Native Medicinal Plant Walk at Mercer Woods

Explore the woodland and prairie portions of AOA’s beautiful 116-acre Mercer Woods Preserve on the border of Hocking and Fairfield Counties.  We will walk parts of the property to survey and identify medicinal plants growing on the site.  This is an excellent opportunity to learn about threatened species such as American Ginseng, Goldenseal, and Black Cohosh, their preferred habitats, and tips for growing them on your own property.  We will also examine and enjoy the more common ‘prairie’ and ‘edge habitat’ species. Historical and contemporary medicinal uses of the plants will be discussed as well as their greater ecological significance (pollinators, seed dispersers, wildlife value).

AOA’s Mercer Woods Preserve is located in the greater Hocking Hills region and includes a variety of habitats including a blend of Hemlock and deciduous hardwood forest environments as well as a grassland prairie and wetlands. 

This medicinal plant walk will be led by Erika Galentin, MNIMH, RH (AHG), clinical herbalist consulting from Sovereignty Herbs in Athens and Columbus, Ohio.  Erika utilizes her knowledge of and passion for medicinal plants native to Ohio and the Greater Appalachian region to teach, lecture and write on native medicinal plant conservation and applied ecology, propagation, and clinical efficacy.   For more information about Erika please visit her online at www.sovereigntyherbs.com and connect on Facebook and Instagram: @sovereigntyherbs

The walk will last approximately two hours.  We will be very informal since there is so much to see and discuss!  

This event is free and open to the public.  We will plan to meet rain or shine - so please come prepared and dress appropriately for the weather and hiking on slopes.

Time:  Meet at 9:30 a.m.

What to Bring:  Drinks of your choice, snacks, lunch for those wanting to eat in the woods following the hike.  Walking poles if desired for the steeper slopes.  Bug spray is recommended.

Location:  Mercer Woods is located at 9016 Buckeye Troxel Road, just southeast of Sugar Grove – see Google map link.  Note:  Google link takes you to the driveway address which is 9012). Volunteers and staff will be on hand to direct parking. 

Google Map link: https://www.google.com/maps/place/9012+Buckeye+Troxel+Rd,+Sugar+Grove,+OH+43155/@39.6044331,-2.5374627,19z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m2!3m1!1s0x8847f2e9a66f715b:0x439d53ef8426c791