August Classes

REGISTRATION INFORMATION

INTRODUCTION TO ETHNOBOTANY

Saturday, August 7 • noon-2:30 p.m.

What is ethnobotany? How have indigenous groups in the Americas (past and present) utilized plants for food and healing purposes? How were New World plants that we take for granted today domesticated? How are mescal and other Mesoamerican beverages prepared and fermented? Participants will learn the basics of ethnobotany and gain background knowledge of many native plants and how they were used, and still are in many cases. We will also tour the many areas of the Botanical Gardens that have ethnobotanically significant plants. Join Ron Bridgemon, M.A. on this informative exploration of the ethnobotany of the Americas. Ron has degrees in anthropology and cultural geography with an emphasis on the American Southwest and Northern Mexico. $14, $7 members

THE SONORAN DESERT PHARMACY

Thursday, August 12 • 6:30-8 p.m.

Globally, plants have been the primary source of human medicines for thousands of years, and that also applies in the Sonoran Desert. Desert plants have been made into teas, infusions, poultices, powders, tinctures, and vapors and even smoked for medicinal uses. While general medicinal uses of plants were common knowledge, consulting a medicine man or woman, with more extensive knowledge of medicinal plants has been common among most desert cultures. Join Desert Museum Education Specialist and ethnoecologist Jesús García for this exciting look at the medicine cabinet that is our Sonoran Desert. $17, $12 members

TUCSON KITCHEN GARDEN DESIGN

Saturday, August 14 • noon-3 p.m.

Do you dream of growing fresh herbs, edible flowers, vegetables and tree fruits to use in your cooking? Join Nate O’Meara, M.A., to learn how to design your own kitchen garden and see it fresh produce year round. This class will cover such topics as herb, vegetable, and fruit tree varieties for Tucson; site selection and preparation; four-season planting; and general kitchen garden care. Nate is a lifelong Arizona gardener and has worked as a Tucson nurseryman, permaculture farmer, ethnobotanist and agricultural anthropologist. Recently, he was the Curator of Horticulture at the Gardens and currently owns and operates Kitchen Garden Consulting in Tucson. $32, $25 members

TASTING YOUR COMMUNITY

Saturday, August 21 •  9 a.m.-noon

Your community is more than just its people – it’s the whole ecological tapestry of interwoven lives in their environment. What better way to ponder local ecology than to eat of its riches! Join Desert Museum Education Specialist Jesús García to explore ethnoecology of the Sonoran Desert region. Sample native foods and learn techniques to gather and process them. Almost all of the cacti in the Sonoran Desert produce edible fruits, some more desirable than others. Fruits can be eaten raw, dried, stewed, or as jams or jellies or beverages. Get a taste of your plant community and come away with a new view of the desert’s cornucopia and some great sense-of-place activities to share. $17, $12 members

THE KING’S TABLE

Saturday, August 21 • noon-2:30 p.m.

Trade in spices and, to a certain extent, in herbs as well, has contributed to the development of the world economy since ancient times. In Medieval and Renaissance Europe, herbs and spices were used mostly for medicinal and culinary purposes, although several other significant uses were also in play. Join Peter B. Worden and Barbara J. Meyer on this fascinating herbal journey. Peter will present an illustrated overview of the history of the trade in herbs and spices through the end of the 16th century in Western Europe and will summarize the significance of these markets and their effects on and uses in the everyday lives of both the rich and the poor. Barbara will discuss the culinary use of herbs and spices in Medieval and Renaissance households. Tasting samples will be made available to allow the audience to experience some of the less common spices and herbs, and example recipes will be discussed. $32, $25 members

BOUNTEOUS BEETLES

Thursday, August 26 • 6- 8 p.m.

Beetles are the largest single group of animals on the planet. They are also full of contradictions. Beetles can be both pests and highly beneficial predators of pests. They can be brightly colored or dull. They range in size from that of the head of a pin to half a foot. This class will introduce students to the amazing diversity of beetles, focusing on species found in southern Arizona.  Live specimens will be on hand for the class.

$17, $12 members

FRUIT TREES FOR TUCSON

Saturday, August 28 •  noon-3 p.m.

Have you imagined picking fresh fruit from trees growing in your own backyard while knowing you need guidance on where to begin? Join Nate O’Meara, M.A., as he gets you started with planning a home orchard of citrus, figs, pecans, pomegranates, apples, apricots, peaches and more. This class will cover such topics as fruit tree varieties for Tucson, site selection, proper planting, pruning, fertilizing, irrigation and fruit protection. Nate is a lifelong Arizona gardener and has worked as a Tucson nurseryman, permaculture farmer, ethnobotanist and agricultural anthropologist. Recently, he was the Curator of Horticulture at the Gardens and currently owns and operates Kitchen Garden Consulting in Tucson. $32, $25 members

ETHNOBOTANY SERIES

-INTRODUCTION TO ETHNOBOTANY

-THE SONORAN DESERT PHARMACY

-TASTING YOUR COMMUNITY

Sign up for all three classes and receive up to $8 0ff : $40, $25 members

 Email this page to a friend