Join Viles Arboretum and Maine Public Health Association for an insightful event exploring how rewilding your yard -planting native species, reducing lawn space, and creating habitat for pollinators- can benefit both the environment and your well-being.

Part of the MPHA's regional Pollinator Series, this gathering brings together students, community members, and public health professionals to connect and learn. Enjoy a short talk, networking with refreshments, and guided walks through the Arboretum to see rewilding in action. 

Join herbalist, homeopath, and flower essence practitioner Debra Bluth for a guided walk through Viles Arboretum, where you'll meet a variety of medicinal plants and trees along the way. Discover key identifying features, folklore, and traditional uses of these plants from herbal, homeopathic, and flower essence perspectives. Ages 16+

Each walk will feature different plants, so you're welcome to join one or all three for a unique experience every time. Wear sturdy shoes that can handle a bit of dirt!

Potential Plants for Each Walk (subject to change):

Walk #1: Plantain, burdock, dandelion, sumac, yarrow, elder, lungwort, white oak, bloodroot, violet,Solomon seal

Walk #2: Red clover, ginkgo, iris, Japanese knotweed, hawthorn, rose, comfrey, horse chestnut, catalpa,poison ivy, lesser cinquefoil

Walk #3: elecampane, mugwort, lesser periwinkle, goldenrod, Queen Anne’s lace, boneset, gravel root,jewelweed, blue vervain, white cedar, white pine

Register for all 3 walks and use promo code THREE to save 10%

Join herbalist, homeopath, and flower essences practitioner Debra Bluth for an introduction to flower essence workshop.

Flower essences are energetic remedies made from the blossoms of living plants, potentized by the sun or moon, and created with intention and ceremony. Taken orally, these essences work on a vibrational level to support emotional, mental, physical, and spiritual well-being. Each essence carries a unique energetic imprint, guiding the body and mind toward greater balance and healing.

In this immersive workshop, you'll explore the foundations of flower essences, including their history, uses, and the subtle yet profound shifts they can facilitate. A significant portion of the day will be spent outdoors, where each participant will have the opportunity to create their own flower essence.

Ages: 18+