Classes & Apprenticeships

Use the Indexes below to find the classes of interest to you. You can click on the name of the class or event offered or to view by date, click on the specific month. If you wish to be on our email list & have monthly class notices sent to you, please send your email address to class@herbaltransitions.com We are in the midst of creating our new website for 2009. Please be patient as we get it set up. You can go directly to the NW Herb Fest by clicking on the button below. It is no longer on this page. You can click on classes by the month you are interested in or the actual activity. See directly below. Only the classes offered this year are availble for viewing. Each year we will remove last years classes and put the new classes for the year on the site.

By Month: “By Month” lists the name and date of the class with brief descriptions. All classes may run over the allotted time by thirty minutes.

By Type of Class:“Type of Class” categorizes the class and lists brief descriptions for each class.

Beginner's Herbal ABC's - has been rescheduled to an intensive in August
Herbal ABC's Part II: Advanced Herbal ABC's - has been rescheduled to the Fall as an every other Sat class
Nine Day Herbal Intensive
Apprenticeships
For Intermediate and Advanced Students
How To Register

January Classes
No classes scheduled this month, at this time.
February Classes
No classes scheduled this month, at this time.
March Classes
No classes scheduled this month, at this time.
April Classes
No classes scheduled this month, at this time

May Classes

Herb Garden Work Party & Herb Exchange

10:00 AM - 4:00 PM Come meet other herbal enthusiasts. Weed out herbs that are too thick and take herbs home to grow. There are always a wide variety of herbs to weed out. A few examples of what may be weeded are Valerian, Fennel, Mother wort, Skullcap, Peppermint, Strawberry, Lilac, Vervain, Datura, Red clover, Yarrow, Calendula, Saint John's wort, Elecampane, Arnica. You will need gloves. If you have a favorite digging tool, please bring it. We can provide tools for some people also. If you are planning to take herbs home with you, please bring soil and pots. The soil in the garden needs to stay there. Bring a sack lunch if you want to join the rest of the group for a leisurely lunch. This event will be cancelled if the weather is bad. A few rain drops won't stop us but continual rain and/or a windy day will. (Due to some problems with well meaning amateur gardeners in the past, we can not accept novice gardeners unless they bring a well seasoned gardener with them. Additionally, we had to turn individuals away last year as we had too many people show up. Please email class@herbaltransitions.com or call to reserve a space. It is OK to show up last minute if you are OK with the possibility of being turned away if we reach capacity.)

June Classes

Sustainable Lifestyles Festival June 27, 28th, 2009

In June we have a new festival starting called the Sustainable Lifestyles Festival. Everyone is quite excited about this new event. Click here to find out why! Sustainable Lifestyles Festival 2009

July Classes

In July we have a two day herb conference/festival. Please join us at this fun and educational event. Click below for more details.

NW Herb Fest 2009 July 25, 26th, 2009

August Classes

Beginners Herbal ABC's - Nine Day Intensive • For A PDF Download as a PDF

• Immerse yourself in the world of herbs. Come stay at Wise Acres Farm for 9 days. Learn and have fun with other herbal enthusiasts.

The first series in a two series module. The first series is for beginners who are new to herbalism or who just want to brush up on the basics of herbalism. Besides lectures, you will learn to make elixirs, salves, tinctures and other fun herbal preparations. In the second series you learn to use the most important medicinal herbs known to herbalists and naturopathic physicians.

Detailed registration information follows the daily schedule below. See the printable registration brochure for cost details by clicking here, "Registration brochure"

INTENSIVE SCHEDULE

August 1-9, 2009

Beginners Herbal ABC's: This is a class that will take you step by step as you are introduced to the world of herbalism in a crash course that is fun and challenging.It is the first series in a two series module. This first series is for beginners who are new to herbalism or who just want to brush up on making herbal preparations and the basics of herbalism. In the second series you learn to use the most important medicinal herbs known to herbalists and naturopathic physicians. For information on the second series called Advanced Herbal ABC's click here "Advanced Herbal ABC's."

What you will learn in this intensive:
This first series will go over the basics in herbalism. You will be given a list of suggested texts, where to get reliable herbal information in books, periodicals, newsletters and internet as well as where to get reliable tools and supplies that a herbalist needs. You will receive the book Herbal Medicine (brand new and updated second edition) with your tuition as you will need it in class.We will cover basic terms and what those terms mean in each and every class. You will learn the differences between different types of herbal preparations and when to make or use each of them. You will learn about the tools you need for making herbal products, where to get herbs and herb making supplies, as well as actually making herbal products.You will learn how to make teas (decoctions & infusions), tinctures, salves, elixirs, compresses, slurries, poultices, creams, capsules, suppositories and how they are used. This will be a hands on class. The number in the class is limited by kitchen space. We will collect many of the items we use in our herbal products from the herb garden. In this first series we will also discuss simple remedies that are used in the home for family and pet care. We will discuss first aid herbs as well as remedies for prevention and treatment of common conditions such as colds and flus. We will look at some formulas and discuss the use of formulas.
Bring questions on your first day and be ready to tell Sharol what you hope to learn from this class or send in your requests by mail, with your registration to be sure your requests are included in the class.

August 1st – Saturday

12:00 - Lunch & Introduction:
Join us for a welcome lunch. There will be an introduction during lunch that all must attend. After lunch we will continue the introduction in a walk about the farm and then you will have some free time to set up camp.

3:30 pm - Where to get information: web-sites and books, the plants themselves (web/book hand-out and communicating with plants hand-out), where to get supplies
Go over Dictionary of Herbal Preparations pp 28-30 (1st edition) 32-37 (2nd edition) in Herbal Medicine – discuss different types of preparations and when to use them.

Discuss Herbal Teas – p 342 in Herbal Medicine - Make infusions - We will make overnight infusions before or during making dinner.

You will gather herbs from the garden and make an herbal infusion and perhaps a decoction. The herbs used in the teas will be discussed.

5:30 pm - Make & Enjoy Dinner
After dinner choose to join Sharol in the gardens, watch milking or play music or sing with your classmates. (Don't forget to bring musical instruments if you have them. Sharol has extra drums, rattles,etc.)

August 2nd Sunday

8:00 am – Make & Enjoy Breakfast

9:15 am - 11:30 - Today we will continue our discussion on infusions and decoctions as we sip on the infusions from the night before. We will alsomake a decoction if not made the night before. Additionally you will learn to make an herbal soup. We will have made a nettle infusion from night before and nettle decoction today – we will compare them.

Go over Collecting, Drying and Storing Herbs pp 310, 311(1st edition) 358-359 (2nd edition) in Herbal Medicine

We will discuss making a compress and make one pp 313-314(1st) 361-362(2nd)

Make a chevre cheese

11:30 am - Herb Walk: Meet the herbs one on one. Learn the habitat they prefer, how to identify them, what parts are used medicinally, how to harvest & when it is best to harvest, how to process for immediate use or storage for later use & their most common effects on humans/animals health.

12:00 pm – Make & Enjoy Lunch

1:00 pm - The plant planet & Discuss herbal terminology – an overview of plant groups and where medicinal herbs fit in
Discuss herbal terminology – Herbal Medicine: pp. 14-16 (1st) 14-18 (2nd) (rest on subsequent days)

Pick calendula (oil/salve), plantain (oil/salve), comfrey(oil/salve) and dry them – these are herbs we will use in our herbal oil.
Make an herbal oil from previously dried herbs.

Check on the chevre and hang it when ready.

Herb Walk: Meet the herbs one on one. Learn the habitat they prefer, how to identify them, what parts are used medicinally, how to harvest & when it is best to harvest, how to process for immediate use or storage for later use & their most common effects on humans/animals health.

5:30 pm - Make & Enjoy dinner
After dinner choose to join Sharol in the gardens, watch milking or play music or sing with your classmates.

August 3rd - Monday

8:00 am – Make & Enjoy Breakfast

9:15 am – Examine herbal oil we started last time. Finish chevre and infuse chevre with herbs

Discuss herbal terminology - Herbal Medicine: pp. 17-19 (1st) (rest on subsequent days) 18-22 (2nd)

11:30 am – Herb Walk: Meet the herbs one on one. Learn the habitat they prefer, how to identify them, what parts are used medicinally, how to harvest & when it is best to harvest, how to process for immediate use or storage for later use & their most common effects on humans/animals health.

12:00 pm – Make & Enjoy Lunch

Tincture –We will make a dry plant tincture.

1:00 pm – First aid herb lecture & First aid kit discussion.

5:30 pm - Make & Enjoy dinner - After dinner choose to join Sharol in the gardens, watch milking or play music or sing with your classmates.

August 4th - Tuesday

8:00 am – Make & Enjoy Breakfast

9:15 am –Kitchen: Elixer – start in AM and finish in PM - Go over the herbs in the formula

11:15 am – Herb Walk: Meet the herbs one on one. Learn the habitat they prefer, how to identify them, what parts are used medicinally, how to harvest & when it is best to harvest, how to process for immediate use or storage for later use & the herb’s most common effects on humans/animals health.

12:00 pm – Make & Enjoy Lunch

1:30 pm –Continue the Elixir & Discuss herbal terminology - Herbal Medicine: pp. 20-22 (1st) 22-25 (2nd)(rest on subsequent days)

Finish First Aid lecture if time allows

Herb Walk: Meet the herbs one on one. Learn the habitat they prefer, how to identify them, what parts are used medicinally, how to harvest & when it is best to harvest, how to process for immediate use or storage for later use & their most common effects on humans/animals health.

5:30 - Make & Enjoy Dinner - After dinner choose to join Sharol in caring for the goats, the gardens or play music or sing with your classmates.

August 5th - Wednesday

8:00 am – Make & Enjoy Breakfast

9:15 am –Discuss herbal terminology - Herbal Medicine: pp. 23-24 (1st) 25-28 (2nd)

Make lozenges, slippery elm slurries/mustard poultice – flax poultice – clay – comfrey
Make capsules p 312 (1st) 360 (2nd)

12:00 pm – Make & Enjoy Lunch

1:30 pm – Tincture: Make a fresh plant tincture

5:30 pm - Make & Enjoy dinner. After dinner choose to join Sharol in the gardens, watch milking or play music or sing with your classmates.

August 6th - Thursday

8:00 am – Make & Enjoy Breakfast

9:15 am –Go over last of herbal terminology – Herbal Med pp 25-26 (1st) 29-30 (2nd) & discuss external use of herbs

12:00 pm – Make & Enjoy Lunch

1:00 pm – Kitchen: Press an herbal oil and make a salve and lip balm - Finsish the discussion from themorning.

5:30 - Make & Enjoy Dinner. After dinner choose to join Sharol in the gardens, watch milking or play music or sing with your classmates.

August 7th - Friday

8:00 am – Make & Enjoy Breakfast

9:30 am –Discuss colds and flu

12:00 pm – Make & Enjoy Lunch

1:30 pm –Make an herbal beer

We will take a couple breaks in the class for an herb walk or to make something with some of the herbs. This allows people to move around and get to know some of these herbs better.

5:30 pm - Make & Enjoy Dinner. After dinner choose to join Sharol in the gardens, watch milking or play music or sing with your classmates.

August 8th - Saturday

8:00 am – Make & Enjoy Breakfast

9:15 am – Discuss colds and flu formulas as well as other formulas.

12:00 pm – Make & Enjoy Lunch

1:30 pm –Make hand cream

5:30 - Make & Enjoy Dinner. After dinner choose to join Sharol in the gardens, watch milking or play music or sing with your classmates.

August 9th - Sunday

8:00 am – Make & Enjoy Breakfast

9:15 am – Time to finish up anything still remaining and last chance for questions from students

12:00 pm – Make & Enjoy Lunch - Say goodbye to new friends.

Where it lists herb walk/gardening above, we will as a group choose if we want to go on an herb walk or learn gardening techniques. Choices of gardening techniques are: composting, making compost tea, astrological gardening, methods to control weeds and insects, seed collection and others as requested.

Herb walks will address herbs that are covered in the lectures or herbs that we make into products that day. This will give you a more well rounded and intimate understanding of the plants discussed during the lecture. Any herbs the students still wish to hear about that day may also be covered.

After dinner, Sharol will attend to any farm work needing to be done. You are welcome to join her in whatever project she is working on. Anyone joining her to weed, take care of animals, collect seeds etc, is welcome to ask questions of any kind as they are working. Working with Sharol is not expected, it is simply an extra time to learn if you wish to partake of it. She will announce each evening at the meal what the next evenings work will be. If the students wish, to bring musical instruments, the evenings can be filled with singing and music playing. Sharol also has instruments that can be borrowed.

Sliding Scale Fees:
See the printable registration brochure for cost details by clicking here, "Registration brochure" There are a limited number of work-trade positions available. If you wish to do this it must be completed well before the classes start.

Lodging:
Camping on the farm: $10/night per each person.
Two bedrooms available – $35 per night for each bedroom at one occupancy – share bathroom with one person.
Motel 15 minutes away
Many motels/hotels 20 minutes away

Meals: Our meals are made from organic food including goat milk, cheese, eggs, veggies and fruit. We include some seafood usually as well as organic/free range purchased poultry. We try to meet everyone's food needs, but also have an outdoor kitchen available for your use in preparing your meals if you have unusual food requirements or simply wish to eat food you bring. Don't bring your own food due to cost as you can get 50% off the cost of meals simply by helping prepare the meals with other participants. Almost everyone takes this option and many hands prove to make for a fun meal preparation. There is always a LOT of food. Many people say they would have came for the food alone.

Examples of food would be:

Breakfast possibilties: eggs, berry smoothies, goat milk, bacon, tofu/tempeh, yogurt, pancakes/waffles/dutch pancakes, french toast, oatmeal, cold cereal
Lunch possibilities: Make your own sandwich buffet with tuna, egg sald, lunch meat, cucumber sandwiches, nut butters, garden veggies, lots of big salads, Soup such as lentil and kale, whole grain and artisan bread, fgourmet cheese and crackers/bread, pasta dishes, garden veggies, quiche, burritos, left overs from dinner.
Dinner possibilities: salmon/fresh tuna risotto or other risottos, tempeh salad (truly yummy say people who don't like tempeh), chicken, stir fries, salads, fish dishes such as gingered salmon, shrimp pasta.
Desert possibilities: goat milk ice cream, berry sorbet, pot de creme or other puddings, pie, or lavender pound cake,.

Meals for the 9 days are $215.00 OR get more than 50% off the package if you help with meals. The cost is then only $99.00 for all meals. This is less than $10.00 per day.

For details on the advanced class in this series go to: Advanced Herbal ABC's

September Classes

Herbal ABC's - Part II: Advanced Herbal ABC's • For A PDF: Download as a PDF

Details: You will receive verbal and written information on identification of specific herbs, harvesting techniques and forms to best use the herb. The class will emphasize how to use these healing plants as agents to keep yourself, your family and your pets healthy. You will also learn how each herb is used for specific health conditions. The action of the herb on the mind and body will be discussed as well as correct forms to use such as teas, tinctures, poultices, etc. You will learn correct dosages for each herb. Contraindications for some herbs will also be discussed. The classes will be taught by classifications of herbal properties and actions. The list of herbal properties and actions are listed in the class schedule below. In each classification the most important herbs of that classification will be studied. Every class will include sampling of many of the herbs we are discussing. This allows you to experience the herbs first hand and get better acquainted with them. A book of extensive notes will be given to each participant. If time allows we will make herbal products that the class feels they need more experience with. All participants who finish the course will receive a certificate of attendance.

September 12th – November 21st: every other Saturday

Day one starts with an introduction to the course: What to expect from future classes, suggested texts, where to get reliable herbal information in books, periodicals, newsletters, internet, where to get reliable tools and supplies that a herbalist needs. Bring questions and be ready to tell Sharol what you hope to learn from this class. We will begin studying the digestive herbs first and proceed through the list below.

• Digestive Herbs: Nutratives, Bitters, Carminatives, Laxatives, & Stool forming herbs, Vermifuges, Antihelmintics, Astringents, Vulneraries, Mucilaginous Herbs, Antiinflammatories

• Liver & Gall Bladder Herbs: Cholagogues, Choleretics, Liver Protectants & Stimulants

• Immune System Herbs: Immunomodulators, Antimicrobials, Antiseptics, Antifungals, Antivirals, Antiprotazoals, Antitumor, Lymphagogues

• Respiratory Tract Herbs: Diaphoretics, Expectorants, Bronchodilators, Anticatarrhals

• Reproductive Herbs: Emmenagogues, abortifacients, Parturients, Galactagogues, Aphrodesiacs, Uterine Tonics, prostate Tonics, Sexual Potency Effectors

• Cardiovascular Herbs: Heart Tonics, Vascular Tonics, Hypotensives, Vasoconstrictors, Vasodilators, hemostatics/Stypics

• Nervines: Nerve Tonics, Relaxants, Stimulants, Hypnotics, Analgesics, Antidepressants

• Musculoskeletal System: Antiarthritics, Rubefacients, Antispasmodics, Antiinflammatories

• Endocrine System: Blood Sugar Effectors, Thyroid Effectors, Adrenomodulators, Reproductive Hormone Modulators.

• Urinary tract System: Diuretics, Antilithics, Urinary Tract Tonic

When is Advanced Herbal ABC's:

Six Saturdays in fall 09 - September 12th, 26th, October 10th, 24th, November 7th, 21st. The class is from 9:30AM - 5:30 PM. We provide drinks. You provide a sack lunch. Usually we have cheese available with the drinks.

What is the Cost of Adavanced Herbal ABC's:

6 Saturday classes $365-$425 sliding scale fee

Discounts: Receive a 15% discount if you register two months in advance. Receive a 10% discount if you register one month in advance. Refunds Available up until one week prior to the class starting. There is a 15% surcharge on all refunds up until two weeks prior to the class when it changes to a 25% surcharge on all refunds.

Lodging:
Camping on the farm: $10/night per each person.
Private cabin with a single bed and loft bed avaialble for $35 per night and includes use of outdoor kitchen and bathroom with hot shower.
Motel 15 minutes away
Many motels/hotels 20 minutes away

Registration: To print out a registration form, click here "Herbal ABC's Registration"

October Classes

No classes scheduled this month, at this time.

November Classes

No classes scheduled this month, at this time.

December Classes

No classes scheduled this month, at this time.

Classes For Intermediate and Advanced Students

Intensive On Sunday Night July 26, 2009 after the symposium:

Black Salve

Click here to go to the NW Herb Fest where you will find the Black Salve intensive information: NW Herb Fest 2009

Herbal ABC's - Part II: Advanced Herbal ABC's • For A PDF: Download as a PDF

Advanced Herbal ABC's - Series Two : Series two of the two series offering.. In the second series you learn to use the most important medicinal herbs known to herbalists and naturopathic physicians. This class is an intermediate to advanced class and gives a more in depth understanding of the properties and actions of a variety of commonly used herbs. This class is being offered as our August 9 day intensive this year.

Advanced Herbal ABC's Class Outline

You will receive verbal and written information on identification of specific herbs, harvesting techniques and forms to best use more than 100 different herbs. The class will emphasize how to use these healing plants as agents to keep yourself, your family and your pets healthy. You will also learn how each herb is used for specific health conditions. The action of the herb on the mind and body will be discussed as well as correct forms to use such as teas, tinctures, poultices, etc. You will learn correct dosages for each herb. Contraindications for some herbs will also be discussed. The classes will be taught by classifications of herbal properties and actions. For examples of herbal property and action classifications see the class schedule listed below. In each classification the most important herbs of that classification will be studied. Most classes will include time to get to know some of the plants personally by making teas or harvesting fresh herbs. Every class will include sampling of herbs we are discussing. This allows you to experience the herbs first hand and get better acquainted with them. Once you have completed Herbal ABC's you will be ready to take the "Herbs by Body Systems" course that gives a different point of view on these herbs and their effect on specific health conditions.Anatomy and physiology will also be included in the Body Systems class.

Class Outline

• Introduction to the course: What to expect from future classes. Bring questions and be ready to tell Sharol what you hope to learn from this class. We will begin studying Digestive herbs during this first class.

• Digestive Herbs: Nutratives, Bitters, Carminatives, Laxatives, & Stool forming herbs, Vermifuges, Antihelmintics, Astringents, Vulneraries, Mucilaginous Herbs, Antiinflammatories

• Liver & Gall Bladder Herbs: Cholagogues, Choleretics, Liver Protectants & Stimulants, Alteratives

• Immune System Herbs: Immunomodulators, Antimicrobials, Antiseptics, Antifungals, Antivirals, Antiprotazoals, Antitumor, Lymphagogues

• Respiratory Tract Herbs: Diaphoretics, Expectorants, Bronchodilators, Anticatarrhals

•Reproductive Herbs: Emmenagogues, abortifacients, Parturients, Galactagogues, Aphrodesiacs, Uterine Tonics, prostate Tonics, Sexual Potency Effectors

• Cardiovascular Herbs: Heart Tonics, Vascular Tonics, Hypotensives, Vasoconstrictors, Vasodilators, hemostatics/Stypics

• Nervines: Nerve Tonics, Relaxants, Stimulants, Hypnotics, Analgesics, Antidepressants

• Musculoskeletal System: Antiarthritics, Rubefacients, Antispasmodics, Antiinflammatories

• Endocrine System: Blood Sugar Effectors, Thyroid Effectors, Adrenomodulators, Reproductive Hormone Modulators.

• Urinary tract System: Diuretics, Antilithics, Urinary Tract Tonics, Final Chance For Questions! ) - Chance for final questions on Materia Medicica

When is Advanced Herbal ABC's:

Series 1: Six Saturdays in fall 09 - September 12th, 26th, October 10th, 24th, November 7th, 21st.

What is the Cost of Advanced Herbal ABC's:

First Series: 6 Saturday classes $365-$425 sliding scale fee

Registration: To print out a registration form, click here "Herbal ABC's Registration"

Herbs By Body Systems - Module I - Not available this year. Send an email that you are interested in this class in the future and you will be notified when it becomes availble. class@herbaltransitions.com

Apprenticeships

2010 Apprenticeships Available

We are taking day aprentices in 2010. We do not have the usual live in "Get Down & Dirty Apprenticeship" we have offered in the past. (If you want to be here for the summer, see our rental cabin option below. Click here) We are taking local people this year that wish to spend 1 or more days each week on the farm learning to grow food and herbs. We will do some processing of food and herbs but largely the work will be outside in the gardens or greenhouse. If the person has an interest in small animals we may also incorporate animal care into our day. Expect to learn a lot and work hard. If you are thinking of farming as a way of life, and have a specific interest in growing and using herbs, this is a great experience. You will learn more than you can imagine. You will not be charged for your learning experience as you will be assisting us as an exchange.We do not do row croping as we do not sell fresh food or herbs. We are small scale with a wide variety of food and herbs. Lunch will be provided for you. We usually start at 7:30 AM-8:30AM. Although some days may be earlier during mid summer when collecting vegetables and fruit early in the AM or other special morning projects. Extra fruit and vegetable will be offered to apprentices. We will usually work for 4 hours and then stop for lunch which we will often prepare together from vegetables, fruit and cheese made on the farm. We may have fish or chicken but do not have red meat. If you are vegetarian we can accommodate you easily.

Apprentices making soap during the "Get Down & Dirty Apprenticeship"

Miscellaneous:
We are open to both conventional and alternative beliefs and lifestyles, however we do expect apprentices to abide by the rules of the farm.

Lunch: Possibilities include, tea, juice, fish, chicken, tofu, beans/rice, fresh vegetables, fruit, soups, pastas, casseroles etc – We do not usually have red meat available.

Rules: There are not many but the ones that exist must be adhered to.
No cigarettes or smoking tobacco (I can’t stand them, sorry). I get ill around them and can not even stand to be near people who have smoke on their clothing. No drugs (due to legality). Please be respectful of others.

Who we are looking for : The kind of person we are looking for is a self starter, works well with others and by themselves. They are a problem solver but do not implement changes unless discussed with those in charge. A person who has basic helpful skills but will always ask questions if they do not understand what they are doing. You must have common sense, some basic living skills and basic gardening skills. The less gardening skills and basic living skills you possess the more Sharol has to spend time teaching you these things and the less time she will have to teach you about the herbs in the garden. Common sense is necessary on the farm, but it is not really common and needs to be taught by parents generally. Not all kids get taught common sense. Common sense means you have learned how to solve problems by examining a situation and deducing the best action to take in any given situation with the knowledge and skills you posess. If you are unsure how to proceed in a given situation, you know where to go to get the information or help that will create the best possible outcome in any given situation. The people who do well here are people who can adapt their needs to the needs of the farm. The farm is not going to change its needs and activities to fit into your needs and activities. If you are easily adaptable this will not be a problem. For example we do not have a set time of starting work that runs throughout the year. It changes with the season, weather and what needs to be done. You will need to adapt to the fact that we may change the start time of the day from time to time.

Learning hands on at the farm is as hard as it is rewarding. You will actually work with Sharol and others on the farm performing many farm activities that she deems are safe for you to be involved with. This can change depending on your personal skills you bring to the farm and your interests. You will need to be on time each day and work along-side Sharol or others. We encourage well thought out questions while we are at repetative tasks such as weeding. We discourage questions when the people being questioned are concentrating on a complicated task.

How to Apply: Apprenticeships are limited, so sign up early. We want to know the following: Name, address, email, what days of the week you wish to be here and the dates you want to start and end the apprenticeship, what you want to learn in detail, references from past work experiences, or prior similar programs, skills that benefit a farm and the level of those skills, special work attributes as well as personal attributes. Please make sure you give us detailed explanations about your skill level. We want to know if your skill level in a particular area is low, medium or high level and information to support that. What is it about you that would makes us want to choose you? What have past co-workers in a work or volunteer situation said about you? What will make us think you are the person we are looking for? Any thing else you want to share.
Call if you have questions. 541-736-0164 email class@herbaltransitions.com

Address: Wise Acres LLC, 84537 Proden Lane, Pleasant Hill, Oregon, 97455.

List of Farm Activities by Month

March
Greenhouse work
Goat babies here
Bathing goats if warm and clipping hoofs
Weeding in herb beds and garden as well as orchard, berries
Creek clean up
Care of trees and berries – organic sprays – compost tea – finish Trimming possibly
Transplanting of leeks, onions
Planting of new trees
Cleaning pond
Weed whacking
Popular bud picking
Last chance to dig up any roots needed for tea or other preps
Clean out bird boxes if not already cleaned
Fly catcher set up
Set up new hops and trellis
Planting of many seeds in trays
Mowing
Spread boron in field and in garden/orchard if not done
Barn Cleaning and compost making
Garden Bed Work
Add any new bed edgings, new beds, lay pathways
Set up new irrigation if not already up
Have codling traps and apple maggot traps ready to go
Make new mason bee blocks if needed
Care for bees
New vines planted if ground ready
Slug picking
Set up pea supports
Look for tent caterpillars
Consider getting baby buck or set up stud service for fall

April
Greenhouse work
Put out swings and garden furniture
Bathing goats and clipping hoofs
Weeding in herb beds and garden as well as orchard, berries
Creek clean up
Care of trees – organic sprays – compost tea
Planting of seeds in trays and garden
Transplanting
Barn cleaning and compost making
Garden bed work
Collect nettles for beer, tea, food
Dig up dahlias and transplant if needed
Rototilling if needed anywhere
Slug picking
Repot seedlings into 4 inch pots
Weeding party
Mowing
Label herb Signs
Lay down fabric mulch
Check out timing of ashing of insects
Cleaning pond
Weed whacking
Check for carpenter ants
Making cheese
Apple maggot traps out at petal fall

May
Greenhouse work
Bathing goats and clipping hoofs
Weeding in herb beds and garden as well as orchard, berries
Creek clean up
Care of trees – organic sprays – compost tea
Planting of some seeds in garden
Start milking at end of month
Making cheese
Transplanting
Barn cleaning and compost making
Weeding party
Mowing
Pick valerian flowers for biodynamic group
Set up bean/pea supports
Cleaning pond
Weed Whacking
Ashing of insects if needed
Thin fruit on trees
All irrigation working to garden, orchard and herb beds
Collect calendula flowers, rose petals, plantain leaves, comfrey leaves
Make calendula succus
Beneficial nematodes in garden
NW Herb Fest work
Sustainable Lifestyles Festival work
Coddling moth traps out
Put out yellow sticky paper for cuke beetles
Food collection

June
Greenhouse work
Milking and cheese making
Bathing goats and clipping hoofs
Weeding in herb beds and garden as well as orchard, berries
Creek clean up
Planting of some seeds in garden
Barn cleaning and compost making
Mowing
Cleaning pond
Weed whacking
Make herbal oil for salve
Make hypericum oil, beer, tincture as needed
Collect seeds as needed
Make root beer & ginger ale for NW Herb Fest
NW Herb Fest Work
Seed collecting as needed
Food collection
Garlic braiding
Collect flowers and leaves etc as needed
Building projects as needed

July
NW Herb Fest work & August intensivewWork
Sustainable Lifestyles Festival work
Milking and cheese making
Bathing goats and clipping hoofs
Weeding in herb beds and garden as well as orchard, berries
Planting of some seeds in garden
Barn cleaning and compost making
Mowing
Cleaning pond
Weed whacking
Seed collecting as needed
Making jams and preserving foods if early year
Food collection
Freezer defrosting
Collect flowers and leaves etc as needed
NW Herb Fest

August
Greenhouse work
Milking and Cheese making
Bathing goats and clipping hoofs
Weeding in herb beds and garden
Barn cleaning and compost making
Mowing
Cleaning pond
Weed whacking
Seed collecting as needed
Making jam, preserving foods (freezing, canning, drying)
Food collection
Wine making with berries
Fermentation of veggies
Apple cider, Pear cider
Collect flowers and leaves etc as needed
Harvest hops
Harvest blackberries and elderberries now-Sept for wine etc.
Huckleberry collection

September
Greenhouse work
Milking and cheese making
Bathing goats and clipping hoofs
Weeding in herb beds and garden
Barn cleaning and compost making
Mowing
Cleaning pond
Weed whacking
Seed collecting as needed
Making jam, preserving foods (freezing, canning, drying)
Food collection
Collecting hazelnuts
Wine making with grapes now or Oct
Plant garlic toward end or Oct
Building repair and maintenance not done earlier
Fermentation of veggies

Cabin Rental or Trade - We have a cabin with a bed and a loft sleeping area, dresser and table. In addition there is a covered outdoor kitchen and bathroom with hot shower available. The rental fee is $150 per week, $275 for two weeks and $450 for the month. For people who wish to live on the farm for the summer we are open to making a trade of helping us in return for staying at the farm. You must have extensive gardening skills but do not need to have any experience with herbs to make this trade.

The cabin is available from May 1st to September 31st. It is situated in the middle of beautiful gardens.

Call if you have questions. 541-736-0164 email class@herbaltransitions.com

Address: Wise Acres LLC, 84537 Proden Lane, Pleasant Hill, Oregon, 97455.

Weekend Intensives

There are no Weekend Intensives this year in 2009. There is a nine day intensive.

Herbal Intensives: These intensives are very full of learning. This year weekend intensives may be avaialable as part of the Nine Day Herbal Intensive if there is an extra spot left open. There are no shorter intensives this year. You can contact us to be on a special email list if interested. class@herbaltransitions.com You will be notified of the dates. This years intensive has more class information that usual. Generally subjects in the intensives will involve learning experiences such as making soap, cheese, tinctures, salves, suppositories, hand cream and lotions, elixirs, beer, wine, capsules, lozenges and other self sufficiency/self health care items. If you have an interest in gardening techniques, that maybecome a part of the scheule. Outdoor activity is set up around the lecture theme. So this year when we discuss herbs used for the digestive system, we will go outside and look at mucilaginous herbs, antimicrobial herbs, astringent herbs and others that would be used for the digestive system. Another days example in past classes would be a Skin Care Day where we talk about various skin related problems and how to nourish the skin followed by collecting herbs for the skin, making skin lotions, poultices and washes etc. Call if you have questions. 541-736-0164 or email class@herbaltransitions.com

During intensives You will learn about cultivation of herbs, which parts of a herb is used medicinally, harvesting techniques, drying techniques, preparing the herb as a vehicle for consumption and how to use herbs medicinally. Herb walks will equate the information in the lectures with the actual plants. Please email requests for specific class information you wish to be included in future intensives. During the intensives you will be involved in making herbal preparations. The preparations we make will be decided by which plants are available, student requests and time available. If making a preparation such as a tincture or an oil we will not be able to finish it as these things take many weeks to process. However, we may start a new tincture or oil and may be able to finish a tincture or oil being made from a prior class. There will be herb walks in the garden, wild areas of the property or an outing to another location. Fees for intensives cover the class, all handouts and samples you will take home or consume during the class. It also covers the use of the kitchen, and availability of hot showers. Meals are provided at extra cost. You can help with meals to defer much of that cost. There is a full kitchen for use in making your meals if you choose to provide your own food. Discounts on food are available for people who help prepare or clean up after meals. To register, see registration information following the nine day intensive information. Payments are refundable up until 2 weeks prior to class. There is a $45.00 processing fee. (Check on work trade positions if you are short of cash. Worktrade must be completed in advance of the class offered) class@herbaltransitions.com

Special Intensives

Intensive On Sunday Night July 27,after the NW Herb Fest: go to NW Herb Fest

Four Day Intensives

Not available this year. See the Nine Day Herbal Intensive You can contact us to be on a special email list if interested. class@herbaltransitions.com You will be notified of the dates. The subjects in the intensives will involve learning experiences such as making soap, cheese, tinctures, salves, suppositories, hand cream and lotions, elixirs, beer, wine, capsules, lozenges and other self sufficiency/self health care items. If you have an interest in gardening techniques, that will become a part of the scheule. The days are usually set up around a theme such as roots day, where we dig up roots, discuss how to grow them, their medicinal use, then dry them, make tinctures, marshmallow root candiy etc. Another days example would be a Skin Care Day where we talk about various skin related problems and how to nourish the skin followed by collecting herbs for the skin, making skin lotions, poultices and washes etc.

How To Register

Registration Information for partial or one day classes : We encourage registration and for some classes it is necessary as class size is limited. We rarely turn anyone away that has shown up at the last moment, but we do want people to know it is always a possibility. Most classes have a discount for early registration. Please read the specific class information above for details on discounts for that class. Call 541-736-0164 and leave your name and message if you want information. If you have email it is easiest to reach us through email.

Special reigistration details for the Herbal ABC's, NW Herb Fest and other special classes can be found in the area of this web site where those classes have been explained in deatil. Please go to the top of this page and click on the appropriate class name. You will find a link to a printable registration form for each class.

Where to send registration: Send the registration form with a check or money order (in U.S. funds) out to “Wise Acres LLC.” Mail it to Wise Acres, 84537 Proden Lane, Pleasant Hill, Oregon 97455. We do not accept credit cards. Full refunds are available until 2 weeks prior to the class. Refunds minus a processing fee are available during the 2 weeks prior to the course. If we have reached our class limit, your check will be returned. Wise Acres is 18 minutes south of downtown Eugene at 84537 Proden Lane in Pleasant Hill.

Directions:
From Eugene take I-5 to highway 58 (188 A) towards Oakridge and Pleasant Hill - go past the Pleasant Hill School
Immediately after milepost 7 turn left on Hilltop Drive (there is a green sign on the highway for hilltop)
Go to the end of Hilltop Drive and turn right on Wheeler Road
Go .4 mile and turn left on Proden Lane.
Turn into the first driveway on your right. (You will see a mailbox with the address on the left side of the road.) There are two lavender houses. Classes are at the larger one.

From Southern Oregon, take the Creswell exit (182). Go right towards highway 58 on Cloverdale Road. Go all the way to the end of Cloverdale and turn right onto 58. Go through Pleasant Hill. Immediately after milepost 7 turn left on Hilltop Drive (there is a green sign on the highway for hilltop)
Go to the end of Hilltop Drive and turn right on Wheeler Road
Go .4 mile and turn left on Proden Lane
Turn into the first driveway on your right. (You will see a mailbox with the address on the left side of the road.) There are two lavender houses. Classes are at the larger one.

If you have questions, email class@herbaltransitions.com