Learn about local wild plants at nature walk

The Island Now

Most medicines we know today were inspired by active ingredients found in the natural world. Locally, we are surrounded by health promoting agents.

Do you know what sassafras looks like? What gives black birch it’s fragrance and flavor? Did you know that the sap from the birch tree has functional uses?

You will harvest much wisdom on these and other topics at the Guided Nature Walk: Wisdom & Folklore from Native & Exotic Plants that the Sands Point Preserve Conservancy will be hosting on Sunday, Aug. 12 from 3 to 4:30 p.m.

On this guided walk with Tree Sister Hildur Palsdottir and Port Washington Monarch Alliance founder David Jakim, you will explore the cultural and traditional uses of native and exotic wild plants.

Participants will learn about the physical and chemical properties that give these plants their smells, flavors, and textures, drawing on the tour guides’ knowledge of plant similarities, patterns, and family relationships.

At the same time, you will also learn to look through the eye of an indigenous person as he or she comes to grips with the perceived properties of these plants.

The Sands Point Preserve Conservancy has invited the Romanian herbalist Adina Dabija of Sol Center to walk with the group and share her insight into nutritional and medical uses of local flora. 

Wild Child Organic Artist Antonia Fthenakis, who brings her Greek heritage to all she touches, will join as well and share how she uses local plant materials for her Diadiii skin care line and creative adventures.

Admission to the event is $10 per car for members and $20 per car for non-members.  The fee includes parking and payment may be received at the gate.

The location of the tour is Sands Point Preserve Conservancy’s Castle Gould at 127 Middle Neck Road in Sands Point.

For more information, call 516-571-7901 or go to www.sandspointpreserveconservancy.org.

 

 

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