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Resources We
try and update this section on a frequent basis. Check back
regularly for new links. Seeds
& Live Plants of Ethnobotanical Interest
Please note that the following
businesses are completely separate from
the BPC and each other. Please send catalog requests to each individual address.
SACRED
SUCCULENTS: A mail order nursery specializing in rare and endangered cacti/succulents
and other plants and seeds of ethnobotanical interest. They also carry
a diverse and unique selection of California natives, Andean natives, obscure medicinal herbs from
around the world, and unusual perennial edibles. They have plants & seeds of some of the herbs offered through BPC,
click here to see a seed & plant
list.
They have a beautifully illustrated and highly informative catalog. Send $2 to:
S.S., P.O. Box 781, Sebastopol, CA 95473 USA www.sacredsucculents.com
To receive periodic emails of new offerings and updates-
http://lists.sonic.net/mailman/listinfo/sacredsucculents
J.L.
HUDSON, SEEDSMAN: A
wonderful business that has been around for many decades
and has done a great deal to help preserve genetic diversity
through seed distribution. Their catalog fully describes the
thousands of seeds they offer, including seeds of many of the
dried exotic herbs available through BPC. They also sell gibberellic acid
kits used to enhance seed germination, and a great selection of
hard to find books. Send $1 for their catalog. J.L. Hudson,
Star Route 2, Box 337, La Honda, CA 94020 USA www.jlhudsonseeds.net
ALLIES: The other part of the former
...of the jungle (that of live plants and seeds) continues to evolve and
is now online with a beautiful website. Write for their latest
plant & seed listing. Allies, P.O. Box 2422, Sebastopol, CA 95473 USA
www.alliesonline.net
XPLANTA: An
ethnobotanical garden, nursery, and micro-propagation laboratory
for rare plants based in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. An excellent
source for medicinal plants and seeds south of the border. They
offer classes on various aspects of plant cultivation and
medicinal herbs. www.xplanta.com
HORIZON
HERBS: Unparalleled
offerings of medicinal plants and seeds from the Cech family's
organic farm and Richo's travels abroad. These fine folks have
done much to preserve and promote vital plant knowledge. True
allies. We love you Horizon Herbs! www.horizonherbs.com
Botanical
Gardens
We all love
our planet and its plant life and each of us have a great
responsibility in this threatening era of final extinction. There
are many things individuals may do to offset the momentum of the
vast disruption of the last natural habitats, particularly in
tropical regions.
We recommend
a visit to your local botanical garden (closer than you might
realize) for direct contact with plant beings and the great works
of their human friends. Strolling along the park-like plantings of
labelled collections is an accessible way to absorb much unwritten
information presented in a beautiful living textbook authored by
divine Nature.
Botanical
gardens and arboreta have suddenly become thrust into the
forefront as preservers of our vanishing floras. These are the
centers where living specimens from many regions are preserved and
propagated. Increasingly, these repositories become the safest
habitat, albeit foreign, for many endangered species. In the past,
botanical gardens were private parks for the leisure of royalty or
strictly proving grounds for crops of past empires. The modern
concept is towards documented collections for scientific research,
but both the public and the scientists now realize much of our
hope for saving rare species from extinction lies in the fate of
our botanical gardens.
Most
communities have formal botanical gardens of varying size and
focus, There are a few truly great botanical gardens, and the
world needs many more. If we, as plant-inspired souls, can find a
way to serve our botanical friends then perhaps there will be
hope. Check out the local botanical garden, you will discover some
of the most dedicated human friends a plant could dream for,
actively involved in positive research. If you have been looking
for contact with knowledgeable plant people, get involved in every
way you can. The botanical heritage of our planet is at stake and
it is up to all of us who care to start doing something fast. You
don’t need to be an expert to make a difference, so find a way
to support your local botanical garden.
Botanic
Gardens Conservation International maintains a vast network of botanical
gardens, with their search engine you can find a garden
anywhere in the world. See- www.bgci.org
The
Palm House - Central Group
Botanic Garden, Adelaide, South Australia
circa 1878
Ethnobotany
& Herbal Studies
KATHLEEN
HARRISON
Our friend Kat Harrison is one of the premier
ethnobotanists and botanical illustrators of our time. Director of
Botanical Dimensions, a nonprofit foundation devoted to preserving
medicinal and spiritual plant knowledge. Kat co-founded the
organization in 1985 with former husband Terence McKenna. She
teaches and lectures throughout the year, mostly in northern
California. For her current teaching schedule write or email-
Botanical Dimensions, P.O. Box 807 Occidental, CA 95465 kat@botanicaldimensions.org
CIEER
The
Center for International Ethnomedicinal Education and Research is
a nonprofit organization working to aid exchange of
ethnomedicinal knowledge and to establish an international network
of ethnobotanical researchers. An excellent resource directory,
lots of links to education opportunities. www.cieer.org
HERB
RESEARCH FOUNDATION
The HRF is a nonprofit
committed to supporting the public's right to truthful information
about the health benefits of herbs. The world's first and foremost
source of accurate, science-based information on the health
benefits and safety of herbs. www.herbs.org
PLANTS
FOR A FUTURE
A
resource center for useful plants. Their database covers nearly
7500 plants and contains lots of ethnobotanical information along
with cultivation specifics. They promote vegan organic
permaculture and the site contains lots of excellent information
on ecologically sound horticulture & gardening. www.pfaf.org
NATIVE
AMERICAN ETHNOBOTANY DATABASE
An excellent and
thorough database covering foods,
drugs, dyes, and fibers of Native North American Peoples. www.herb.umd.umich.edu
ETHNOECOLOGY
DATABASE
A premier database for the greater Southwest bioregion of
the United States. Ethnoecology is the study of how people
interact with all aspects of the natural environment,
including plants and animals, landforms, forest types and soils,
etc. This visionary database was developed by ethnobotanist Neil
Logan, who helped kickstart the BPC website. www.anthro.fortlewis.edu/ethnobotany/database.htm
For Neil's in-depth discussion of
the implications of the database see-
www.anthro.fortlewis.edu/ethnobotany/Dbase/images/Documents/Outline.htm
For Neil's current projects see- www.rnl3.net
INSTITUTE
OF NATURE AWARENESS
IONA offers ongoing programs based on the work of master
tracker/naturalist Jon Young, original student of Tom Brown.
Invaluable holistic training for anyone interested in deepening
their connection and knowledge of the natural world. www.jonyoung.info
CALIFORNIA
SCHOOL OF HERBAL STUDIES
Located in northern California and founded in 1978 by
herbalist Rosemary Gladstar, CSHS is one of North America's oldest
centers for herbal education. They offer single day and weekend
workshops as well as long term intensive courses. www.cshs.com
AMERICAN
BOTANICAL COUNCIL
A nonprofit research and education organization that uses science
based and traditional information to promote corporate herbalism!
Nonetheless, they are a good source of information with their numerous pamphlets and monographs on
herbs in addition to the journal HerbalGram. www.herbalgram.org
HERBMED
Herbal database that provides comprehensive access to the
available scientific publications and data on each herb listed.
www.herbmed.org
DR.
DUKE'S PHYTOCHEMICAL & ETHNOBOTANICAL DATABASES
A massive online academic database of world-wide plant use and
phytochemistry, has 80,000 records! www.ars-grin.gov/duke/
SOCIETY
FOR ECONOMIC BOTANY
Established in
1959 to foster and encourage scientific research, education, and
related activities on the past, present, and future uses of
plants, and the relationship between plants and people. They
publish an excellent quarterly journal, which comes with
membership. Join today! www.econbot.org
SOCIETY
FOR ETHNOBIOLOGY
The Society of Ethnobiology is a nonprofit organization
dedicated to the interdisciplinary study of the relationships of
plants and animals with human cultures worldwide. Membership
includes their fascinating biannual journal. ethnobiology.org
JOURNAL
OF ETHNOBIOLOGY
AND ETHNOMEDICINE
An Open Access, peer-reviewed, online journal that aims to promote
the exchange of original knowledge and research in any area of
ethnobiology and ethnomedicine. www.ethnobiomed.com
TROUT'S
NOTES
Publisher of articles, books & pamphlets on the ethnopharmacology of plants.
www.troutsnotes.com
TRIBES
OF CREATION
The fertile ground where Dr. Morgan Brent plants his
seeds of thought. Interesting discussions on the
evolutionary role of plants and the ecological necessity of
humankind's reintegration into the culture of nature. www.tribesofcreation.com
SHAMAN'S
DRUM
An excellent
quarterly magazine that has been around since the mid 80s.
Explores indigenous and contemporary shamanism from around the
world. Every issue contains articles that will interest the
student of ethnobotany. 1 year subscription within the U.S. is $19
for 2nd Class Mail or $26 for 1st Class. Outside the U.S. is $22
for Surface Mail or $26 for Air Mail to Canada/ Latin America, $34
for Air Mail to the rest of the world. Shaman's Drum, P.O.
Box 270, Williams, OR 97544 USA
MAPS
Membership-based non-profit research and educational
organization assisting scientists to design, fund, obtain approval
for and report on studies into the risks and benefits of
entheogenic plants and substances. www.maps.org
Conservation
Minded Sources
UNITED
PLANT SAVERS
An important nonprofit dedicated to preserving &
restoring native medicinal plants and their habitats, while
ensuring their abundant, renewable supply for future generations.
http://unitedplantsavers.org/
DAVID
THEODOROPOULOS
David is a
independent conservation biologist, ethnobotanist and author of
INVASION BIOLOGY: Critique of a Pseudoscience (see Books
). His
website contains many interesting articles related to plant
conservation and the so called "invasive species
crisis". Highly recommended. http://dtheo.org/
BIONEERS
A nonprofit educational group that's devoted to the
development of programs that benefit conservation of biological
and cultural diversity, traditional farming practices, and
environmental restoration. They hold a dynamic conference annually
in northern California, a gathering of some of the great
visionaries of today. www.bioneers.org
CACTUS
CONSERVATION INSTITUTE
A new non-profit dedicated to the preservation of Lophophora
(peyote) and Astrophytum asterias (star cactus). They are
currently working towards the acquisition, restoration and
repopulation of cactus-specific habitat in the historical range of
these endangered cacti in South Texas. Make a contribution today! www.cactusconservation.org
THE
FOUNDATION FOR GAIAN STUDIES
A
non-profit organization dedicated to reconnecting with, exploring
- and participating with -the non-linear intelligence of nature.
Founded by author/herbalist Stephen Harrod Buhner (see our Books
section). www.gaianstudies.org
PERMACULTURE
INSTITUTE OF NORTHERN CALIFORNIA
PINC is an educational organization promoting sustainable
technologies and methodologies and drawing on the tools and
teachings of permaculture design. They are committed to
re-establishing a collaborative connection between humanity and
the Earth. They offer a variety of excellent courses and programs
covering the many facets of permaculture/integrated sustainable
living. www.permacultureinstitute.com
PLANT
TALK
A unique quarterly publication dedicated to plant
conservation worldwide. Each issue is filled with stunning
photographs. www.plant-talk.org
MINDFULLY.ORG
A non-profit dedicated to providing articles and honest
information on environmental and health issues such as plastics,
food, genetic engineering, pesticides, endocrine disruptors, the
corruption of science, and much more. Their site is a wealth of
illuminating and useful information that everyone
needs to know about our rapidly changing world. Check it out now- www.mindfully.org
OCCIDENTAL
ARTS AND ECOLOGY CENTER
OAEC is a nonprofit education center, organic farm and
nature preserve in Northern California. They offer seasonal
courses on permaculture/ecological agriculture, seed preservation,
habitat restoration, sustainable community development, art, and
much more. Internships available. www.oaec.org
GRASSOLEAN
SOLUTIONS
An excellent resource for information on biodiesel and
other alternative fuels. These are becoming increasingly important
as what William Burroughs called "the gasoline crack in
history" draws to a close. The brainchild of our friend and
colleague Charris Ford. www.grassolean.com
ECOVATIVE
ENTERPRISES
Offers cutting edge ecologically oriented technologies and
restoration services. Water vitalizing/filter systems,
organic/biodynamic agriculture supplies, sustainable energy
solutions, natural science books including all of Viktor
Schauberger's work, and much more. www.ecovativeenterprises.com
GREEN
EARTH FOUNDATION
An educational and
research organization founded by Ralph Metzner. Dedicated to the
healing and harmonizing of the relationships between humanity and
the Earth. They are working to help bring about changes in
attitudes, values, perceptions, and worldviews that are based on
ecological balance and respect for the integrity of all life-forms
on Earth. Their areas of research include consciousness studies,
shamanism and earth mythology, and green and eco-psychology. They
offer workshops, publications and audio recordings. www.greenearthfound.org
ECOFASCISM:
Lessons From the German Experience
by Janet Biehl and
Peter Staudenmaier
An extremely important text that should be read by everyone involved
in various aspects of the environmental movement. When
environmentalism becomes the voice of fear, it presents itself to be
utilized by those who deal in fear for their own ends. Discusses the
history of Germany's back to the land movement in late 19th and early
20th century and ecological ideology espoused by notables like Ernst
Haeckel that gave birth to the Nazi party. History has quickly
forgotten that much of the reason for the Nazi's early popularity and
eventual rise to power was the appeal of their obsessions with organic
agriculture, holistic medicine, "green" building and
technology, nature mysticism, and ecological restoration. In fact,
Nazi Germany implemented some of the most radical environmental
protection laws of the 20th century! It is important that we remember
that such ideals can and have been be twisted to repressive and dark
ends. The whole text is
now available online at - http://www.spunk.org/texts/places/germany/sp001630/ecofasc.html
Other
Resources
ORGANO-LEPTIC
Offerings from ethnobotanist Kerry Hughes, author of the Incense
Bible and Botanical Medicines Desk Reference. An
excellent selection of hard to find premium quality raw incense! www.organo-leptic.com
ALCHEMICAL
SOLUTIONS
A certified organic micro-distillery that makes
"pharmaceutical grade" alcohol from organically grown
corn and grapes. This alcohol is ideal for those looking to make
their own herbal tinctures and extracts. www.alcsol.com
ORGANIC
CONSUMERS ASSOCIATION
OCA is an important grassroots
nonprofit organization which promotes food safety, organic farming
and sustainable agriculture practices. They provide a wealth of
factual information on modern farming practices, genetic
engineering, irradiation, pesticides, food labeling and much
more. They publish one print newsletter (Organic View)
and two electronic newsletters (BioDemocracy News and Organic
Bytes). Recommended. www.organicconsumers.org
TRANSFAIR
USA
Non profit Fair Trade certifier. By purchasing Fair Trade
Certified products you help raise living standards for farmers
around the world, support sustainable farming and help protect the
environment. www.transfairusa.org
NON-GMO
SHOPPING GUIDE
Learn how to buy foods without
genetically modified organisms. Find out why you should avoid GMOs,
learn the 4 basic non-GMO shopping tips, reference brand names by
category, and take steps to help end the genetic engineering of
our food supply. You can also download or order a pocket version,
so you can choose healthier non-GMO foods for yourself and your
family.
www.nonGMOShoppingGuide.com
LITTLE,
BIG
Little, Big by John Crowley is among the most
wondrous novels of our time, the Great American Fairy Tale.
Acclaimed by fans as diverse as Yale literary critic Harold Bloom,
best selling author Peter Straub, and psychedelic philosopher
Terence McKenna. Our friends at Incunabula Press will be
publishing a very special 25th Anniversary Limited
Edition in 2009. Illustrated by acclaimed visionary artist Peter Milton. The book is being published by subscription,
which starts now. For pricing and updates see- www.littlebig25.com
ERIK
DAVIS
Our friend, award winning journalist, and author of The
Visionary State: A Journey through California’s Spiritual
Landscape, Led Zeppelin, and Techgnosis. Check his
website for current speaking engagements and a diversity of
fascinating articles on contemporary culture, the occult, art,
music, and spirituality. www.techgnosis.com
HOLCOMBE
WALLER
Musician, actor, and friend to BPC. Holcombe has helped to
make some of our audio recordings available for distribution. When
musical prodigy Jeff Buckley found eternity in the arms of the
Wolf River, something of his musical soul was dispersed to the
world, a parting kiss: received, transformed, and passed along in
Holcombe's sonic offerings. Holcombe is slowly evolving towards
writing heartbreaking gorgeous lullabies to soothe the souls of
newly pupated butterflies and inspire aeon dormant seeds of
extinct trees to sprout from their earthly asylums... www.holcombewaller.com
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