The kind folks up in Sebastopol are planning a guided adventure. Sure wish I was in a position to go play in the Peruvian flora & fauna! Sometimes such an educational 'escape' is exactly what one needs to find themselves again.

BPC Announces the first
Ethnobotanical Andean Foray:
Exploring past & present cultural strategies for life on earth
Spring 2009

Come join us! For 10 days in Spring of 2009 a small group of us will walk the land and explore the plants, customs, and archaeology of the Andean realm of the Urubamba Valley in south central Peru, a region of rugged mountains, pastoral landscapes, and mysterious ruins.

Immerse yourself in a vibrant ecological tapestry woven by the reciprocal relations of distinct flora and fauna, stunning geography, and traditional cultures whose roots reach far into the past drawing essential nutrients from their ancient traditions.

Take advantage of this unique opportunity to learn the basics of the dynamic science of ethnobotany, conservation based plant and seed collecting, traditional agriculture, indigenous Andean spirituality and cross cultural shamanism. Examine some of the most alluring archaeological sites in the world, and consider how the triumphs and faults of past cultures reflect our modern dilemma of how to live on this wondrous planet we all call home.

Our Guides:

Ben Kamm – Director of Botanical Preservation Corps and Sacred Succulents nursery and seed bank. Ethnobotanical researcher and student of and the herbalist traditions of the world. A conservation horticulturalist working with ecologically innovative methods of propagation and seed germination of rare beneficial plants. Ben is dedicated to the preservation and dissemination of traditional and contemporary plant knowledge as well as the plants themselves.

Matthew Magee – Teacher of cross-cultural shamanism and indigenous spirituality. Author of Peruvian Shamanism: The Pachakuti Mesa. His work has been covered by organizations such as National Geographic and National Public Radio (NPR). Despite several college degrees, Matthew’s true education was derived from 11 years apprenticeship in the curandero traditions of Peru and 2 years spent living with the Mi’kmaq peoples in New Brunswick, Canada.

Neil Logan – Ethnobotanist and Living Systems Designer. Neil is the developer of the Bioregional Ethnoecology Database and a consultant for Integrated Living Systems Design, LLC. Trained in ethnobotany, horticulture, agroforestry and permaculture design; Neil offers insights into ancient agricultural systems, wild and cultivated species assemblages of human utility as well as modern sustainable systems.

Exact dates, itinerary, and costs are still being decided. But we’re eager to know if you’re interested in participating in our small, select group (limited to no more than a dozen, plus ourselves).

If, indeed, you are, please fill out the form below and return (email or postal) it to us as soon as possible. Your input will help us fine-tune the design of the experience. As soon as final dates and costs are determined, we’ll let you know so you can make a final decision about joining us. For now, we need to hear from you! Please fill out the following and get it back to us right away. Many thanks for helping us co-create this incomparable adventure! -Ben, Matt and Neil -

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Questionnaire for BPC Foray:

Name:

Address:

Email:

Phone #:

Age:

Occupation:

Please describe your general state of health:

What interests you about participating in this trip? What would you hope to learn or contribute to such an endeavor?

Have you traveled in Latin America before? If so, where?

Roundtrip airfare from the USA should range from $600-900, and will NOT be included in the registration cost of the trip. We want to make this trip a viable reality for you. After airfare, what budget would realistically be workable for you to cover land costs?

Other comments or questions:


BOTANICAL PRESERVATION CORPS
P.O. Box 1368 Sebastopol, CA 95473 USA
www.botanicalpreservationcorps.com

Dedicated to furthering human relations with the botanical realm.

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