, contact United Plant Savers at (802) 476-6467, or visit www.unitedplantsavers.org.
Long-time supporters and donors have made this event possible. Traditional Medicinals is the Seed Donor, and other Support Sponsors include Herb Pharm, Pacific Botanicals and Vitality Works.
