Path of the Naturalist
Journey into
traditional herbalism &
healing reminiscent of times past into modern times
coming in soon!
Learn how to trace your lineage, know your environment, unearth ancestral plant memories, build your materia medica, local plant mapping, and craft plant remedies & medicines within a supportive community of learners.
What is a Naturalist?
A naturalist is someone who understands how to live and thrive in the natural world, particularly through herbalism. This approach is hands-on and integrative, focusing on how to identify and work with plants and other natural resources effectively. It emphasizes resourcefulness by utilizing local materials and encourages learning through direct relationships with plants rather than relying solely on formal education or complex theories.
Rooted in ancestral knowledge and personal experiences, being a naturalist involves knowing how to access nature and deepening our connection to the land, plants, our bodies, and our communities.
Who is this program for?
This program is designed for individuals who want to cultivate a practical, resourceful approach to herbalism, whether they are beginners or experienced herbalists looking to deepen their practice. It is intended for people who value working with the plants in their environment, learning through direct experience, and engaging with herbalism in a practical, culturally aware, and community-centered way.
This program is especially suited for those seeking more than just clinical herbalism; it encourages the development of relationship-based practices rooted in everyday life, ancestral knowledge, and accessible care. If you are interested in making your own remedies, understanding the land you inhabit, and approaching herbalism with curiosity, integrity, and a commitment to accessibility, then this program is for you.
Duration: 3 Year-long with 9 months of active learning
Sessions: 1x/month, 3 hours per session
Total Hours: 36 hours active learning / 20 hours of outside activities
Prerequisite: 1:1 Interview
Coming Soon!
Take the next step on your herbalist journey.
Interested?
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First round starts in 2026
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Year 1 Curriculum Overview
Foundations of a Naturalist:
- Know Who You Are: Those who came before you, Plant Memories & Stories
- Know Your Local Ecosystem – Learn to map local ecology, identify and build relationships with plants around you.
- Build Your Materia Medica – Catalog local plant ecology ( your kitchen, yard, neighborhood & community)
- Create Remedies & PlantMedicines- Craft herbal remedies and medicines from each plant source
- Food as Medicine – Integrate into daily life with accessible, nourishing foods
- Build The Foundations of Your Practice – Create a foundational herbal practice that's rooted in your ancestral history to empower you to support yourself and loved ones.
About your Teacher
Shereel Washington is a Naturalist initially trained by her grandmother and later formally educated at the California School of Herbal Studies in Clinical Herbalism, Herbal Crafting, and Body Systems, and has over 1200 hours of herbal medicine making.
Shereel is a long-time Educator/Trainer and teaches Black North American Herbalism and Medicine Making in various herbal certification programs in schools across Northern California, primarily, the San Francisco Bay Area.
As an herbal health, healing, and nutrition practitioner and consultant, Shereel serves diverse ethnic communities in promoting natural health care and wellness through plant medicine. As an advocate of global cultural herbal traditions, Shereel is passionate about preserving the history, knowledge, and expansion of the current practice of Black North American Herbalism.
Shereel's dedication to research and collaboration is also evident in her work with Traditional Medicinals and People Science, where she provided valuable insights into the history of Black North American Herbalists.
Shereel teaches Qi gong and leads retreats and experiences in MOVE: Spirit Rhythm Dance Program in Oakland, CA.
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