Important notice: If you mailed your registration in during the first two weeks of February please click here. Some mail might have been lost.

Welcome

The Women's Herbal Symposium is a gathering of women from many backgrounds of life, committed to sharing and exploring the many uses of healing plants. Each session is a separate event, featuring different teachers and different classes. We will gather at Black Oak Ranch in Laytonville, California (Mendocino County), a beautiful site nestled among native oaks and pines, and home to Camp Winnarainbow. There are wild areas and two natural creeks to explore. Participants will need to be prepared for camping in a simple and natural environment. Tents are needed. Vegetarian meals are provided; vegan and wheatless diets can be accommodated. Indicate special diet need on registration form. If you have other dietary needs, please provide your own food. This gathering tends to have a neo-pagan flavor.

Classes & Intensives
Fifty-five to sixty classes are offered through-out each session, including six four-hour intensives, covering many different aspects of herbalism such as: medicinal applications, plant identification, culinary uses, and much more. Beginning, intermediate, and advanced level classes presented at each session.

Community Work
In order to make this event more affordable, everyone is asked to donate two hours of community work in the kitchen, serving food, in childcare, or in the Wellness tent.

Children & Childcare
All children must be registered in order to attend regardless of childcare needs. Register early. Spaces fill quickly. It is necessary for us to limit the number attending, therefore unregistered children will be turned away. Childcare is available for potty trained children during class times. Parents/guardians are responsible for their children at all times.

Proceedings of the Symposium
This is a collection of notes and articles  from classes presented, bound into a book, using tree-free paper. Each session offers a separate collection. A valuable resource! Available for prepurchase at $20 each or at the Symposium for $25 each.

Payment
The sliding scale is designed to provide access to women of low income. We depend upon a percentage of high paying participants in order to meet the Symposium budget. We expect women with access to money to pay the full fee ($350). Please be honest. There is a limited number of spaces for young women (age 13-20) and elders (age 60 and over) at a special rate of $100 if needed.

Work Exchange and Scholarships
See work exchange and scholarship links for details.
Completed applications will not be accepted before February 1, 2005.

Marketplace
Sunday afternoon is reserved for a simple old-fashioned bazaar and marketplace. This is a time to honor women’s art and handwork. Only participant's handcrafted items will be permitted. If you are interested in bringing your handmade goods for barter or to sell please indicate this on the registration form. Seller’s fee for the Marketplace is on a donation basis.