Of the four U.S. deserts the Sonoran is the hottest and most arid (in part: Lower Colorado River Valley subsection), but it ALSO happens to be the most botanically diverse…being home to a large number of edible, medicinal, and utilitarian plants. The spring bloom period, before the searing heat of summer sets in, is the IDEAL time to explore this majestic landscape of valleys, riparian canyons, and desert mountains. Join as we learn about a wide variety of useful plants (both common and obscure) found growing in the spectacular wild lands found just outside the city limits. Topics to be covered during class include: field botany/plant I.D, plant family characteristics, legal-ethical harvesting/processing/preparation methods, edible/medicinal/utilitarian uses, regional ethnobotany, plant toxicology (plus tips on how to avoid poisonous look-alike species), natural history, plant conservation and at-risk species, sampling of a variety of wild edible & medicinal plant preparations, and more! The study will emphasize a dynamic sensory awareness of the plants via close observation, touching, tasting, and smelling. This class should prove to be insightful and rewarding for anyone interested in learning more about the flora of this unique bioregion.
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- Spring Session - (North Side: Santa Catalina Mountains)
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Location: Approximately 35 miles northeast of Tucson.
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Date/Time: April 26 (Sat) 9am-1:30pm
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Fee: $55
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Registration link:

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