Willseyville, NY
Sanctuary Steward: Suzanne Johnson

Here at Shindagin Hollow Botanical Sanctuary it has been a year of discovery on the land and in the forest. Much of our work has been canceled due to the coronavirus, which has allowed much more time for exploring and long woods walks that we haven’t had time for in the past. We feel so fortunate to caretake this land and fi nd a silver lining during this pandemic.

On our walks we have been so happy to discover thriving patches of ginseng (Panax quinquefolius) we planted back in 2004 and goldenseal (Hydrastis canadensis) that has spread naturally. We also have more reishi (Ganoderma lucidum) and turkey tail (Trametes versicolor) mushrooms than ever before. Jeff , who is a certified MFO (Master Forest Owners), like others in this group has received training from Cornell University’s Department of Natural Resources that complements their experience as forest owners. All MFOs are graduates of a 4-day training program where they learn about sawtimber and wildlife management, forest economics, and ecology. Jeff has managed our forest for diversity of wildlife, tree, and plant species. In culling “weed” species such as beech, and leaving downed trees, it has created more habitat for these medicinal mushrooms as well as animals.

In the past 3 years, I have been so excited to bring students of my gardening program into the woods to discuss wildcrafting and harvesting sustainably and bring our forest and community together. We have gone on woods walks to find and identify the medicinal plants and trees. We have also been able to harvest small quantities for medicine making of many plants, including blue cohosh (Caulophyllum thalictroides), partridge berry (Mitchella repens), eastern white pine (Pinus strobus), and wild leeks or ramps (Allium tricoccum) that grow in abundance here. We also make medicine from elderberry (Sambucus nigra), plantain (Plantago spp.), goldenrod (Solidago canadensis), yarrow (Achillea millefolium), and mugwort (Artemisia vulgaris). As we harvest, prepare, and discuss these plants, I get to watch the students begin to see their true value and develop a relationship with these truly magical beings we share the planet with. They also receive information about UpS and the importance of preserving and propagating our medicinal plants.

While we have had to take a year off from sharing our land with students, we have found so much more to introduce to them this coming year! Having this time to become more intimate with the land ourselves has been a true gift, and we look forward to sharing it with renewed energy in the coming years.