Forest Medicine

Happy Spring!
What a wonderful time to observe the natural world waking up from a winter nap and seeing buds bursting with new growth.

This is the time when stinging nettles are so tender and the perfect size for harvesting. We are so lucky to have such an abundant population of this rhizomatous perennial plant, that it would be difficult to over-harvest it. This superfood is loaded with nutrients and antioxidants and can be consumed in many ways, as tea, in soup, and pesto, just to name a few.

On Sunday, March 15th, we hosted a tree planting party and managed to get 35 trees and 20 understory plants in the ground. Thanks to Seth Raabe and the South Whidbey High School Ecology Club, and trail volunteers Gina Bernal and Terri Butler, for making this another fun and successful event!

Our goal with these plantings is to add species diversity into the forest for climate resilience, and native pollinator plants to provide nectar and pollen which supports a healthy insect population.

If you would like to assist with planting seedlings, trail maintenance, and other forest improvement projects, please contact me at larryrohan@whidbeyinstitute.org