Revitalizing Herbal Culture in the Rockies: HerbiCulture Hub Report

Nestled along the vibrant Rocky Mountain front range, Catherine Hunziker, the visionary owner and chief formulator of WishGarden Herbs, dedicates her golden years to her lifelong passion: plants. Often heard saying, "It's time to bring focus back to the plants," Catherine's commitment is blossoming into something remarkable—the Rocky Mountain Herbal Culture Hub. This initiative is fast becoming a pivotal community epicenter where agricultural enthusiasts converge to share knowledge on medicinal herb processing, land regeneration, and local cultivation.

A New Chapter in Herbal Legacy

After passing the operational baton of WishGarden to her children Sam and Anna, Catherine's zeal for sustainable, bio-regional herbalism didn't wane. In an era where our diverse herbal supply chain faces challenges from environmental and economic pressures, proactive measures are more crucial than ever. Discover the transformative work unfolding at the Rocky Mountain Herbiculture Hub, where community and innovation thrive.

Herb Tending Initiatives

The Rocky Mountain Herb Tending Coalition, alongside our Community Supported Agriculture (CSA), is a vibrant testament to our commitment to forging lasting connections among local farmers, herbal enthusiasts, medicinal practitioners, and academia. Catherine's mission—bolstering regional agriculture through immersive, hands-on educational endeavors—aims to cultivate a deep understanding and appreciation of medicinal herbs. By marrying agriculture with education, we're nurturing a robust plant community and elevating the sustainability and expertise of our local farmers. Local educational platforms, like herb schools, will have the opportunity to receive hands-on experience with plants and volunteer with farmers. Catherine’s partnership with Jack’s Solar Garden has led to Echinacea, Clary Sage, Garden Sage, Lavender, and many other medicinal herbal experiments within the agrivolics farm model.

Conservation through Cultivation

The vulnerability of wild plants used in herbal remedies has escalated due to severe weather conditions, rampant over-harvesting, and unchecked land development. In response, WishGarden has joined forces with the Herbiculture project to safeguard our botanical heritage, focusing on at-risk species like the Yerba Mansa Root. Traditionally thriving under the Cottonwood Bosques of New Mexico and California, this native Colorado plant is being reintroduced through partnerships with forward-thinking, regenerative farms like Benevolence Orchard & Gardens and Friends Farm. Together, we're not just cultivating plants; we're restoring ecosystems.

Empowering Farmers with Regenerative Techniques

At the heart of Catherine’s Herbiculture Project lies a profound vision: transforming dormant farm fields into vibrant sources of medicinal herbs. This hub is not merely a place; it's a learning center dedicated to teaching the intricacies of soil regeneration, herb quality control, and efficient processing techniques. Catherine's pioneering efforts are more than agriculture; they're about empowering farmers, revitalizing soil, and ensuring a sustainable future for herbal medicine.

Join Us in Cultivating Change

Step into a world where agriculture meets innovation. The Rocky Mountain Herbiculture Hub isn't just about growing plants—it's about increasing possibilities. Join us as we pave the way for a greener, more sustainable future in herbal medicine. Come explore, learn, and be part of this exciting journey at the heart of the Rockies.

Lauren Ann Nichols-Sheffler is a certified medical herbalist from the Colorado School of Clinical Herbalism. She advocates for bioregional herbalism, co-stewards the Denver Herb Club, teaches at CSCH, and hosts community events at her United Plant Savers Botanical Sanctuary. As Senior Sourcing & Purchasing Manager at WishGarden Herbs, Lauren brings her passion for sustainability and plant education into every aspect of her work.

For educational purposes only. This information has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease, or sell any product.