Ethnobotany Event in Hawaii – 2014

Little Planet, Big Island: a fantastic travel-study intensive with Kathleen Harrison, on the beautiful island of Hawaii

Tidepools of the Kona Coast

Join a small group to learn about plant practices, beliefs and history around the world. Hone your perceptions to learn botany. Open your mind to the role of the plants in the deep and mottled history of humanity. Practice how to make medicines and other useful things from plants — just as our ancestors always have. Learn how we came to have the foods we grow and eat. We’ll walk in mossy forests and on the steaming volcano, looking at life from the plants’ point-of-view. We’ll hear about traditional ways of being in nature that are respectful, curious, and true to the spirit of the place. By regarding the peoples of the Pacific islands and the Pacific Rim, we learn what it means to dwell on a small planet in a sea of possibility. Come perch on the edge of the sunset, to consider the beauty and challenge of stewardship. That’s our job, and it’s our pleasure ~

Yes, there will be beach time, garden time, great meals, and lovely surroundings. We’ll be off the tourist path and often into the wildness of the ever-surprising Big Island.  Hawaiian cultural specialist Momi Subiono will guest-teach, and we will meet with others who have remarkable knowledge and experiences to share. We will  visit botanical gardens, and help with forest restoration on the land of Botanical Dimensions. The group is limited to twelve participants who really want to learn about and discuss plants, cultures, knowledge and wisdom.

Dates: Jan. 28 to Feb. 9, 2014

Cost: $2,950 for 12 days & nights. We’ll stay at the charming B&B Ah Paradise, above Kealakekua Bay, on the South Kona Coast. The course fee includes all on-island transportation, all meals (we have a wonderful chef), instructors, field trips, and materials. We’ll pick you up and drop you off at Kona’s Keahole Airport (KOA). Send in this application soon to inquire, to tell us about yourself, and to hold your spot. We’ll get right back to you: Application for Hawaii_Little Planet_2014

Email it to info(at)botanicaldimensions.org, or mail it to Botanical Dimensions, PO Box 807, Occidental CA 95465. Send it soon!

When you hear that you are accepted into the intensive, you may hold your place by contributing $500 to BD with the donate button on this page. That acts as your non-refundable deposit AND it’s a tax-deductible donation to Botanical Dimensions’ Hawaiian Forest-Garden. (BD is a 501c3 non-profit organization in the U.S.) The balance may be paid by checks or money orders to the address above. The full balance of $2,450 will be due by Dec. 30, 2013 and will cover all your course expenses. You reserve and purchase your own flights — Details on where & when to arrive, plus details & advice, are on the application form.

Kathleen Harrison Kat has taught ethnobotany field courses for twenty years, in Peru, Ecuador, Hawaii & California. She’s lived part-time on the Big Island since the 1970s. She shares her love of this special place as a lens to see the world at large.