Herbalism Programs
(Intro Message) Our application based programs, Apprenticeship and Monthly Wisdom Immersions, and our public workshops
Herbal Apprenticeship Overview
This three year, four-season apprenticeship moves in tandem with the seasons and with the other programs at Urban Growers Collective. Working with the rhythm of the seasons, we’ll seed, plant and transplant, nurture, harvest, process, preserve, and collect seeds from herbs. As we cultivate herbs we will also learn to identify and observe the wild plants ‘volunteering’ alongside those intentionally planted.
Urban Growers Collective offers this apprenticeship model of learning to nurture individual development in the practice and field of herbalism. Distinct from workshops, classes or seminar formats, this apprenticeship is an opportunity for herbalism enthusiasts to gain a relational knowledge with growing, living herbs. Rooted in a faith that each human being has unique gifts, this program offers opportunities that uncover and nurture those gifts. Moving beyond simple offerings of recipes and ‘how to’ classes (but also including both), our apprenticeship model provides space for an exploration of herbalism from seed to remedy.
This program is unique. Learning is place based. Direct instruction takes place in our garden classroom; apprentices will have classes, as well as valuable solo time in that space. There, the modern practices of acquiring an herb, and using it for its ‘valuable properties’ without ever knowing its needs or preferences, or offering it any care in return are examined. This apprenticeship program is responsive to these times when so many people are looking to understand the meanings of terms like ‘decolonialism’, ‘human and non-human community’, and personal autonomy.
Herbal Wisdom Immersions
As apprentices build knowledge over time, three phases of learning will be offered: self-healing, family healing and communal healing. Though such categories are Please join Urban Growers Collective for these monthly Herbal Wisdom Explorations. If you have been looking to learn more about plant healing, join us in the herb garden at the South Chicago Farm for our unique relational approach to understanding both wild and cultivated herbs. Led by UGC Herbalism Conductor Kim Crutcher in conjunction with UGC staff, and herbalism apprentices, these gatherings offer an opportunity to gain a sensual knowledge of living plants. In addition to an opportunity to learn about herbs in the presence of the living plant, we will draw inspiration from Earth honoring wisdom traditions. Each session offers an herb walk; folk, traditional, and ancestral uses of herbs (3-4 herbs per session); and a reflective activity about human/plant interconnectivity. Though each session follows a similar format; there are different monthly reflections, and nature will offer different herbs each time. So, put on your farm appropriate apparel ,and bring your curiosity to this communal space. (Pulled from eventbrite)
Public Workshops
If you are interested in deepening your herbal knowledge please join us for one of the many public programs that are offered in 2025. We have a monthly series of Herbal Wisdom Immersions every month, are planning an herbalism intensive for the month of July, and offer workshops through the harvest season. Register for our herbal offerings on our Eventbrite.
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We give priority to applicants who have been involved with UGC in some way — such as visiting our South Chicago Farm, attending a tour or herb walk, or volunteering.
What to Expect from Our Programs
(Brief description about how the programs are different to reach a variety of learners. Different time lengths, commitment, workloads, etc)