Hidden Valley Nature Center (HVNC) was recently named the 2014 Maine Outstanding Tree Farmer of the Year. The award acknowledges not only HVNC’s commitment to sustainable forestry practices, but also its commitment to diverse forest-related education. This spring HVNC will host many events that highlight the diverse interests in conserving Maine’s forest health.

On Friday, April 18, renowned herbalist Deb Soule will lead a group of participants on an exploration of how local flora can be used as medicine. Students will learn about collecting and preparing tree bark and needles into teas, oils, steams, and tinctures.

Students will work with common plants such as white pine, yellow birch, spruce, hemlock, fir, white oak and the lichen usnea. Participants should come prepared for an outdoor, hands-on class. Time will be spent identifying and collecting specimens followed by time spent preparing the plants into their most medicinal form.

The class will run 1 to 4:30 p.m. Students should meet Soule at the main gate. The cost of the class is $50, and scholarships are available upon request. Contact andy@hvnc.org to inquire. This class is open to practiced herbalists, gardeners and interested novices of all ages.

For more information about HVNC’s events, or to find out how you can support HVNC visit www.hvnc.org, write to info@hvnc.org, or call 207-200-8840.