Native Medicinal Plant Walk at AOA’s Mercer Woods Old Growth Forest Preserve
Enjoy an early summer ramble as we explore AOA’s beautiful 116-acre Mercer Woods Old Growth Forest Preserve near Sugar Grove on the border of Hocking and Fairfield Counties. We will encounter the last vestiges of the spring wildflowers while walking through relatively mature forests as we survey and identify plants of medicinal value growing on this exceptional Preserve site, permanently conserved through a donation to AOA by the Hargraeve family.
This is an excellent opportunity to learn about threatened species such as American Ginseng, Goldenseal, and Black Cohosh, among many others, their preferred habitats, and tips for growing them on your own property. Historical and contemporary medicinal uses of plants will be discussed as well as their greater ecological significance (pollinators, seed dispersers, wildlife value, et al.).
AOA’s Mercer Woods Preserve is part of AOA’s Hocking River Conservation Corridor, a component of our Greater Hocking Hills Conservation Initiative that has permanently conserved over 100 properties and 6,000 acres in this spectacular part of Ohio. The Preserve includes a variety of habitats including a blend of older growth Hemlock and deciduous hardwood forest environments as well as a grassland prairie and wetlands. High hills frame deep ravines with characteristic Hocking Hills landscape features such as Blackhand sandstone outcrops and Coldwater primary headwater habitat streams.
Our walk will be led by Erika Galentin, MNIMH, RH (AHG), clinical herbalist consulting from Sovereignty Herbs in Athens and Columbus, Ohio. Erika utilizes her knowledge of and passion for medicinal plants native to Ohio and the Greater Appalachian region to teach, lecture and write on native medicinal plant conservation and applied ecology, propagation, and clinical efficacy. For more information about Erika please visit her online at www.sovereigntyherbs.com and connect on Facebook and Instagram: @sovereigntyherbs
The walk will last approximately two to three hours. We will be very informal and will have much to see and discuss! This event is free and open to the public.
Time: Meet at 10:00 a.m.
What to Wear: This activity will be held rain or shine – so please come prepared and dress appropriately for the weather and hiking on some slopes.
What to Bring: Drinks of your choice, snacks, lunch for those wanting to eat in the woods following the hike. Walking poles if desired for the steeper slopes. Bug spray is recommended.
Location: Mercer Woods is located at 9016 Buckeye Troxel Road, just southeast of Sugar Grove – see Google map link. Note: Google link takes you to the driveway address which is 9012). Volunteers and staff will be on hand to direct parking.