Join us for an exploration of the grounds of HHS and learn all about native plant foods and medicines of importance to the Esopus Lenape in the past and to their descendants today. This walk is co-led by traditional medicine expert Misty Cook, a member of the Stockbridge-Munsee Band of Mohican Indians, and by local ethnoecologist Justin Wexler. As we encounter various native plant species found growing at HHS, Misty and Justin will weave together the history and cultural significance of each species as both food and medicine, while also exploring the intercultural sharing of plant knowledge between Hudson Valley indigenous peoples and their settler neighbors, past and present.

Misty Cook, M.S., studied medicines in-depth for over seven years in preparation for the completion of her book, Medicine Generations: Natural Native American Medicines Traditional to the Stockbridge-Munsee Band of Mohicans Indian Tribe. This included identifying, gathering, drying, preserving for use throughout the year, preparing, and making them available to those in need. She is a cultural consultant with a Masters in Management, providing diversity trainings on many topics, including Native American students in education, Native American history, Native American games, and of course, medicines.

Justin Wexler is an ethnoecologist who has spent over twenty years reconstructing the lifeways of Hudson Valley native peoples and connecting with their descendants in Ontario, Oklahoma, and Wisconsin. He can be found teaching all over the region through his organization, Wild Hudson Valley, which strives to reconnect people with the earth by opening up our eyes to historic land stewardship practices.

$25 General Admission

$20 Discounted Admission for HHS members, seniors, students, active military personnel and their families, and veterans

This program is sponsored by RBT CPAs, LLP and is made possible by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Governor and the New York State Legislature.